AUTHOR'S POV 

It's a new morning, and Laurent isn't awakened by the sunlight beaming through the window though the heat does provide a gentle warmth upon his face. He hears the sweet sound of their baby boy cooing and he smiles through closed eyes. He begins to flutter them open and once he has full focus he sees that his love isn't next to him. The highlight of every morning for Laurent is waking up to that face. That's one of the things he missed the most during his time away...gazing at that peaceful and beautiful face then waiting patiently for him to wake up but this morning little Ayden was awake first so being the wonderful papa he is Larry quietly got out of bed to go to him. Laurent is envisioning his love sitting in the chair and rocking him...keeping him at ease. The cooing begins to die down so Ayden is probably feeding himself with his bottle now as Larry continues to rock him until everyone is awake and breakfast is started. The overall quietness of the household is soothing though Laurent hasn't forgotten where he has to be in a few hours. He's meeting with the dean and the president of the university. He's met and conversed with the president previously and he imagines that if their intention is to give him his teaching position back an apology will be issued and he, too, wants to be present to express his apology as well. As the president he also has to approve of him coming back. Laurent loves the subject of math and he loves teaching so he'll accept being welcomed back in a heartbeat...but he isn't as anxious about that as he is about his special request to the school and it's difficult to predict what the answer could be. But, he will remain hopeful that it will come to fruition as this would mean everything to this family. For now he decides that he will cook breakfast for everyone so he heads to the bathroom to freshen up then begins the walk down the hallway but stops at Ayden's room first. The sight is what he expected. Ayden is on Larry's lap with the back of his head resting against him, his head is tilted as he grasps his bottle with both hands. The rocking chair is smoothly moving back and forth while Larry holds him firmly but gently. Laurent's heart flutters when he sees his love drop a soft kiss to the top of Ayden's head. Seconds later Laurent decides to greet him but does so very softly as to not startle him. Larry hears that sweet voice saying, "good morning" so he raises his head to give him a small but still heart dropping smile and greets him with an even sweeter, "good morning". Ayden hears the interaction between them and looks in the direction the other familiar voice is coming from. He sees Laurent and practically drops his bottle as he excitedly talks to him in baby gibberish. Laurent's heart drops at such an adorable reaction but it also gives him a light chuckle and he begins walking over. Ayden's arms are already raised to be picked up. Once Laurent is holding him he gives him a kiss on the cheek and merely smiles at him as Ayden continues the happy gibberish. Larry is looking up at them and still has that beautifully warm smile on his face as he always loves to see Laurent with any of their children who have always been crazy about him. Laurent then gets a look at his love and while he's smiling his eyes seem to be heavy as if he didn't sleep well...

Laurent: "You look tired my love".

Larry: "I am", he replies softly. 

Laurent: "What's wrong bebe. Why didn't you sleep"?

Larry: "I spent most of the night watching you sleep". 

Laurent becomes weak at Larry's endearing words and gazes at him with the softest look on his face. He isn't even sure what to say next...but then his love begins explaining why...

Larry: "I was thinking about you going to the university today to talk for your job that you should have never lost. I just looked at your face and was thinking for everything that you've been through". *pause* "It hurt so much to see you go through all of that. You are the best papa and if people really knew you they would know that you would never hurt your children. Then I started to think for the times I saw you and Kaylee together. How you would play with her and make her laugh. Her smile was always so big when she was with you. Your family means the most to you and you would never hurt us. You would never hurt them and because of that stupid detective you've been fighting to get your life back". 

Laurent extends his hand down and when Larry sees it he takes a hold of it then allows his love to help him up. Laurent brings him in and as Larry's head rests on his shoulder Laurent gives him a soft forehead kiss...

Larry: "I know things are getting better now. That monster is in prison for the rest of his life so it eases the pain a bit. I just couldn't help thinking for everything while I was looking at you and I couldn't stop looking at you baby. I love you so much". 

Laurent: "I love you too bebe. Things are getting better and we will keep Kaylee's memory alive everyday. That will make the road ahead easier to walk". 

Laurent feels Larry nod against his shoulder then he whispers, "oki" in reply to his loves words. He then raises his head to look in his eyes and a second later they come in for a kiss. Suddenly they hear Ayden repeating, "ba ba ba ba" causing them to laugh. That lifts Larry's spirit and they kiss again before agreeing to head for the kitchen so Laurent can get started on breakfast. On the way they stop by Emma's room and lightly pushes the door open to check on her. They smile at their little sleeping beauty then bring the door back in to leave her to sleep until she's ready to wake up and join them. Ayden is put in his high chair and given a baby biscuit to nibble on while Larry gets a pot of coffee started. Laurent retrieves all he needs for breakfast and moments later mama joins them. Now breakfast is close to being done and Larry gets the sense that the aroma of it is waking Emma up so he heads for her room. He quietly pushes the door and the instant his eyes set on her he sees those little eyes beginning to flutter open so he smiles and sweetly greets, "good morning princess". She looks over at him and groggily replies...

