Reading Time: 94 Minutes

Title: Ghosts of the Past
Series: Second Chance Home
Series Order: 4
Author: Duochanfan
Fandom: 9-1-1
Genre: Angst, Drama, Established Relationship, Family, Hurt/Comfort, Romance
Relationship(s): Evan Buckley/Eddie Diaz, background pairings
Content Rating: NC-17
Warnings: Hate Speech, Violence-Canon Level, Violence-Graphic, Homophobia, Bigotry, Discussion-Child Abuse, Discussion-Domestic Abuse, Attempted Murder, Stalking, Character Bashing.
Author Note: Zachary ‘Zac’ Greenaway and Nicholas ‘Nic’ Bryant are borrowed with permission from ScarsLikeVelvet.
Beta: FaerlyGraceful – Thank you so much for all the work you have done in beta reading this series. You are amazing!
Alpha: FaerlyGraceful
Word Count: 44,235
Summary: Eddie and Evan are happy to be working together at the 118. With Eddie moved into Second Chance Home and the two of them making a family with Christopher and Leyna. They are planning their next steps when some Ghosts from their pasts start to make noises. Eddie and Evan are just hoping that none of these Ghosts ruin the plans they are making for their life together as a family.
Artist: Nightsong21133

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Chapter One

Eddie pulled his shirt on in the locker room. His first day at the 118 as a probationary firefighter, and he was nervous. Evan had already gotten ready and headed up to the loft to help Bobby start breakfast. When they had filed their paperwork, declaring their relationship. It had been slipped to them that Bobby had gone to bat for the two of them, in getting them permission to work together straight away instead of Eddie being sent somewhere else for his probationary year.

“Well,” Hen said as she walked into the locker room, her partner on the ambulance, Catherine, joining her, “It’s good to see you made it here,” she said, smiling at the man.

Eddie grinned, “So am I, just glad that Bobby was willing to talk to HR about us starting out at the same station,” he said, shaking his head as he straightened the t-shirt out.

“Well,” she began, “He knows that the two of you get along well. He’s seen you out in the real world to be able to judge how you’ll be in here and on shift,” she told him, “He said you have a good head on your shoulders, and since Buck is the same, no doubt you’ll be two peas in a pod,” she laughed as she heard her name being called, “I’ll see you up top for breakfast.”

“So, you’re dating Buck?” Catherine asked, looking at him.

“I am,” he nodded, “Have been for a while,” he added. He started to move.

“Well, welcome to the 118,” she said with a huff before she walked off and headed to the stairs.

Eddie frowned at her and shook his head before going to join the rest of the 118 for breakfast and to be introduced to everyone on A-Shift once more, but this time as a probationary firefighter. He gravitated over to Evan, smiling at his boyfriend as he glanced around at the rest of those on shift. There were three new faces there since he had last been there. One he knew was a floater. He hadn’t really met the other two as one had transferred in and the other had been the replacement, for the replacement of Chimney. The one who had ended up having to transfer out of state.

“Okay, everyone,” Bobby said as he stood at the head of the table several minutes later, the food that had been cooked going on the three tables in the room for everyone to pick at. “We have a new probie starting at the 118, Eddie Diaz, he and Evan are dating and have been for a while now,” he added, smiling at the two, “They’ve gotten permission to work together from HR and HQ. Everyone, make sure he feels welcome, he will be partnering with Evan, as they have similar certs, as always a report on the certs he has is available for the team to look at so you know what he can and can’t be doing,” he added, having made sure that everyone would have the available to them. He didn’t want a repeat of Chimney trying to muscle in on rescues that he had no certs for.

“Welcome aboard,” someone called out, “Now food!”

“Yes, eat,” Bobby laughed and shook his head, “We have a chore list going up after breakfast. Don’t forget to check it,” he added as he sat down and joined the others in starting to eat breakfast.

“So, Eddie,” Hen looked at the newest recruit, “How do you think your first day is going to go?”

“Not sure, I’ve heard some of the calls you’ve had from Evan over the year since he joined. I’m dreading but also looking forward to helping people. It’s going to be different from what I’ve been doing for the last couple of years,” he answered her.

“Well, we do get a lot of challenging calls,” Catherine added, “Better be prepared for that.”

“I am,” Eddie nodded at her, “I know that there-” he began only for the alarm to ring overhead.

“Looks like we’re not even going to get breakfast today,” Bobby sighed as he got up, “Jason, you’re up for man behind,” he called out as the others did the same, getting in those last bites before they ran for the trucks and headed off.

XxXxX

Eddie’s first two calls with the 118 were nothing to write home about, easy to deal with, and quick to return to the station. Breakfast had been warmed up without it turning into something disgusting, and eaten quickly before the second call came in. Now, it was getting late and the minor calls they had been to through the day were over much too quickly. Downtime for him was spent listening to Evan as he explained everything and went over some of the things that they might come across during calls.

“Okay,” Bobby said as he looked back at the firefighters in the truck, “We have a male victim, who shot himself with a practice explosive round. The bomb squad is going to be meeting us at the hospital parking lot, getting an area ready for us. Unless we find that we can’t move the victim with the explosive round in them, they will be there.”

“A practice round,” Eddie shook his head, “That’s…” he trailed off.

“I know,” Evan snorted, “Not something I ever thought we would hear about. But then again, this is LA,” he said with a grin and a shrug towards Eddie.

They got out of the trucks and headed inside, following the voice that was calling to them. “Hey,” the man said, clutching at his leg.

“Hey, I’m Bobby, and you?” the captain greeted him.

“Charlie and I feel like a right Charlie too,” he muttered, “Damn things went off in my hands when I was cleaning it.”

“Well, we’re here to assess you and see what we should be doing next,” Bobby said as he looked at Hen, “Hen if you can,” he said, moving aside so the paramedics could get to him and look him over.

Hen checked him over, taking his readings and checking on the wound itself before packing it and putting added pressure on it. “Hospital, we need to get him there before taking it out,” she stated, looking up.

“Then that’s what we’re going to do,” he said. “Eddie, Evan,” he told the two, “You’re in the back, Hen you’re driving,” he finished as he looked at the paramedic. The three nodded and headed off to get Charlie onto a gurney and into the ambulance. Hen closed the doors and headed round the front and got in.

Eddie and Evan felt the jolt of the ambulance as it started towards the hospital. The two made some small talk in the back as they cleaned out the bandage and Eddie said, “It’s live, that’s not a practice round,” he said, banging on the ambulance back to get Hen’s attention. “Pull over!” he demanded, feeling the ambulance do just that.

Eddie and Evan were quick to get out as soon as they packed the wound enough that it wasn’t going to bleed out on them.

“What’s going on?” Hen asked.

