The doctor finished up his surveillance and eventually left telling Stevie could leave whenever she wanted.
"Help me up, baby," she reached for Lindsey
He hesitated for a moment then came to her side. "Are you okay?" She asked him.
Lindsey silently nodded, holding her waist as he lifted her easily, "Do you feel weak?"
"Just a little."
"Will you be alright?"
She nodded. "I'll be fine."
"Okay, I'm going to get your clothes," Lindsey replied, walking toward the bathroom
"Do you need help dressing? I can get a nurse," He asked
She looked at him strangely "Lindsey you could just help me?"
Sighing, he nodded and handed her the clothes
She attempted to stand by herself considering how hesitant he was to help her she didn't want to push him anymore or make him uncomfortable, but he wasn't about to let her stand on her own.
He gently took her arms and helped her, holding on to her a little longer to make sure that she was more weak than she claimed to be
She stumbled a little then seemed to steady herself.
"I'm going to let go now, okay?" He eased his grip on her
She nodded. "Thank you, I think I got it now."
"Alright, what about dressing?"
"I'll probably just need help with my top so I don't stretch too far."
"Does it still hurt?" He ran his finger across her incision after she took her gown off
She shuddered for a moment. "Now and then."
"I feel like it's my fault, you know?" Lindsey said quietly
Her jaw dropped. "No-Lindsey, why?"
"If I would have loved them more..." He trailed off, starting to cry
"But that doesn't matter now," Lindsey sniffled carrying on with the task of dressing her
She closed her eyes tight to stop the tears. "Lindsey.....no amount of love could've stopped this. This was NOT your fault. Do you hear me?"
He shook his head, wiping at his tears, "It was my punishment for not being happy."
She quickly took his face into her hands and shook her head. "No! Lindsey! This was not your fault! If anyone is to blame it's me, I had one job, to carry out baby to term-and I couldn't do it! But I don't ever want you to feel like this was your fault. Because it wasn't."
"Stevie you know what happened! You knew the risks of your pregnancy and that I didn't want to go through with it! God was punishing me for Kristen and turning my back on that baby," he replied, Stevie wiping at his tears with her thumbs
"Baby please, please, for my sake at least- if not for your own, stop talking like this! None of that is true!"
"I'm sorry-I'm sorry," he placed his hands on her shoulders, "let's get you the hell out of here."
"Please." They finished getting her dressed and they got the kids and almost flew out of the hospital parking lot.
"How long are you staying?" Will asked his father
Lindsey looked back at him curiously
"Forever?" Lindsey replied
Stevie couldn't control the smile that spread across her face as she had to turn to look out the window to hide it. William however, looked skeptical.
Lee on the other hand was happily focused on the ultrasound picture that Stevie had given her to look at
The rest of the ride home went rather quietly, aside from a few silly questions from Lee
"Mommy, can we have a picnic?" Lee asked
"Of course we can baby!"
"With cookies?" She asked cautiously
"Only if EVERYONE helps me make them."
"We will!" Lee exclaimed, not really giving the boys a chance to choose, she was the process after all...
They all couldn't help but giggle
"Daddy has to take are of a few things," Lindsey told her
Stevie looked at him strangely for a moment then realized what he meant.
He had leave Kristen.
She swallowed hard, "You'll be back soon?"
"I hope so," he replied, pulling into their driveway
She nodded
"Can you handle them by yourself for a little while?"
"I think so."
"Let me know if you can't," he rubbed her arm
She shook her head. "They won't be any trouble."
"And if they do, tell them Daddy will deal with it when he gets back."
She laughed a little. "They know better."
"Hold down the for, I'll be back," he said as he stayed in the car, making sure they they got in safely.

Once they all got in he pulled out of the drive.
Stevie waited to make the cookies, wanting her little family together, after the kids started getting impatient she gave up. Having their picnic, Lindsey was still yet to be seen...then the kids were put to bed, he still hadn't showed up.

Around three that morning Stevie heard one of the guest room doors close.
She immediately got up from the bed and went to find him
He was fumbling with the belt on his pants, too drunk to even think about succeeding with the task.
Stevie watched him for a moment not really sure what to think then finally spoke. "Lindsey?"