Emma: "Good morning papa". 

Larry: *smile* "Somebody was really tired". 

Emma: *nods* "Yes but I'm hungry now". 

Larry: *chuckles* "Well your papa is making breakfast my love and it's almost ready". 

Larry walks over to pick her up and as he pushes back a few of her beautiful curls from her face...

Larry: *smile* "Let's go the bathroom and wash this cute little face first then go to the kitchen". 

Emma: "Oki", she replies softly.   

Emma has an adorable personalized stepping stool that Larry places in front of the bathroom sink and he gives her complete autonomy to freshen up but he's right next to her if she needs help. It isn't long before that sleepy look is replaced by the ball of sunshine that she is and now that she's finished Larry takes her hand to help her down then they head for the kitchen where plates of food are being set on the table so they arrive just in time. Emma is greeted by the rest of her family and she happily greets them back as she sits down. Throughout breakfast Larry takes glances at his love to see if he's showing signs of being nervous about his impending meeting but he seems to be in good spirits which always makes him happy. The time eventually comes for him to get ready to leave and Larry walks him to his car. They gaze at each other before Larry tells him, "I know you're getting your job back and I'm already celebrating that". Laurent responds by delicately takes Larry's chin between this thumb and pointer finger to bring him in for a kiss then whispers, "you're everything bebe" against his lips. Larry's reply is merely another soft kiss then he pulls away to open the car door for him. He winks as he does this and it just makes Laurent feel all giddy on the inside. Larry watches him back out of the driveway and take off then turns around to go inside feeling confident of what he told his love. There's no other reason they could want to meet with him other than to give him the position back that he rightfully deserves and he can't wait for his love to come back to tell them what he already feels in his heart... 

*****

When Laurent arrived on campus he wasn't sure what to expect. He's been cleared of the crime and will be even more so once the police department issues their public apology for all to see but there could still be people who might look at him in a certain way because they're not updated on the case and think he's still guilty. He's pleasantly surprised when he's greeted with smiles and several of his former students who greet him then tell him it's good to see him. He begins to feel a lot better about this meeting and can't help but smile at his love who's more than likely correct. He checks in with the president's assistant and he can't deny that as he waits he's a little on edge. Moments later the door opens and it's the dean of the math department who greets him then welcomes him to step into the office. The president, Dr. Simon, was seated until he sees Laurent so he stands up to shake his hand then he politely instructs Laurent to take his seat in front of them. As one can imagine the first few seconds are a bit unnerving as no one says anything for what feels like hours. Finally, the dean speaks up and asks in a soft, concerning tone...

Bouchet: "How are you Dr. Bourgeois"?

Laurent: "It's been hard. There isn't a minute that goes by that I don't think for my bebe. I miss her so much. We all miss her very much". 

Bouchet: "I understand that and I'm very sorry for your loss". 

Laurent: "Thank you". 

Simon: "Dr. Bourgeois, I would like to express my condolences as well. To you and your family". 

Laurent: "Thank you, sir". 

Simon: "You're welcome and part of the reason we wanted to meet with you today is to apologize for terminating you when we didn't have all the facts. There's no excuse for that. You have been a stellar faculty member and we should have reached out to you or your husband before being so quick to react. We sincerely apologize". 

Laurent: "Thank you for that sir".  

Simon: "You deserve it and we also would like to welcome you back. You can elect to teach summer session or you can start in the fall as we understand that it's still a very difficult time for you so your restart date is up to you. If you need to take some time to think about it and perhaps discuss it with your husband first we understand. We just want you to know that whatever term you choose your position will be waiting for you".  

Laurent: "Yes sir, I do need to think for that but I for sure want to come back". 

Simon: "Excellent and in addition, your previous salary will be doubled, you will still be compensated for the leave you took and you will also be compensated for the several weeks after the wrongful termination which will be calculated from your new salary". 

Laurent: "Wow. That would be great sir". 

Simon: *smile* "It's already done". *pause* "So, if there isn't anything else then you can leave for now and just touch base with us on what you decide". 

Laurent: "I definitely will but before I leave I would like to request something".  

Simon: "Well we will certainly see what we can do. What is your request"?

*brief pause*

Laurent: "My daughter played the violin. I say all the time how amazing she was. I don't know how far she would have gone with it but my husband and I believe it would have been a part of her forever because she really loved music so, since we have an amazing music department here I was hoping that we can start a scholarship in her name. I was thinking the Kaylee Bourgeois Performing Arts Scholarship and I was also hoping we could have a formal ceremony to introduce it, how it will work then starting in the fall semester it can officially become a part of the music program". 