“The round is live,” Eddie stated, glancing around and finding that they were in the hospital parking lot already. He headed over to the bomb squad and told them what was going on as Bobby pulled the engine into the lot. Not twenty minutes later Eddie and Evan were putting on protective vests and heading into the ambulance to get the grenade out of the leg.

Bobby waited a while outside of it as they worked. The worry was clear as he waited for them to come back out. Minutes later they were out, a grin on their face as Hen and Catherine went in and got Charlie out and into the hospital where the team were waiting for them.

“Well,” Bobby said as the two walked over to him, “Glad that is over with.”

“Same,” Eddie said, as he grinned at Evan, “We did good.”

“Yeah, we did,” Evan grinned back.

Bobby rolled his eyes, “I’ve got two of you,” he muttered, shaking his head, “Both of you just keep each other safe. I know that you’ve got the training to back up your rescues, but try not to give me any more gray hairs.”

“We won’t,” the two said together before laughing. There was a bang behind them as the Ambulance blew. “Well,” Eddie said, “At least we weren’t in it,” Evan continued.

Bobby looked to the sky, “Lord, give me strength,” he said, shaking his head as the two grinned at each other.

“Hey, Bobby, we’re hungry, that really got the appetite going, can we grab a burger?” Evan asked, gesturing to the burger joint that was nearby.

“Go ahead,” Bobby said, “And grab some for everyone, may as well feed the masses,” he added, handing over a card to get their food with.

Evan and Eddie grinned and headed over, leaving the rest of the 118 to clean up and get the fire out on the ambulance.

XxXxX

Eddie was three shifts in from his first shift when the ground shook and a mild panic went through him as he thought of Christopher. He was pulled from the dolly that he had been on to help the engine check and stumbled to his feet as things came down around him in the station that wasn’t fully secured.

“Well,” Bobby said as he looked at everyone, “You all alright?” he asked, “No injuries?”

“All fine, Cap!” Hen said as she had gone through each of them along with Catherine to make sure that no one was hiding anything.

“Good,” he said as the alarm rang, “We’re on, no one behind, all hands on deck,” he called out as they rolled out, shutting the bay doors as they headed to their call.

“What’s the call, Cap?” Evan asked as he adjusted the mic on his headset.

“We’re heading to a highrise, which now more closely resembles the Leaning Tower of Pisa, than the highrise it once was,” he stated, “We’re to go in and rescue who we can,” he said as they started to pull up at the site.

They got out and their eyes went up the building, “Well, damn,” Evan said, shaking his head, “This shouldn’t happen unless the building wasn’t fully up to code,” he added.

“You’re right on that,” Bobby said, “So no doubt someone will be looking into it later on. For now, I want you to know the one thing that will get you through today. You save who you can, and you move on from those that you can’t. It sounds callous as hell, I know, but that is how you do it,” he stated looking at them all, “Now, some of us have families, and I will never force you to go into the building. We need people outside of it just as much. I’m looking for volunteers only,” he finished.

“I’m in,” Hen said quickly.

Catherine frowned, “But don’t you have some family, why aren’t you thinking of them?” she rolled her eyes, “I’m out,” she then stated.

“I would hope that if it was my Denny in there, that someone would go and help him. How can I ask that of someone when I’m not willing to do the same,” Hen snipped a little.

“We’re in,” Evan and Eddie said together, nodding at Hen, understanding exactly where she was coming from. The rest of the 118 all agreed to go inside.

“Right, Catherine, go and speak to someone at triage and ask where you can help there. Everyone else, follow me to Battalion Chief Williams,” Bobby ordered as he and the others headed over.

Catherine went off as the others followed Bobby to find out their orders. Hen, Bobby, and most of the 118 were asked to join in the lobby to find survivors, while Eddie and Evan were sent up to help someone who was pinned against a window.

XxXxX

The day had been a long one. Evan leaned against the truck as they packed things away. The sun was gone from the sky and the cool night air was making his sweat-soaked skin prickle a little. He couldn’t wait to get home to shower and sink into his bed and cuddle with Leyna for a few moments, and then maybe, hopefully, Eddie would be happy following him to the Home and cuddling that night.

Eddie’s phone started to ring and he answered, “Clive?” he frowned. “You do, that’s great,” he paused, smiling and looking relieved, “Yeah, we’ll be home in about an hour or two.” He hung up, tucking his phone away.

“Everything okay?” Evan asked as they got into the trucks.

“Yeah, Clive was able to get Chris from school, he’s at the Home with the others. Glad I thought of putting him on the pickup list,” Eddie said, happy that Christopher hadn’t been waiting at the school all alone all day.

Evan smiled and leaned against him as the engine headed back to the 118, everyone was more or less quiet as they read messages and sent them to family and friends to make sure that everyone was okay.

Arriving back at the home, both of them were exhausted. They had showered at the station, but both felt the need to shower again when they got back. Christopher was already tucked up in bed, and Clive was waiting up with Leyna in his arms as she fussed a little.

“Hey,” he said as he greeted the two, “I’ve got something warming in the oven for you both. Go and shower again if you want and I’ll get it ready for you. I’ll put this one down to sleep in my room for the night so you can get some rest. The others went around the Home and made sure everything was fine. Xiaoli already organized someone to come out and inspect the place as well, to make sure,” he added, getting up, and putting Leyna in Evan’s arms, so he could cuddle her.

Evan and Eddie cuddled her in turn as they handed her back. They went and ate before they showered and then slid into bed, reaching out for each other.

“This is the most exhausted I’ve been in a long time,” Eddie said as he curled against Evan.

Evan wrapped his arms around him, yawning, “It is,” he stated, “But I doubt it will be the last time we’ll feel like this,” he yawned and snuggled closer, pulling Eddie towards him.

Eddie smiled, kissing him lightly before tucking himself against him, “Night, love you,” he murmured.

“Love you more,” Evan smirked, kissing him back. Since the first time they had said it, they made a habit of telling each other that they loved each other and kissing each other goodnight they were together. It was a habit that they planned to keep for as long as they could.

Chapter Two

Evan flopped onto the couch, phone in hand as it had been buzzing a few times while he had finished his chore list in the station. Eddie walked over and pulled out the book he had been reading during their downtime. He leaned against Evan as he began to read, letting the other look at his messages.

“Fuck,” Evan cursed as he read through them, “Looks like there’s a problem at the Home,” he stated growling a little as he carried on reading.

Eddie frowned, putting down his book, “What do you mean?” he asked.

“Someone was trying to get access to the home. Not a parent of any of the children we currently have, or relative from what has been said. No one there recognized her at all,” he said, bringing up Clive’s number and calling it. “Hey, Clive.”