"Stephanie!" He threw his hands up, lunging himself at her happily
She quickly dodged him, shutting the door so that they couldn't wake the kids then moving to the wall near the door. She could smell the alcohol a mile away.
He tumbled against the wall, turning around to face her, "What'd you do that for?" He slurred
"You're drunk Lindsey."
"And you look pretty damn good," Lindsey smirked, trying to wrap his arms around her waist
She quickly pushed him away from her hard. "No... We can't.... Lindsey what is wrong with you!" She was trying really hard not to yell.
"I was thinking that since I left Kris for you I would at least be able to have sex with you," he pushed
Her jaw dropped and tears sprang to her eyes. He stepped towards her again.
"Sober up," Stevie gritted, pushing past him
He grabbed her wrist before she could walk away.
"Lindsey let me go."
He pulled her towards him. "Come on Steph.."
"No," she pushed against his chest
He only held her tighter and tried to kiss her until she finally shoved harder and he almost fell on his ass. "Screw you!" She ran out of the room.
"Hey, Stevie! Come on!" He yelled after her, being completely ignored. He grew angry, attempting to enter her room but finding her door locked. Stevie could hear the children in the hallway, trying to talk to Lindsey. "Your mother's a bitch!" He yelled at them 
She quickly ran out and flew past him taking the children into her arms and hurried them back to bed assuring them everything was fine before rushing back out to deal with Lindsey.
"Don't you dare speak to them like that again!" She yelled, shoving a finger in his face
She pushed them back into her room so not to disturb the kids anymore
"Go to bed and sober up before I do something I'll regret."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"I'll call Christine."
"Oh sure! Just add another bitch to the equation!"
"Lindsey I swear," she closed her eyes, mentally counting to three
"What??"
"Nothing, go lay down," she said calmly, feeling extremely faint
But she did not want to go to the hospital again today so she quickly made her way back to sit on the edge of her bed.
"I wanna sleep in here with you," Lindsey came stumbling to her
She sighed placing her hand to her head just wanting to sleep. "Lindsey..."
He laid down on top of the blankets and rolled onto his back
She shook her head sadly
"Come on," he started to pull back the blanket for her
She hesitantly laid down beside him.
"Go to sleep," he slurred, trying to tuck her in
She brushed his hands away and buried herself beneath the covers.
"I love you."
"I love you too."
She heard him snoring minutes later, knowing that he was bothered by something because of the way he drank
It killed her not knowing what, but she could get answers later. She couldn't deal with it now, not with him intoxicated so heavily
He reeked of alcohol, reminding her how much she had drank while pregnant 
She laced her hands over her stomach praying that nothing bad would come to her baby because of her stupidness.
Falling into a fitful sleep it was short lived when Lindsey began to get sick in the bathroom
She hurried to his side as fast as she could.
He rested his head on his arm, breathing heavily, "Go back to bed."
She rubbed his back gently. "I'm fine, you're not. Here I'll get you a wash cloth." She stood up and grabbed a rag and ran cold water over it then sat back down beside him placing it over his forehead.
"I'm sorry," he winced, holding his stomach
She quieted him. "Shh... It's....well, it's not alright but we don't have to worry about it right now okay? It's not morning yet, the kids won't be up yet for a couple hours do you think you can come back to bed?"
"Can you get my pillow and bring it in here?"
She looked at him sadly. "Alright." She stood up and went and got his pillow and her own along with a blanket. He objected automatically when he saw her intentions but she wouldn't hear it. "Just take your pillow and let me stay with you." They both laid atop the bathroom floor and although it was cold hard tile, it was the warmest Stevie had felt in a long time.
"You don't have to do this," Lindsey said, letting her lay half way on him, wanting to keep her comfy off the floor
"I know. I want to."
He continued to get sick throughout the rest of the night, "Shouldn't you be the one throwing up?" He asked Stevie
She laughed slightly. "Yeah, probably."
"Go get in bed, the kids will be up soon," he laid back against the pillow
"I'm fine."
Lindsey stood up, "I'll come with you, my back I hurting."

She nodded and he helped her stand. They collected their pillows and blankets and went back to their bed
"Can you get me some medicine?"
"Of course."