*silence*

Laurent: "You probably weren't expecting this kind of request, I know, but it would mean so much to all of us and it would make my angel in heaven so happy". 

For several moments Laurent's eyes dart between them but he looks mostly at the president since something of this magnitude would have to be approved by him. The time waiting in silence feels a bit torturous as he desperately needs to hear an answer...and when he does...

Simon: *smile* "This university would be honored to accommodate your request". 

Laurent releases a soft sigh and instantly tears begin to build. He closes his eyes and two of them roll down his cheeks. This reaction moves his colleagues with Dr. Simon reaching for a Kleenex to give to him. Laurent is given the time he needs to collect himself and when he looks back at him he only has two words to say through very heavy emotions...

Laurent: "Thank you". 

Simon: *smile* "My pleasure". *pause* "I will get in contact with the music department to have a ceremony put together that will be held in the theater of the music and arts department. You can expect some phone calls from my assistant so we can get an idea of how you and your husband want the program set up". 

Laurent: "Oki great. I look forward to talking to her". 

Simon: "Is there anything else we can do for you"?

Laurent: "No sir. This has made me very happy". 

They all stand to their feet and as Laurent shakes their hand he can't help but thank him again then turns around to leave. He's still very emotional but these emotions stem from happiness. He was a bit frightened that it would be turned down but it was as if Dr. Simon really didn't need to think about it. He can't wait to get home to share this with Larry and on the way those happy internal emotions begin to reflect on the outside as he smiles and when he pulls into the driveway he's still smiling. When he walks inside the scenery is different. He's expecting Emma to be on the couch then hopping down with a wide smile on her face as she runs over to him. Instead he hears her in the kitchen with mama and it's his love who's sitting on the couch seemingly anxious for Laurent's arrival. He sees him then quickly stands up and as he's walking over to him Laurent's smile is essentially giving away that it was a successful meeting. Now face to face...

Larry: *smile* "You're teaching again". 

Laurent: *smile* "Yeah bebe", he replies softly. 

Larry: *smile* "I knew it. I'm so happy for you baby". 

Laurent: "Thank you my love". 

Larry gives him a kiss then wraps his arms around him for a hug. He also applies a few soft kisses to his neck before he hears Laurent saying, "that's not all bebe" so Larry pulls away and looks at him as if he's excitedly waiting to hear whatever this is...

Laurent: "The president agreed to put a music scholarship in Kaylee's name. The Kaylee Bourgeois Performing Arts Scholarship". 

Larry's mouth falls open and he shockingly covers his mouth with his hand for a moment before dropping it to ask...

Larry: "Are you serious"?

Laurent: *smile* "Yeah bebe. I didn't tell you that I was thinking for that because I didn't know if they would go for it...but they did and I was so happy I cried". 

Larry: "That is so amazing baby. So what's going to happen? Will there be a ceremony or something to present it"?

Laurent: "Yeah. I'll be working with the president's assistant to make sure it goes how we want it so we will need to start talking for that".

Larry: "Oki. We can start talking tonight before we go to sleep". 

Laurent agrees and at that moment his phone rings. It's detective Brunet...

Laurent: "Hey detective". 

Brunet: "Hi Mr. Bourgeois. I called to let you know that the police department would like you both to come down to the precinct tomorrow at noon. Will that work for you"?

Laurent: "Yes that will be fine. We will be there". 

Brunet: "Excellent. I hate to be so brief but I have to get back to work. I'll see you then". 

Laurent: "Yes I understand. See you then". 

Laurent releases the call and informs his love then they decide to share the scholarship news with mama who was moved to happy tears. She also shared that it was her hope that something could be established in Kaylee's name and this is absolute perfection. Emma is also told that her sister is receiving such a big honor and words can't describe the joy they felt seeing her so happy about it. From that point on the mood throughout the rest of day was joyous and it was also evident in Laurent's voice when he read Emma her bedtime story. But, when it's just them in their bedroom and they're discussing the ceremony and there's one part about it that they agree on...

Laurent: "Bebe I'm thinking that there should be a slideshow of pictures and videos we have of her. From the time she was a baby, her birthday parties and recent pictures too". 

Larry: "I think so too baby...but I don't think I can put that together. It would be beautiful but it would also be very hard to see her smiling and laughing". 

Laurent: "I can't either bebe so I think we should get the photographer we've hired a lot in the past to put it together. We're always happy with his work so I know he will do a great job". 

Larry: "I'll call him tomorrow to make sure he has the time to put it together then take everything he needs to him". 