“Ev, sorry about this, but she was demanded entry stating she had rights and she would have all of us thrown in jail or something for not letting her in. We told her that we had called the cops, but she stormed off in a car before we could do anything else,” Clive informed him, sighing, “The cops have come over and have taken the video just in case it turns out to be something. But I’m not sure what else that we can do. I just wanted to let you know. I can send you the footage, but I don’t know how well you’ll be able to see it on your phone,” he added.

“Send it, I might be able to recognise them, if not, then we know that someone somewhere has some entitlement issues,” Evan said, “Thanks, for keeping me informed. How are the kids?” he asked, knowing that two were at home at the moment not well.”

“Dean is doing okay, he wasn’t happy with the noise, this woman was loud, you could hear her from the gate at the damn house,” he snorted, “Marrisa is sleeping the sleep of the half dead with flu,” he added, “She’s okay, they both are. Looks like Dean might be well enough for school tomorrow. Marrisa, I think another two or three days before she’s well enough for that. And before you ask, Alicia has taken Leyna out for a bit. You have an appointment for her tomorrow, don’t forget,” he added.

“Yeah, I know,” Evan smiled, “And thanks for taking care of things there. Xiaoli will be back tomorrow with Josh. They should be on the flight later on tonight.”

“Yeah, and Zac and Nic have disappeared. Thought you would want to know, that I tried to get hold of Zac, since he likes to help you. He’s not in LA,” he said.

Evan frowned, “What?” he asked, “What do you mean not in LA, I thought they were going on vacation in a few days.”

“Looks like they took it early. Said they would call you later on when your shift ends,” Clive told him, “Though I do wonder how the meeting between Xiaoli’s grandparents and Josh went,” he chuckled, “I know Josh had been nervous when they left last week.”

“We’ll have to wait and find out, all I know is that Xiaoli was laughing when I asked how it went and he told me he’ll tell me when they got back,” he huffed, shaking his head at his best friend. Part of him still couldn’t believe that Xiaoli was going to get married soon, that he and Josh were in the middle of planning a wedding. After Josh had moved in, things had gone well in their relationship, so well that rings had been brought and a date had been set.

“Clive!” came a call from the other end.

“Looks like I gotta go,” Clive said, “I’ll send you the video as soon as I can, the cops have it as well. They are looking out for the vehicle that she was using, but, well I’m not holding out much hope on that,” he added.

“Thanks for telling me, and keep me informed if anything else happens,” he said as he hung up after getting through their goodbyes.

“Everything okay?” Eddie asked as Evan was quick to fill him in on what had been going on. “Well, not mu-” he began as the bell sounded and they jumped up, book now forgotten on the couch as they headed out.

“We got a lady stuck in something,” Bobby said, “They’ve not given much details on that,” he added, as he sighed, “It’s a bar, and it’s too damn early for drunk shenanigans,” he muttered.

Evan laughed, “Bobby, Bobby, Bobby, it’s never too early for such things. Xiaoli and I have seen some shit that people get up to when they are drunk and they can be at any time of the day. Seriously this one time this guy walked into the bar came up to me and asked me where the hell he was, he was hungover and I told him Peru. He asked me how the fuck he got there, last he knew he was in the UK. Found out he had decided he wanted to go on holiday while drunk, got on the first flight he could, and made his way to the hotel I was bartending at,” he snorted, shaking his head, “Like, seriously, how can someone end up half a damn world away after a night out,” he added.

“What the hell? How the hell did he get past security and on a flight that DRUNK!” Hen exclmained as she looked at him in horror.

“Well, he stayed a few days, decided to have his holiday, and found out he was a very functional drunk who didn’t sound or act drunk when he was. I didn’t even notice that he was drunk until he basically passed out and barely remembered the night before,” he snorted, “Though not the weirdest thing I’ve heard. One drunk started asking where the sun had gone, that he had to find it. It was night so no sun, but he had to go and find it, trying to rally those in the bar to go on a hunt for the sun. Half of them started to join him before we could get them calmed down and sent to their rooms,” he added, shaking his head, “Serious, the things people will do after alcohol is… mind-boggling,” he finished.

They pulled up and got out.

“This way!” a woman called out, a flirtatious smirk on her face as she showed them to the back calling out, “The real strippers are here!”

Evan rolled his eyes and they headed to the back. “Okay,” Evan said as he saw what was going on.

“How the hell did this happen?” Bobby asked as he gestured to Evan to get under the truck and see what was going on.

“She just stuck her head in there,” the man standing beside the truck said.

“You dared her to,” someone else snapped.

“I didn’t think she was stupid enough to do it though,” he protested, snorting.

“What’s her name?” Bobby asked the woman.

“Jennifer,” she said, glaring at the man when he gave the name of his truck to the firefighters.

“Jenny,” Hen said, “I’m just going to check you over, alright,” she added as she started her checks when Evan came back from under the truck.

“Well?” Bobby asked.

“Should be able to cut through it. I’ll get the saw,” he said as he jumped up and darted off to get it.

Eddie stood to the side as Evan came back, handing the saw over to Bobby. The two shared a look as the women got uncomfortably close.

“So, do you have Snapchat?” she asked, flirting with Edde as the saw started up and Bobby began to cut Jennifer free.

“No and I’m already in a relationship,” Eddie stated, sparing a glance before paying attention to the scene.

“Come on, no one’s going to know if you don’t say anything,” she said, reaching towards him.

“I would though,” Evan said, “Since I’m the one he’s in a relationship with,” he told her, “Now, we’re trying to concentrate on your friend and make sure that we don’t accidently hurt her as we free her.”

“Come on, I’m just having a little fun,” she snapped at him, glaring at Evan.

“And that’s fine, but we’re also working. Try doing so when we’re off duty, you may have a better chance of finding someone,” he told her, before he and Eddie turned back to the scene, Eddie getting out the lube as the tailpipe was cut from the truck and Hen slowly got her sat up so they could get it off her.

“Okay,” Bobby said as the tailpipe was now off Jennifer. “Right, we’ll take her in for a check u-” he began.

“No, she doesn’t need that, she just needs another drink!” someone else called, “Jenny, got you a tequila!”

“No, no more drinking,” Bobby said, shaking his head, “She needs to go home and rest, to make sure that there isn’t anything else,” he sighed knowing that he wasn’t going to be getting through to them as Jennifer took the offered drink. He gave them the warning signs they needed to look out for and a refusal of treatment was signed.

Eddie and Evan started to get things packed away as Eddie’s phone began to ring. The two frowned as he answered it. “Pepa what’s wrong?” he asked. “Right, okay, I’ll… see what I can do,” he said, sounding upset as he ended the call. “Abuela is in the hospital, she had a fall when she went shopping, fell down a step,” he shook his head, “She’s in the hospital, broken hip,” he added.

“Okay,” Evan said, putting a hand on his shoulder, “don’t worry, okay, I’ll talk to Bobby,” he said as he darted off, getting permission to be dropped off at the hospital and to find their way back as soon as they could.