Lindsey sunk down on the bed, his arm lazily resting over his eyes
Just then he heard the door open
"Daddy?" Lee asked quietly, climbing beside him on the bed
He sighed under his breath, "Yes sweetie?"
"Do you feel bad?" She placed her little hands on he cheeks
"No sweetheart I'm fine. Just tired."
"I'll sleep with you, okay? So you don't get lonely," she laid beside him
He squinted his eyes as the little bit of sun in the sky came through the curtains and into his eyes.
"Want me to close them?" She asked
"No sweetie it's okay." But she'd already jumped up and pulled the curtains closed.
"I got it," she laid back down with him
She snuggled up close to him and they both almost drifted off to sleep right before Stevie returned with some ibuprofen and a glass of water
"Mommy?" Lee sat up slightly
"Hey baby"
"Is Daddy okay?"
Stevie gave her a reassuring look, "Of course he is sweetie, he's just a little tired that's all."
"Okay," she carefully took the water and medicine from her mother. "Here you go Daddy."
He smiled at her and took the pills
"Go to sleep," she snuggles up to him, pulling his arm over her tiny body
Stevie smiled at them taking in the sincerity of the moment then remembering then events of last night.
"Daddy, what's a bitch?"
Lindsey didn't know why she would ask him something like that, then he remembered. Stevie luckily deflected her question, "It's an adult word sweetheart...."
"Is it bad?" She pushed
Stevie didn't know what to say
"For children." Lindsey answered
Stevie shot him a look then turned back to LeeLee. "Lee honey why don't you go get Will up and wait downstairs and I can make you both pancakes?" Lee jumped up immediately "Yayy!!!"
She sprinted into Will's room, they could both hear him groan, "Lee go away."
Lindsey laughed, trying to lighten the mood. It didn't work.
"Stay up here and finish sobering up," Stevie said coldly, beginning to walk out of the bedroom
"Stevie, wait."
"Yes?" She turned
"Can we talk..for a minute..?"
"Make it quick," Stevie sat down on the end of the bed
He hesitated for a moment then went on. "Look, Steves, I don't remember everything that happened..." She stopped him there. "I do."
"And I know that it probably want good...." Lindsey replied
"No. It wasn't. It was painful, what you said was very hurtful Lindsey, and-"
"I'm sorry."
"You almost forced me to have sex with you! I had lock myself in here!" She yelled
He looked at her shocked. He didn't remember that at all. "W-what? Stevie I..."
"Save it," she held up her hand
He jumped up and was on his knees in front of her in seconds. "Stevie! I promise you! I have no memory of that whatsoever! I'm so sorry angel, so sorry-oh my g-please tell me I didn't hurt you!" He was almost in tears now, he hugged her tight.
"No you didn't hurt me....but you'll have to apologize to the kids. You yelled at them claiming I was a bitch," she replied
He hung his head ashamed. "I'm so sorry....please believe me..."
"I know you're sorry. It just doesn't erase the hurt...you said some awful things to me Lindsey."
"Baby, please," he shed tears, whimpering at her feet
She cried silently and finally spoke again, "What happened last night Lindsey?"
"Things didn't go so well," he rubbed his brow, sighing heavily
"Well no shit. But what happened?"
"She had signed us up for adoption, looking into surrogacy, how could I have left her like that? She was devastated that she couldn't have a child now because they wouldn't allow a single parent to do anything like that...I agreed to go with her to the surrogate meeting and donate sperm, whatever she needed I'd she'd let me leave."'
Stevie was speechless. "What?? You can't be serious?? Lindsey you are a grown man you don't have to give her anything so that you can leave her!"
"What would you think if I took this baby from you as soon at they were born?! You'd go crazy from losing your child! That's how she would feel!"
She stared at him in shock. "Lindsey! There's a difference there! I already have this baby, she doesn't!"
"Stephanie you can't prevent me from doing this," Lindsey shook his head
"Lindsey! If you do this you realize you'll be conceiving a child! You will have a baby out there that is half you that won't ever know you!"
"Before you preach to me about this why don't you think about the one growing inside you," he stormed past her
Her jaw dropped and the tears rolled freely. She knew it was all too good to be true. They couldn't survive this. He'd pretended to care but now it was too much for him.