Laurent: "Oki my love". *pause* "This is going to be so beautiful and so special for her". 

Larry: "It is", he whispers. 

Laurent: *kisses forehead* "Let's get some sleep bebe", he whispers back. 

Larry nods and with the tickling of his fro on Laurent's chin along with the sweet melody of music known as Laurent's heartbeat in Larry's ear sleep consumes them in seconds...

~next day~

Only days ago Larry and Laurent were standing in front of cameras and their statements about the sentence were being recorded. Today they stand in front of these cameras for a different purpose. Upon arriving they were greeted by detective Brunet who introduced him to captain Torres and informs them that he will lead the conference. Now that the two most important people have arrived he steps to the podium to begin...

Torres: "Good afternoon. Your presence was requested here for a very important reason and that is to make sure a grievous wrong is made right". *pause* "The family behind me is that of seven year old Kaylee Bourgeois who, as everyone is aware, was targeted, kidnapped and ultimately murdered. Laurent Bourgeois was subsequently arrested and the police department would like the citizens to know that neither he or his husband had anything to do with this crime so we stand her today to give this family the apology they deserve". *turns around* "Dr. Laurent Bourgeois, you and your husband are officially cleared by the police department and we are sincerely sorry that during a time of grieving for your daughter you were subjected to hate and prejudice which led to your unjust arrest. This department will not stand for such actions and we hope that this public apology is accepted and any area of your life that was affected begins to mend".  

Larry and Laurent nod with Laurent verbally thanking him so Torres proceeds to shake their hands as a resounding applause comes from several people in the crowd. When he turns back around a question comes straight to him as expected...

Reporter: "Captain, has the detective who made the unjust arrest been punished"? 

Torres: "Yes, that detective is no longer working for this police department. Any other questions"?

Only a few additional questions are asked and before the press conference comes to an end the captain will announce something that they don't see coming. He turns back to them...

Captain: "Larry and Laurent Bourgeois, the police department are currently working with city officials to implement what will be called Kaylee's Law. The premise behind this law is for all school playgrounds to have taller fences and are adequately staffed with security at all times to prevent tragedies such as these in the future". 

Naturally this shocks them and they both put their hands over their mouths whilst weeping. Not only will she have a music scholarship in her name but a child safety law in her name. The tears are flowing nonstop and when they go for another handshake they're both moved so much that they bring the captain in for a hug of gratitude. This officially brings the press conference to a close and they're so emotional that it's hard to get words out but they ultimately thank him again. They're then informed that more details will come and they are more than welcomed to attend board meetings as they work to put the law in place. They gladly accept the offer and eventually it's just them along with detective Brunet who they inform of the music scholarship to be named after her. That warms his heart and he's even more touched when they tell him that they would love for him to attend the ceremony. He accepts without hesitation and after being told that he will be contacted with the date and time they go their separate ways. Brunet's plans are to go back to his office to work on new cases but his phone rings and when he's answered he's shocked by who's requesting his presence. He asks for the reason he's visiting such a place but all he's told is that he will want to be present to hear and see this for himself. He tells them that he's on his way though the whole drive he's utterly confused...

He arrives at a very familiar place. A creepy one and a place that he doesn't like to frequent but has to very often because of his career as a detective. He walks in and is greeted by a familiar face. As they walk the hallway he's told of why his presence was requested and why it couldn't be discussed over the phone. They walk inside the coroner's room and the last time he was in one he was leading Larry and Laurent to identify Kaylee's body. Just as the coroner did then he grasps the sheet and now that Brunet knows why he's here the coroner doesn't need to ask if he's ready. He just nods his head so the sheet is pulled back and the body on top of the hard metal is that of Julian Ramos. Brunet isn't at all surprised that he has no empathy towards this monster being dead. With his eyes still fixated on him he flatly asks...

Brunet: "What happened"?

Coroner: "An inmate beat him to death. He's also serving a life sentence and he heard what Ramos did to the young victim so...."

Brunet: "He had nothing to lose so he took him out". 

Coroner: *nods* "Yes sir", he replies softly.  

Detective Brunet continues looking at the badly bruised and lifeless body of Ramos. Suddenly the flashbacks of him sitting in the interrogation room showing no remorse then that evil smirk he gave at Larry and Laurent in court come to him so he can't but feel elated at such sweet retribution...

----------------------------

A/N: Alright my loves. Some of you wanted this to happen to Ramos and I had to hold back from telling you all that it would as I didn't want to give anything away. The detective will more than likely tell Larry and Laurent. What do you all think their reaction will be? Please share your thoughts and a special thanks to ltreader88 for giving me an additional idea to honor Kaylee. Love you guys. ❤️