Eddie and Evan rushed through the hospital after Hen had dropped them off. Pepa was waiting for them. “Boys,” she said, as she took Eddie into her arms and held him for a moment.

“Is she okay?” he asked, looking around, as though he would be able to find someone that would be able to tell him more about what was going on.

“She’s resting, they’ve already realigned the hip, they are thinking that if it doesn’t heal right, it will be a replacement,” she told him, “But she is okay, don’t worry so much. She’ll be just fine. Will need a little help for a while, but I’ve already talked with Carla and she’s planning on helping find someone that can do so,” she added, letting him go.

“I’d like to see her, I won’t wake her or anything, I just want to see her with my own eyes,” Eddie said before Pepa could tell him no.

“Alright,” she said, gesturing for one of the nurses nearby to come over, “Can you take my nephew to see his abuela for a moment. He only wants to check on her,” she added before the nurse could say anything.

“Alright,” she said as she looked at Eddie noting the uniform, “follow me,” she told him as she led Eddie to Isabel’s room.

“She really is going to be okay?” Evan asked Josephina.

“She is, she already wants to go home,” she smiled a little, “Eddie worries about her a lot, they are very close. I think part of it was because he was named after my father. His abuelo,” she told him, “There was just a bond between the two that Helena was always jealous of. Nothing could compete in Eddie’s eyes to his abuela,” she shook her head a little.

“I can see it,” Evan said, nodding a few times as Eddie came back, “You okay?” he asked his boyfriend.

“Yeah, she’s still asleep and resting well,” he said, getting a hug from the man before looking at his Aunt. “If you need me, call me, I don’t care that I’m at work, I know Bobby will let me leave if I need to.”

“Eddie,” she said with a fond smile on her face, “Don’t you worry, she is in good hands, and I’ll be finished at work before you will. You keep safe, she will not be happy to know that you were so worried about her that you forgot to take care of yourself,” she warned him.

“I will, Pepa,” he nodded and hugged her again before he and Evan started to make their way back to the station.

XxXxX

Arriving back at the station, Evan jumped out of the truck, Eddie following him as someone shouted.

“Evan Buckley!” came the annoyed yell.

Evan turned and frowned, “Maddie?” he said, confused as to why she was there.

“You need to let me into Grandma’s home,” she demanded as she headed towards him, “I want to shower, change, and get some sleep. I’m tired.”

“You can’t, it’s not a personal home anymore. This was mentioned in the Will reading when Grandma Lizzie died. You know it’s a children’s home now,” he reminded her, “So you can’t just visit when you want. You’re going to have to find a hotel or something. Maybe talk to Aunt Amelia, she might be able to help you at the moment. But I can’t,” he told her.

“No, I want to go there, it’s better for me,” she demanded.

“Well, it’s not going to happen, Maddie,” he replied, shaking his head, “You can’t just waltz into my life and demand things. I have other things that are going on. People who rely on me and the children that I have under my care. I take their safety seriously, so no, you’re not going to be let in like this. Find a hotel and I’ll pay for it, or you can go to Aunt Amelia and she will help you. You know that she will,” he repeated himself with a sigh.

“You always make things so damn hard for me!” she yelled as she stormed away.

Evan stared at her, frowning, “What the fuck is all that about,” he muttered to himself.

“You okay?” Eddie asked as he went over to him.

“Yeah, just why the hell has she come here now? I’ve been waiting years for her to even talk to me. When I learned about Grandma Lizzie, she hated me for it, didn’t want to talk to me after I learned about her and Daniel,” he shook his head, “then at the will reading, she just didn’t want anything to do with me again. She ignored me for the most part, I tried reaching out once, once after the Home was complete, and I wanted to tell her. But she declined the call.”

“You’ve offered her the help that you can give her, balls now in her court on what she does with what you have offered,” Eddie told him, getting a nod as they headed on up to get a bite to each and to relax until the next call came in.

Chapter Three

Eddie was hammering away at the bag after their last call. Getting out his frustration of it all. Protestors interrupting the funeral of someone who had died in action. Evan watched for a few moments, letting him get out the frustrations he felt. When the punches became slow and gentle he went over with a water bottle and a towel.

“Here,” he said as he held them out for him, “Feel better?” he asked.

“Yeah,” he sighed, “Not normally like that, but some things just rile me up and I just need to do something. Usually I spar with someone, it helps me refocus myself. The bag helps at times,” he shrugged, “I just don’t get it, a funeral like that, I know not everyone is happy with military personal,” he stated, “But to upset the family of someone who had died overseas,” he shook his head and took a long drink of water.

“There are all kinds of bastards in the world, unfortunately, they like to shout as loud as they can and voice it, even at the worst time possible. I wish Athena had been able to send them packing, but they are within the law, unfortunately,” Evan sighed, shaking his head as Eddie settled on the bench beside him.

“Yeah,” he muttered, “doesn’t make it right,” he said leaning against Evan a little.

Evan nodded, letting him relax there for a moment.

“Better shower and change,” Eddie said as he finally got up.

“I’ll go an-” Evan began, only to sigh when he saw Maddie again. “I’ll deal with this, you shower and change. Then tell Bobby what’s going on if I’m not up there.”

Eddie nodded, kissing his cheek, “Alright, I’ll see you up there, hopefully.”

“Yeah,” he smiled at him as Eddie then headed to the locker rooms. “Maddie,” he said as he turned his attention to his sister, “I thought I told you to go and speak with Aunt Amelia, she’s waiting on your call. You should have her number. It’s not changed at all.”

“I want in Grandma’s place,” she demanded again.

“Not going to happen, at least not for a while. You’ll have to go through some background checks to be able to go in. Everyone that does, has to go through them. If they are staying then it’s a nice little deep dive.”

“What!” she exclaimed, taking a step back, “you don’t need to do that at all.”

“Yes, I do. I have kids to protect from people. It doesn’t matter if you’re my family or not, you will still go through the same thing as everyone else does. Even Aunt Amelia and Uncle Terry have done the same thing. Both them and their families went through the checks so they could come into the Home. I will not stop doing it because you want me to,” he told her, shaking his head.

“I will not go through with that. That’s Grandma’s home and I am entitled to go there!” she yelled out.

“No you’re not. You don’t get anything,” he told her, “The Will was clear on what you got, and what I was to do with the manor. She had already started the conversion before she had even passed away. You will go through the checks, or you don’t enter the home. That is up to you, Maddie, I’ve told you the boundaries that you have to adhere to,” he said with a shrug as he turned to walk away, “Oh, and this is my place of work, you can’t just keep turning up here trying to use public pressure to get me to do what you want. It doesn’t work like that for me, like I said, I have children to protect and I haven’t seen you since Grandma’s Will reading, and before that, I wasn’t even nineteen,” he reminded her, “I’ll talk to you another time if you want. But it won’t be at the Home, or here again,” he finished, “Goodbye Maddie,” he told her and then fully headed towards the stairs, where he could see Eddie already standing there, buttoning up his shirt.