"Are you ready, Mommy?" Leelee asked, running in as she drug Will behind her
She quickly wiped her tears away and jumped up. "Yes mam!"
"Come on Will!" As he stumbled sleepily down the hallway
Stevie turned to face Lindsey one last time. "I don't want you back if you don't want to be back, you can leave if it's what you want."
"You know that's not what I want."

"That's not what you said last night, and that's not what I'm seeing now."
"Don't push me or I will leave," he threatened
She looked at him in disbelief, "If it's that easy for you then maybe you should."
"I didn't say anything about it being easy!" He yelled
She winced and closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. "Lindsey, I don't want to fight anymore. I don't have it in me...but you have to understand..I can't just let stuff happen-you have to commit to this. To us. To our family. You can't go get drunk because things are tough and you're hurt believe me it doesn't work."
"You did it, while you're pregnant I might mention," he seethed
She marched right up to him and slapped him clear across the face.
"I'm done," Lindsey wiped the blood from his lip, shaking his head as he walked upstairs
She shook as she realized what she'd just done. "Lindsey wait!"
He was gathering his clothes, changing into them and putting the ones he slept in a bag. Lindsey grabbed his phone and wallet off the nightstand and started to head downstairs
"Lindsey!"
"What?!" He was agitated
She came at him full speed and hugged him tight. "I'm sorry, I'm so so sorry. Please don't, don't leave again please."
"Stephanie we are going in circles, it's clear that we both have resentment here. I am not going to be miserable for the rest of my life," he backed away
"You're right, we have resentment. But we also love each other! Come on Lindsey, you know that we do! I'll do anything to make this work Lindsey I need you with me please don't do this. If you do, we'll just be going in circles the rest of our lives! I don't want the occasional screw now and then, I want to be your wife and I want you and your love all the time and I want to be able to return it."
"You need to stop telling me to leave! I am in deep shit and you bitching doesn't help my decisions!" He pulled at his hair, "I don't want to keep going like this, I won't keep going like this."
"I don't want you to leave! Lindsey I'm begging you give me another chance!" She fell to her knees and curled up into a ball and cried.
"Get up, Stevie," Lindsey kneeled beside her
She didn't budge.
"Stephanie," he repeated
Nothing. Nothing but sobs.
"Okay, okay, I won't leave," Lindsey laid next to her
She immediately unraveled herself and hugged him close to her. He could feel her shaking and regretted getting her so worked up.
"Calm down," he rubbed the back of her head
She eventually started to calm down. "Shh.....it's alright."
"Think about the baby, getting upset isn't good for her," Lindsey whispered
She looked up at him strangely. "Did you say her? Lindsey I don't know the sex yet?"
"It just came out," he said awkwardly
She looked down at her stomach and bit her lip. "I hope you're right though."
The kids came running in with a box, "Mommy! A man brought you a present!"
They both quickly sat up and tried to act normal. Stevie looked at the box skeptically.
"Give it to me," Lindsey snatched it, not knowing the contents inside, he wouldn't risk it hurting anyone. "Stay up here."
Stevie looked at him like he was crazy. "Lindsey! Don't be stupid, just....don't open it. Whatever it is it's not worth it especially if it's dangerous."
"Did you recognize who brought it, Lee?" Lindsey questioned. "No, but he said it was from Mr. W-w-" she struggled, "Walsh?" Stevie asked, causing the little girl to nod her head. "I don't think he would try to hurt you, Steph, especially considering your condition."
She nodded hesitantly. "Lindsey...maybe I should open it?"
"Absolutely not," he tooling it downstairs. "Steph," he called her down a few minutes later
She slowly made her way down.
He handed her a teddy bear, "This was the dangerous object." He said sarcastically
She closed her eyes in frustration. "I'm sorry...I'll get rid of it.."
"Why would you do that? He's just trying to be a good, caring father."
She looked at Lindsey confused, "I don't know....I'm just trying to be considerate..."
"Of me? I'm not the father," he shrugged
She closed her eyes and nodded. "I know...believe me, I know."
"I know I don't have a say so in this, but Joe needs to be able to see his child. As much as I hate it I won't let him not see his baby."
She sighed, "I know...there's no way really around it either..."