“You okay?” Eddie asked as he could see Maddie glaring at them.

“I’ll be okay, she’s… she has always wanted things her way. And when it doesn’t go her way, she doubles down until she realizes that nothing is going to work for her then she runs off and regroups, trying to get everyone to do her bidding. Something isn’t going right, no doubt it was something to do with her marriage. I know there is something more going on there,” he frowned, “I don’t know what, but I’ve got a bad feeling about it,” he sighed shaking his head as he glanced back at his sister, who was standing there, staring as though waiting for him to return to her.

“Want me to talk with her to get her to go?” Eddie asked him.

“Not sure that she’s going to listen to you,” Evan shook his head.

“Well, it won’t hurt, and she needs to leave, she can’t just hang around here hoping you will change your mind,” he pointed out.

“Do as thy please,” he said, with a soft smile. “I don’t think it will do anything, but…” he trailed off with a shrug.

“Go on up,” he said, kissing him chastely, “Explain to Bobby what is going on, and if I don’t get her to leave, then Bobby can make it more official.”

“Okay,” he said with a nod and headed up to see Bobby.

“Ma’am,” Eddie said as he walked over, “You know you can’t keep hanging around, this is a place of work,” he told her, stopping a couple of feet before her.

“I want Evan,” she stated.

“Evan has work to do and he’s going to be helping our captain,” he told her, “Now, you need to leave,” he repeated.

“I will not, and I don’t know how you think you are kissing my brother like that. But you need to leave him alone, he’s jus-” she began only to stop when Eddie held up a hand.

“I’m going to stop you there. I know that you’ve not been in his life for the last what… six, seven years. You ignored him for the most part and no doubt you have an excuse for that. But that doesn’t stop you from calling occasionally, dropping him a note. You know where he would be for the last what, two years, three years?” he guessed, “Now you come in here, demanding that you enter a Home that is already occupied by vulnerable and abused children and you don’t care about their comfort or safety,” he shook his head, “I’m sorry, but I’m not buying that you just want somewhere to stay. Something more is going on. I suggest that you tell Evan the truth. He can’t help you without it,” he added “Now, please, leave, and contact Evan to meet up when he has finished his shift and gotten some sleep.”

Maddie glared at him, “I want to know what your relationship is with my brother.”

“You can demand, but I’m not saying anything, because I do not doubt that you’ve got a pretty good guess with how we’ve been toward each other with you glaring at us both,” he shrugged, there was something about Evan’s sister that was setting him on edge.

Maddie growled as she turned and walked away. Edde shook his head and jogged up to the loft to tell Evan what happened.

XxXxX

Evan looked at the coffee shop where Maddie had told him to meet her. He had gotten an hour of sleep before she had started to message and ring him, demanding that he meet her. He didn’t know what was going on, but he had warned his Aunt that Maddie was still around and she had once more offered her home to Maddie if she wanted it. Evan shook his head, yawned, and walked into the cafe. He could see Maddie already sitting there with a drink in front of her. He nodded and got his own, heading to the table when it was done.

“So, why do you want to talk this time?” he asked her, putting sugar into his coffee and stirring it.

“I want to stay at Grandma’s house,” she stated once more, “You know what I want, why are you denying me what is my right.”

“But it’s not your right,” Evan told her, reminding her again of the Will reading, “Grandma’s house is no longer a place for us, the Buckley Family,” he stated, “It’s now a Children’s Home and access to it is restricted. If you want to go inside, then you’re going to have to go through the checks, there is no getting around it. Everyone does them, even those on my shift who come to the home have gone through them. Friends, even family, and yes even Aunt Amelia and Uncle Terry and their families have done so, all of them. They come over during Christmas to spend time with the children and give them a family Christmas. Some of them are away from their families for the first time, and others have never even had a Christmas. Or Thanksgiving, or anything like that. So, Aunt Amelia said that she would be happy to have you stay with her and help you find your feet if that is what you want,” he finished, looking at her.

“No, I need to be there, I should be there, she was my grandmother as well.”

“And a grandmother that you cut out of your life before I could remember her,” Evan shook his head, “You told me about her and then cut me off because you didn’t want to admit what you had done. She was your grandmother and you made her stay away from me and left me with practically abusive parents who had no care or love for me,” he sighed, sipping his drink.

“I had to protect my family,” Maddie snapped at him, “You wouldn’t know anything about that since you just left.”

Evan moved back and stared at her, “What family?” he asked her, “Parents that didn’t give a damn about anything but their image and themselves. A daughter who wanted to run as far away as she could. A son that was dead and then me, one that they hated, a son that they berated and neglected and abused every single fucking day that they could,” he snapped back, “You have no idea what went on in that house as soon as you left for college because you didn’t come back, you left me. I was nine years old in a home where I was so damn alone that I…” he shook his head, “You wanna know the truth about the crash that I had on that motorbike?” he asked her.

“What, that you were being stupid as always, doing something dangerous.”

“I could have moved out of the way easily. Instead, I sped up because I felt like my life meant nothing to anyone. That I had no one that would care if I was dead or alive,” he stopped her, “My therapist said that I was passively suicidal back then, and I was for a little while after. It’s only thanks to my friend, Xiaoli, that I’m not dead already. Finding out that I had people who did love me, was a shock, and to know that you stopped that, it hurt so much. I felt betrayed by the one person I thought did care about me. But no, you didn’t. It’s always them that you care about,” he told her, shaking his head, “So don’t try and blame me for shit, doing something dangerous was the only way I could get a scrap of attention from Margaret and Phillip.”

“You have no idea what they went through, no idea,” she began, “They are stuck in their grief, and they can’t find their way out of it.”

“I do. I have a daughter,” Evan told her, “She’s not even a year old and I almost lost her a few months ago. Someone attacked me and pushed my four-month-old daughter from my arms. She almost died, and I was waiting for it to happen, waiting for it. By some damn miracle she made it through, and I don’t know how much damage that has done to her, and may never know.”

“You…” she began, eyes going wide.

“A daughter, she is the light of my life, and when Eddie and I marry, we plan to adopt each other’s children. He has a son, who’s almost seven,” he said, “Who I’ve known for the last two years,” he added, “I understand grief, how it can tie you up in knots. But to let it dictate the rest of your life and how you treat your children. I can’t see that or understand it. While Leyna was in the hospital, I still had to work, I still had to go back to the home and help with the other children. I didn’t spend all my time in the hospital watching over her, even though I would have loved nothing more. I had responsibilities. Now, I still have those, and I won’t be letting you in without the deep dive if you want to stay there for any length of time,” he finished, changing the subject as he didn’t want to tell Maddie too much about his daughter just yet.

“I want to meet her, and this Eddie,” she demanded.

“No,” he answered, shaking his head, “I want to know why you are here now and where is Doug?” he asked instead.

“I left him and that’s all you need to know,” she pursed her lips and glared.

“Why? I know something isn’t right in your marriage to him, I knew it back then, it’s why I tried to get you to come with me, so what is going on?” he knew he was pushing, but he had a Home full of children to protect.

“You don’t need to know,” she answered him, as he then just looked at her, remaining quiet until she said, “It wasn’t good, it wasn’t. So I left.”

“Will he come after you?”

“I… don’t know,” she admitted.

“Then you need to talk with Aunt Amelia, I won’t be able to have you at the Home until I know for sure what is going to happen with him,” he said, shaking his head.

“What?!” she said, eyes going wide.

“I’m taking you to Aunt Amelia and I will be passing Doug’s picture around, to make sure that he’s on the lookout list. I won’t take any chances with the safety of the children in my care Maddie,” he told her, getting up, “come on.”

“No, no I am not agreeing to that,” she shook her head.

“You came to me, you painted a target on my back doing so. That also puts the children that I live with and the adults in danger. I will be putting up his picture so everyone is aware of him. I will not be having you at the house, but I know Aunt Amelia will be able to help you,” he told her.

Maddie stared at him.

“You have a chance to break free, and we can help, but there are things you’re going to have to follow if you want it. You can keep running, but he will find you and you will be alone. I don’t want that to happen, I want to be there to help, I just can’t help in the way that you want me to,” he told her, waiting for her to take the offer he had made.

She hesitated for a while, before nodding and taking a shaky breath. “Okay,” she said, “Okay,” repeating herself as she got to her feet. Heading out of the door and to Aunt Amelia.

Chapter Four

Eddie looked at Evan as he talked with Taylor Kelly. He shook his head at the man, knowing in his obliviousness that he was almost flirting with her. “Evan,” he called out to him, getting him away before he could embarrass himself any further.

“Eddie,” he grinned as he rushed over, with a wave to Hen and Taylor as he helped Eddie with his job of making sure everything was secured on site. “It’s kinda cool,” he said with a shrug as he glanced back. “She does the traffic reports, and I listen to her a lot on the radio when coming to work.”

“I know, I’ve heard her a time or two, she’s helped us both get to work without having to wait in traffic for hours on end,” he added, smiling at his boyfriend.

“Yeah,” he grinned as they finished up.

“Alright, roll out,” Bobby said as he and the others began to head to the truck as Hen and Catherine took Taylor to the hospital for a check.

“How are things going with Maddie?” Eddie asked as they arrived back at the station.

“Aunt Amelia and Uncle Terry are doing what they can to help her, to make sure that she gets the charges in for Doug filed. Thankfully, her friends in Hershey recorded her injuries and such and were able to send it on to the cops here. They hoped that they could stop anything happening. But we found out that Doug attacked and almost killed Maddie’s boss over there. So he might be in the wind since they can’t locate him to arrest him.”

“Fuck,” Eddie cursed, “They going to be alright?” he asked, frowning.

Evan nodded, “Yeah, but it’s going to be a long recovery. Maddie still isn’t happy with me sharing a picture of Doug to the cops, or even posting it up in places that I go to. As soon as she finds a place to live, I will be making sure that the residents all know about him, and any place she works,” he shook his head, “I’m taking no chances.”

“I wouldn’t either, if anyone came for my cousins like that, I think there would be a bloodbath, the rest of us would be up in arms and demanding his death at the most and his imprisonment at the least,” he snorted, thinking of how overprotective most of his family were of each other.

Evan nodded, “Yeah, I told Athena what is going on and she is going to see what she can dig up, if anything.”

“Right,” Eddie nodded, “Well, she’s got people in her corner, willing to help at least.”

“Yeah, but she is still pissed at me for not letting her come to The Home at all. I won’t until she goes through the checks and she still refuses to do it. I don’t know what else is going on that is causing her to be scared of them, they aren’t going to find anything… I don’t think,” he frowned, sitting down on the bench near the gym area.

Eddie placed a hand on his shoulder, “No, I think she just doesn’t want people to know how long this has been going on. They will find all the hospital visits and anything else. Like visits by the cops to the home, and what the reason is. I have to wonder if the cops have gone there a few times. Talk to her a little more, try and get her to open up.”

Evan couldn’t help the bitter laugh at that, “She won’t. I’ve suggested therapy for what she has been through. She shot that down, stating she doesn’t need it. It’s a damn lie, and I know it. She knows it as well, but she has a habit of burying her head in the sand even when it’s disappearing from around her. I might make it a requirement if she wants to meet Leyna. She’s been asking too, and I don’t know if I should let her. She’s going to focus on her and me and then push everything else away like it didn’t happen.”

“You sound very sure about that,” he said, sitting beside his boyfriend.

“She does it all the time. She knew what Margaret and Phillip were like towards me and she pretended it didn’t happen, and when I said anything that contradicted that, she would tell me to stop playing up,” he shook his head, “I wish I could get through to her, but it’s going to take a while.”

“Well, protect yourself and those kids. Leyna included in that,” Eddie told him, “That’s all you can do. If she wants to be in your life she knows the things she’s got to do,” he added, getting up, “come on we’re almost done for the day.”

Evan nodded as he got up, they had been cleaning up and getting ready for shift change. “Yeah, home, hug and cuddle the kids, if Chris will allow, and then sleep for a bit.”

“Sounds like the best plan I’ve heard today,” Eddie grinned as they headed to the locker room to change.

XxXxX

Evan was cleaning out the storage cupboard and reorganizing it. His main task for the day. The work stopped as someone walked into the bay of the 118. “Miss Kelly,” he nodded at her, “Erm, is everything okay?” he asked as others on shift began to head over.

“Yeah,” she smiled, “I’ve just been given some good news and a new piece that I’ll be doing. About the 118, and the firefighters here. After the rescue a few days ago, it got me thinking and I just wanted to show the rest of LA about the good work that you all do,” she said as she then looked at the wider group.

“Ah, using your new fame to get a jump somewhere else,” Hen said with a smirk.

“Something like that,” Taylor nodded, “I’m not ready to go back up just yet. So this is what they let me have for now.”

“Smart, and I can see why,” Hen agreed with her.

“Yeah,” she smiled as Bobby approached them, “Captain Nash, I hope that the chief told you about me?”

“He did,” Bobby nodded, “And we’re to help, but I am to warn you that you need to not get in the way of our calls. Some of the victims won’t want to be on the news, so my advice is to step back and do so at a distance for a while before moving closer and getting permission from those involved. Not all will say yes, and not all will be able to consent,” he warned her.