"Let him come to the ultrasounds at least, be there for the birth. We can't rightfully take this from him."
She nodded. "Lindsey you have to know.. I love my baby but I hate that it's not ours."
"I know that," Lindsey nodded
She sighed as she thumbed at the bear silently just staring at it. "You're right. I'm really not being fair to him in all this... I'll call him later and talk to him.."
"Good," he kissed her forehead, "I'm sorry for attempting to leave earlier."
She wrapped him in a tiny hug, "I'm sorry I hit you."
"I deserved it."
"No. You didn't. You were right."
"Steph, please, I don't want to dwell on it," Lindsey walked over to the fridge, pulling out a beer
She gave him a look.
"What?"
"So beer is a breakfast now?"
"I assumed pancakes weren't on the menu anymore," Lindsey replied, twisting the top off
She looked down at the floor. She was done arguing. She sat the bear on the kitchen table and started making the pancakes for the kids.
"Mommy, Will went back to bed!" Lee huffed
"He'll get up when breakfast is ready sweetie just let him be okay?"
"Okay," she said sadly, "I'm going back to bed too then."
"Lee, if you're tired you should but if you want to help me make the pancakes you can do that too."
"Pancakes!" She quickly pulled up a chair and washed her hands, "what do I get to do?"
"Well for starters you can mix the batter while I get the stove and the table ready."
"Okay," Leelee grabbed a spoon and began to mix
Lindsey watched them both as he sipped at his beer
"Need any help?" He offered
Stevie looked over her shoulder surprised that he was even still there. "Sure."
He took the plates from her and began to set the table
She smiled to herself and turned around to check on Lee's mixing.
The little girl had the batter all over her hands!
"Lee! Woah slow down sweetheart you're making a mess!" Stevie quickly jumped in to help her.
"I got it," she sassed
"Baby look at your hands! I'll finish this okay but you can't help anymore until you wash your hands alright?"
"Alright," she sighed
She went over to the sink and washed her hands
"It's too early," Will grumbled as he moped into the kitchen
"Well good morning to you too baby!" She ran over to him and kissed his cheek and ruffling his hair just to annoy him.
"Stop," he whined, slumping down in a chair. "Just like his mother," Lindsey shook his head
Stevie rolled her eyes. "Not for years." She corrected
"Oh please, when I let you take a break you'd sleep until two in the afternoon," Lindsey scoffed
She smirked and continued to roll her eyes, knowing he was right
"We love you anyway," Lindsey kissed her
She leaned into him for a second then went back to the pancakes
"Breakfast picnic?"
"Sounds lovely."
"I'll get everything ready," Lindsey rubbed her arms
She smiled up at him appreciatively. "Alright. You and Will go set everything up, while me and little miss sass will finish up in here."
"Yes mama," he rubbed her belly, kissing her cheek. "Come on buddy, let's go find a blanket."
Stevie smiled and remained frozen for a good minute until Lee asked for her assistance.
"It's ready," Lee said proudly
Stevie clapped for her. "Yay! Good job baby! Alright let's get these cooking!"
"Can I do that too?" Lee asked
"I don't think so sweetie the surface gets really hot-it's a mommy job, but you can put the butter on each pancake after its done?" She offered
"Okay," Lee shrugged casually and skipped off
Stevie shook her head laughing a little to herself
"Guess we're all alone now," some one snaked their arms around her waist, this definitely wasn't Lindsey. Oh no....Joe. "Did you like my teddy bear, Steph?"
She froze, shocked that he would just be in her house!
"Please don't scream, I just wanted my baby," he rubbed her stomach.
She shuddered. "J-Joe you can't be in here, and you can't just touch me." She finally spoke but still couldn't move.
"Just a few more moments," he got down in front her, "Hey buddy," he whispered, kissing her stomach.
She stood still, and closed her eyes. "Joe, please."
"Please what? Please stop seeing my child? I knew that if I didn't take actions into my own hands I would miss this whole pregnancy and their life."
"Joe I promise you I was going to call you later today but I really don't want to have this conversation right now, we will talk later I promise just please go."
He stood and scratched the back of his head, "I am suing for full custody, Steph," he said quietly
Her eyes about popped out of her head. "WHAT??"