“Of course,” she nodded a few times.

“Well, I hope the piece goes well for you,” Evan said as he looked at Eddie, “Still need me to spot you? I’ve just finished with my task,” he asked.

“Yeah,” Eddie nodded, “Go and change,” he told him, knowing they were off for an hour or so, Bobby had warned them that something was going to be going on and they would be offline for a bit first. He was going to take full advantage of it and get some gym time in.

Their day was a busy one as soon as they went online. Taylor got in the way a few times as she then started interviews during the small amount of downtime. She tried flirting with Evan, but it didn’t do anything as Eddie would often swoop in and get the relieved younger man away from her.

A gift had appeared and before Evan could even grab a brownie, his phone started buzzing.

He sighed as he answered it, “Hello Maddie,” he said as he walked off and took up a quiet spot in the loft.

“I want to meet Leyna, when can I. I’m free now, so who has got her, she should be with family,” she began, her words rushed.

“Not going to happen, I’ve already told you this,” he sighed, rubbing at the bridge of his nose, “You get therapy, you need to get the checks in as well. I’m not going to keep going over this with you. Just start the therapy, it helped me so much with all the shit that Margaret and Phillip put me through, to the things that were going on in my head. It helped, and I know it will help you. What you’ve been through Maddie is horrific, no matter what you don’t tell me, my imagination is making up the worst things possible at the moment.”

“I don’t need it, it’s for people that–”

“Maddie, don’t degrade therapy unless you’ve truly given it a chance. You have no idea how helpful it can be, some people won’t find it helpful, which is why I’m only asking you to take a chance and start it, do a few sessions, and see what happens. But actually, try it fully, don’t just pretend. I know what you are like. I have set the boundaries of my life, it’s up to you if you want to follow them. I would love to have you in my life. But you have to remember that you haven’t been in it since I left that day, almost seven years ago. I’m not a kid, not anymore, so you aren’t going to be treating me like one.”

“I just want what is best for you, and you are so young,” she said, hiccuping.

Evan took a breath and sighed heavily. “Maddie, I am an adult. I know what I am doing with my life, I figured that out some time ago. I want a sister in my life. I would love to have Leyna and Christopher have an aunt in their life who will love them and want the best for them. Eddie and I are a family, with Leyna and Christopher. I would like you there as well when I eventually marry when we adopt the children, and maybe even adopt a couple more as time goes on,” he said softly, “But you have to put the work in as well.”

“I’ll… try,” she said as she then hung up.

He looked up and went back over frowning, “Hey, you guys are so fucking greedy, where’s mine!” he asked. They looked delicious.

“Sorry,” Bobby said, “I didn’t realize that you hadn’t had one,” he added, “I’ll make a batch-” he began as the bell sounded. “Okay, only ambo and truck are needed,” he said looking at the call and sending them on their way. Remaining behind with a few others.

XxXxX

Eddie leaned against Evan, a large warped smile on his face. He laughed a little. They had been taken back to the station until they were cleared enough to go home. However, they would be heading to Eddie’s since Evan didn’t want the children to see Eddie in such a state.

“I love you so much, you and Leyna and Christopher. You are my world, you all are, the stars in my sky,” Eddie said, looking at Evan with love in his eyes.

Evan smiled down at him, “And I love you,” he said, kissing Eddie’s forehead, “And we’ll go home and you can sleep this off.”

“No, munchies, need food,” he said, shaking his head and starting to try and get up.

Athena walked into the loft and shook her head as she saw Bobby cooking. “Is it really safe?” she asked, looking at Evan.

“Yeah, we had to get rid of Taylor, she was causing a problem and trying to get them to say things while drugged. So I kicked her out and informed the chief of what was going on. Me and three others are the only ones sober at the moment. We’ve got people coming in to take over and others to come and get their partners, friends and such,” he said, “I’ve got to hand it to Bobby, he’s been cooking a lot of little things that,” he paused a moment as Eddie finally managed to stand up and head over to Bobby, “Everyone has been enjoying,” he said, “I’ve got Dixon watching over Bobby, to make sure he doesn’t do anything wrong,” he said.

“I’ll let him finish and then I’ll take him home,” she sighed as she went over.

“Okay,” he nodded as they went back to watching over everyone as one by one they were checked over and taken home.

XxXxX

Three days later the fluff piece that Taylor Kelly had done aired. Thankfully she hadn’t put in the drugging that had happened. But Evan had learned that it had been a close thing and only because of the chief that it hadn’t gone out. Now, he was in the park, Leyna sleeping in his arms, sitting under the gazebo to keep them in the shade. She was still finding it hard to be in the light, but she wasn’t screaming in pain after ten minutes now. The doctors weren’t sure if her sensitivity would continue at all, or if it was just because of her injury.

“Evan,” Maddie said as she slowly approached him. After their talk, she had finally taken what he had said on board and made an appointment. She was only one session in, but it was enough for Evan to give her a small chance, at least to meet his daughter, to show her what she was working towards.

“Hey,” he smiled, “come and meet your niece. We can’t go out in the sun at the moment.”

“I know you told me,” she said as she walked over and looked down at her, “She’s so pretty,” she smiled as she gently ran a finger down a plump cheek.

“She is, she’s going to be a heartbreaker. I know Christopher and his friend Joshua have already made plans on how to deal with anyone who is going to try and date her. The thing is both boys are young. Chris is seven and Joshua is nine, almost ten,” he snorted, smiling fondly. “They are very best friends,” he added, seeing the question in her eyes. “Would you like to hold her?” he asked.

“I… I would,” she smiled as she sat down with him and soon had her niece in her arms, “She’s small, you said she was what, nine, ten months?” she asked.

“Yeah, nine months, she was born in January, we’re in October now, she was a little early, and she’s had some health issues. We’ve almost lost her twice, she’s a fighter though,” he told her, smiling at the two, “This is what you are fighting to get better for, Maddie,” he added, “To be in her life. She has family from Eddie’s side of things, and mine. But I want her to have an Aunt Maddie, I know you helped me, and raised me when I was little, you were who I remembered until you left. Let her have that as well.”

Maddie looked down at her and then nodded, “I’ll try, I really will,” she promised.

Evan hoped she would, but now the ball was fully in her court and she would have to put the work in. He would be there for someone to talk to, someone she could lean on.

Chapter Five

Evan and the others were starting to decorate the Home. It was almost Halloween and they would be hosting a small party for the children, a couple of friends from school and the parents. Christopher and Joshua were hip-deep in planning the maze for the back, with the help of Robbie and Brooke. May and Harry were going to be making up a few games for them to play. It was also going to be a mini celebration for Hen and Karen, they had been able to start the adoption process of the twins a few weeks ago, and it looked like it would be going through by the end of the month.