"I don't know if your husband will be a decent father to a child that is not his. I can take so much better care of them. I'm quitting music for them, at least until they're old enough to come with me."
"Joe! You can't do this! No! Y-you can't! Joe, I was going to work with you on this! And Lindsey would never treat a child with anything other than love! You think you have this all figured out? You better unfigure it out because I will NOT let you take away my child!"
"But it's fine when you do it to me?!"
"Joe listen to me! We can work this out! We can have joint custody!"
"I want MY baby."
She looked at him as if he had two heads. "They're not YOUR baby Joe! It takes two people to make a baby!"
"I want weekdays on joint custody then."
"Joe! That's only giving me weekends!"
"And if you got weekdays then I'd only get weekends!"
"There are other ways to work out joint custody...please, can we not talk about this now?"
"Don't fight me over this....you won't win." He stormed out
She took a deep breath, she was not expecting that.
Lindsey came in to get another beer, "What's the matter?"
"Joe was here."
"When?"
"Just now."
They heard a car start up, Lindsey taking off in full sprint toward it. Joe was just starting to pull toward the gate before Lindsey stood in his way.
Stevie watched worriedly as she wobbled after him, not being able to run too fast.
Joe got out of his car, "Why are you here?!" Lindsey grabbed him by his shirt. "We were going over custody," Joe explained. "There won't have to be an agreement if I kill you first," Lindsey punched him
Stevie finally reached them. "Lindsey!"
"Stay out of this, Steph," Joe said, not wanting her to get injured
"No! You two need to calm down right now!" She ran up in between them
"He needs to stay out of my fucking house!" Lindsey yelled
"I know! But you have to chill out Lindsey! He's leaving! Alright??" She turned to Joe. "Joe, go."
"You will not keep me from that baby," Joe warned, getting in his car and speeding away
Stevie was officially crying at this point
"Did he hurt you?" Lindsey grabbed her face gently, checking her all over for injuries.
She shook her head. "No...But Lindsey, Joe is suing me for full custody."
"He won't win, don't even worry about that," he pulled her into his arms and kissed the top of Stevie's head 
She just continued to cry. "But what if he does?"
"They we'll wait until it settles down and sue him for custody. I won't let him take your baby from you, Stephanie."!
She looked up at him thankfully and held him tighter. "Thank you."
"You are welcome. Now, let's go check on the pancakes and eat. I don't want to upset the kids so I'll deal with this later."
She nodded, "You're right."
"Come on," Lindsey wrapped his arm around her.
They started back towards the house and were met at the front door by the kids. "Mommy! We're starving!"
"The food is ready!" Lee informed her
"What?? Lee did you use the stove??"
She shook her head, "We both did."
"William and LeeLee Buckingham! How could you do that when you know you aren't allowed to! Did you get burnt??"
"No, I knew what to do," Will said simply
"Will! Why would you-" Lindsey stopped her right there and started pushing her into the living room. "Don't mind your mom you guys she's still a little tired, we'll be right back." Then he turned to Stevie once they were out of earshot.
"What?" Stevie asked, throwing her hands up, "They could have gotten seriously hurt!"
"I know that, I know. But Steves..so much has already happened this morning alone...can this not be s big deal? Please...I'll talk to them later if you want but not right now Steph.. Let's just have a nice family picnic?"
"Fine, and you better make sure that it doesn't happen again," she warned
He nodded and smiled, "Promise. But you have to promise to calm down?"
"I'm fine," she took a deep breath. "You'll love this baby, right?"
Lindsey looked at her strangely then realized it probably had something to do with something Joe said. He smiled at her, "I already do."
He could visibly see her relax after his response, "Thank you."
He kissed her forehead and then lead her back to the kitchen to see what the kids had accomplished
"These don't look bad," Stevie was genuinely surprised. "I remember you said to take them off when they looked like Lily's brown fur," Will replied
She laughed a little and hugged them both. "Thank you guys so much! You did a great job!"
"You're welcome, Mommy," Lee was very proud
Stevie went over to the pancakes and started putting them on plates.
"I get to put the butter on, remember?" Lee reminded
"Of course sweet girl come over here and help me!"
Lee pulled up a chair and grabbed a butter knife
Stevie showed her how to do it the first pancake and Lee did the rest all by her self.
"These look amazing," Lindsey wrapped his arms around Stevie's waist and kissed the back of her head
She smiled to herself as she leaned back into him. "Don't thank me, thank miss Lee, she's a chef for sure!" Lee took a bow before excusing herself to go wash her hands.
"How are you doing, Mama?"'he rubbed her stomach
"I'm a little tired but I'm okay...worried, but I'm okay."
"I don't want you to work yourself up too much, it's definitely not good for the baby."
She nodded and sighed. "I know...its just so hard with everything that's going on.. It's hard to relax."
"After breakfast I want you to take a nice long bath, the kids are going to a party so it'll be just us here. I think peace and quiet is long overdue
She smiled. "Alright, that sounds nice."
"Let's go eat," he picked up the pancakes
They all made their way outside
"I want the biggest one!" Will claimed, knowing that he would get his way
"Alright here ya go."
"Mommy gets two,"'Lee told everyone
Stevie laughed
"That way everyone gets a pancake," Lindsey chuckled in agreement
"Mommy, where will they sleep? They can stay with me in my room," Will offered, speaking of the baby
She giggled a little. "Well we won't have to worry about that for awhile buddy, but thank you for offering."
"Will they have to?"
"I don't know baby."
"I think we have enough room," Lindsey told Will
"Okay"
"Who was the man you beat up?" Lee asked
Lindsey shook his head. "No one sweetheart."
"He was holding Mommy."
Lindsey gave Stevie a look.
"We'll talk about it later, let's enjoy breakfast," Stevie changed the subject, digging in to her food
Lindsey was boiling but decided to wait for the kids sake
"I'll help you pack for your sleepover later," Stevie fussed over the kids, making sure they could cut up their pancakes and not get anything in their hair
"Thanks mommy." Lee said as she dug into her food
Stevie suddenly didn't feel so hungry, worried about speaking to Lindsey. She reached over and took his hand, squeezing his hand.
He squeezed hers in return just so she wouldn't worry too much
She gave him a light smile and turned her attention back to the kids.
Later on they started on the dishes while the kids watched tv
"Lindsey, about what Lee said..."
"Forget it."
"Please don't be angry, it wasn't returned on my part," Stevie rubbed his arm 
He nodded as he put away the last plate.
"Linds, talk to me," she pled
He sighed then took her hands in his hands. "There's nothing really to say...I have to trust you."
"Thank you," Stevie kissed his cheek
He nodded and kissed her deeply out of the blue.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, he was feeling her tears on his cheeks
He looked down at her concerned. "What's wrong?"
"That's the first time in a really long time that someone has kissed me like that," she looked down.
He looked at her sadly. "Well, in that case," he leaned down and held her close as he kissed her again.
Stevie smiled against his lips, he dropped the rag in his hand to cup her cheek
They got into an almost full blown make out session right as the kids ran in.
"Ew," Will grimaced
They jumped back from each other and tried to act normal. "Hey guys!"
"I saw you," he told them, "we have to go."

Stevie blushed a little then went over to give them hugs and kisses goodbye.
They grabbed their bags and ran out to their friends car.

"Alone at last," Lindsey sighed in relief.
Stevie laughed. "Uh huh, I do recall you mentioning something or other about a nice long relaxing bath?"
"Coming right up," he kissed her head, walking past her to their room
She smiled at well things had turned out for them. Maybe they could recover?
Lindsey came down minutes later, "Your bath awaits."
She smiled at him appreciatively and stood up.
"I'll be around if you need me," he said after he helped her undress
She nodded, almost wishing he would stay but also not wanting to push him or herself
"You know, unless you could think of something else," he pulled her against him
She smiled at him shyly, her face turning a quick shade of red.
"Oh Steves," he chuckled, tilting her head up to look at him
"Don't look at me like that.." She hugged herself
"Look at you like what?"
"Like you want me.."
Lindsey furrowed his brow, "I do want you?"
She looked up at him surprised.
"You seem shocked," Lindsey rubbed her arms
"I am....I mean...with everything that's happened..."
"You think I don't love you enough to find you attractive?" He cut her off
She shook her head. "It's just...well Lindsey...I screwed up. Bad."
"And I didn't?" He scoffed
She nodded. "I guess I just didn't think we'd ever get this far again... "
"Well we did. Now, your bath is getting cold."
She smiled at him and gave him a quick peck on the lips
He held her hands and helped her sit down in the tub, "Can I talk to you about something else that's been bothering me?"
"Of course."
Lindsey sat on the edge of the tub, playing nervously with his wedding ring
"Go ahead."
"I'm having trouble connecting to this baby like I did with Will and Leelee," Lindsey said quietly
Stevie sighed heavily and nodded as she protectively placed a hand over her stomach. "That's okay.. I understand.... You don't have to feel bad about it, just don't be nice to me Lindsey-calling me mama and stuff-I can tell talking about the baby is hard for you, you don't have to do anything like that.."
"I really am trying to be there for you and making you feel better about the situation is my job. I don't want you walking around stressed all the time because you are worried that I won't accept your child."
She looked at him sadly. "Linds... I really appreciate you trying to take care of me but just know I don't expect you to do anything. I just love having you back, if that's all we ever get to I take it."
"No, I want to take care of you. I don't want you to be alone in this," Lindsey stood
She gave him a small smile. "Thank you."
"Anytime," he nodded heading for the door
"Lindsey.."
"Yea?" He turned
"You don't have to leave.."
"Are you asking me to join you?" Lindsey smiled
"Maybe..if you want to..."
"Of course," he slipped off his shirt and pants. Lindsey sat down behind her and pulled her against him
She immediately relaxed against him, closing her eyes.
She felt his hands gingerly move to her stomach.
She placed her hands overtop of his.
"Do you remember when you were pregnant with Will and I didn't know what to expect? I wouldn't let you do anything, when you bathed I made you take an actual bath instead of showering! I was so scared you'd get tired or fall," Lindsey chuckled
She laughed with him, "I won't ever forget! You were crazy! I couldn't do anything without you being right there beside me!"
"I was terrified in my defense. I had to keep my little family safe," he shrugged
She nodded and brought one of his hands up with hers to kiss it. "I know, and you've done a great job."
"I don't feel like it," he said quietly
She turned to look at him. "Lindsey! Why would you-" she stopped herself.
"Yea..."
"Linds, I've told you over and over again and I will continue to do so-none of what happened was your fault!"
"Stevie, I had an affair, I left you for that woman. After we lost our baby I might add. Then I basically treated you like shit until a few days ago."
She closed her eyes and bit her lip and thought carefully before she spoke again. "I never thought I could say this but I completely one hundred percent forgive you. Lindsey listen to me, you're right, you did a lot of bad things but so did I and we found our way back to each other...I think we're going to be okay."
He wrapped his arms around her, squeezing her against him, "I love you so much," Lindsey cried, kissing her shoulder.
"I love you too."
She turned her head to kiss his lips.
He was kissing her neck, his hot tears rolling down her chest
She turned herself around to face him completely
"I'm sorry," Lindsey wiped at his tears
She wiped them away for him. "Don't be, it just means you care..that's all I could ever ask for."
"I'll do better, I promise."
She smiled and kissed him. "Me too."
"You don't have to to anything," he kissed her forehead
She buried her face into the curve of his neck.
"Nap time?" Lindsey smiled
She nodded. "Yeah, I'm really tired but the water is starting to get cold."
"I'll help you," he smiled, standing up and scooping her into his arms
She shrieked. "Lindsey! Be careful! You'll slip!"
"I got you," he walked with her to the bed
Then laid her gently on it then pulled a blanket over her to keep her from getting cold
"I'm tired too," Lindsey crawled in beside her, pulling her against him
She cuddled up beside him. "Well, great. Now we got the bed all wet."
"It's not like it's sweat," Lindsey said
She laughed. "True. This is nice."
"I've missed you," Lindsey was completely content
She laughed a little. "And just think yesterday you said the opposite." He hugged her tighter. "Never again." She nodded. "Promise me we won't get to that point ever again?" She looked up at him.
"I promise," Lindsey nodded
She snuggled closer to him.
"I love you, sweet girl."
She kissed his chest. "I love you more"