“This is going to be amazing,” Eddie said as he walked up behind Evan and wrapped his arms around him.

Evan smiled as he leaned back against his boyfriend, “Yeah, I think it is as well. Maddie has finally gone through some of the checks, and things are good there, so she’s fine to come over for the celebration as well.”

“How’s she doing?” he asked, kissing his cheek and then watching as the decorating of the large garden carried on without them.

“She’s doing okay, Aunt Amelia has told me that she is sticking with therapy at the moment, which is good. Though only two sessions so far,” he signed, “We’ve heard nothing about Doug yet, but he isn’t in Hershey, that’s for sure. A warrant for his arrest is out and they are also putting the LAPD on alert for him, since Maddie, his intended target is here.”

“How’s security around the home?” Eddie asked, slightly concerned.

“We’ve got it as it normally is. CCTV is everywhere outside. Motion detectors on the fencing around the property. The gate is locked and only the adults that live here full-time have a key for the gate. And they are kept on each person. If one doesn’t have it, then the coding for the gate is changed straight away,” he sighed, “We’re doing all I can and I have warned the Social Workers of what is going on. There isn’t much that I can do, since he might not even come here. But we are ready should he.”

“So, we’re prepared,” Eddie agreed, nodding as he heard his son cackle evilly, “I don’t want to know what those two have planned,” he said.

“Neither do I,” he shook his head, “They have asked Clive and his new boyfriend to help.”

“They want something built for it,” Eddie said, “it’s the only thing I’ve been able to get out of them so far,” he shook his head with a laugh as now both Joshua and Christopher were cackling with Brooke and Robbie laughing at the two.

Bobby walked toward them, “I really don’t want to know with those four,” he stated.

“I just said that,” Eddie grinned at his captain and friend, “Well, as long as they have fun it should be fine.”

“Let them have their fun, we’ve got our own plans to make,” Evan reminded them since they would be making a mini haunted house.

The two men laughed, causing some of the children to look their way. Everyone had a job to do to make the Halloween party special, so the kids knew that the adults were up to something. Much like the adults knew the children were up to something.

XxXxX

The rescue was odd as they headed back to the station. “So, he said he didn’t call 9-1-1, but someone had to have done so,” Evan said, “Ghost?” he suggested, grinning at the others.

“Don’t know,” Edde said, shaking his head, not really believing in ghosts.

“Come on, it has to be, did Athena say anything?” Evan asked as he looked over at Bobby. He knew that the man had called her to tell her about the bones that were found. They had waited on site after getting the hiker taken care of until a forensics unit had arrived to take charge of the remains.

“She’s going to look into it and talk to those at the call center to see what the call was like,” Bobby told them, “How’s planning to go for the party tomorrow night?” he then asked.

“It’s going well. Cid and Clive are sorting out the maze. Joshua and Chris decided that they wanted a secret door that would change now and then. Each way would still lead to an exit or the middle where there is to be candy,” Evan grinned.

“My son’s cackle was for that. He’s very much enjoying himself with the plan. He likes stopping by to see how it’s going up,” Eddie added, shaking his head as they pulled into the station.

“Well, it should be fun, I know the kids are all looking forward to it, enjoying that they are each putting towards the games,” Evan smiled, he had been the one to go over each group’s plans, it should be a good day since they were having a couple of extra people over. Maddie would be coming as well, this would be the first time she would be coming to the home.

“I look forward to it,” Bobby smiled at him, as he headed to his office, “Don’t forget your after action reports,” he reminded everyone.

There were a few groans but they headed off to clean up and get them done.

XxXxX

Evan grinned as he looked over at Eddie, the man who had dressed up as Snake Plissken from Escape From New York. Evan himself had decided that he would be the inspired character Solid Snake for the day. Eddie had been sour when most recognized Evan’s character more than Eddie’s. “Told you not many were going to know your character,” Evan said again.

“The films are classics,” Eddie muttered, “At least Bobby and Athena got it,” he huffed as the two of them walked over. Athena had dressed up as Morticia Adams, with Bobby taking on the role of Gomez, much to their children’s embarrassment, they would often act the part as well. Causing most to laugh and the kids to groan as Bobby would dip Athena for a kiss randomly.

“Hey,” Evan greeted them, grinding as they had just come out of a dip before heading over to them.

“Tonight has been a ride,” Athena said as she smiled at the two, “Now, why are you both hanging out here instead of out there, I know that baby girl of yours has been whisked away by someone else.”

“My sister, Maddie, wanted to spend time with her niece. She’s with Carla over there talking at the moment,” Evan said as he gestured to where his sister was standing, dressed as a vampire, she had gone for a more classic Halloween costume, and Carla herself had come dressed as a witch.

“Hmm, didn’t know you had a sister,” Athena said, frowning slightly.

“We’ve not really talked that much until she barged into my life again,” he said, still not happy with the way that she had come into his life.

“Oh?” she said, “Does this have anything to do with the notice we’ve all been getting for BOLO?” she asked.

“Doug Kendell,” he nodded, “Took my aunt and I a while to get her to agree to press charges and report him. She left Hershey because of him, and came here, expecting me to let her into the manor and let her stay here. She knew it was to be a home from the last time we saw each other. When Grandma Lizzie ded,” he stated, “She wasn’t happy with me when I refused, and she is only allowed in now because she has gone through the check and has started therapy. I don’t think she would have done either if I hadn’t been able to push her.”

“We’ve got the BOLO, for him,” Athena nodded, “Thought you would like to know about your ghost caller,” she said.

“Oh, yes,” Evan nodded as Eddie rolled his eyes.

“Well, the call that came through was nothing but static, but the one that the operator heard, was actually a call made seven years ago, on the same day. The man you found has been missing for seven years. Most told his wife that he had run away because she was pregnant. She didn’t believe them, and she was right. He had an accident and wasn’t found,” she told them, “It’s rather sad, in my opinion.”

“Damn, seven years missing and she still believed in him,” Evan said, eyes wide, glancing at Maddie and wondering if she had just left again, not stuck around, would Doug catch up with her, kill her, or something. Would he ever know what happened to her? He shuddered, getting the scenario that was in his mind out of it.

“Seven years and someone can be legally declared dead. She was going to be doing that soon, now we have proof of his passing and she knows better what happened to him. That had to be some comfort,” Eddie said quietly, holding Evan’s hand.

“It is to her,” Athena smiled, “She can at least tell her child that their father didn’t run out on them, as most people think. He had died, gone for a walk, and had fallen. Dying while waiting for a rescue that didn’t come.”

“I… like to think that his ghost was still lingering around and helped the other hiker that had fallen,” Evan said softly.

“It’s a nice thought to have,” Athena agreed with him, “Have to say Evan,” she added looking around. “The party is a lot of fun, that maze is wonderful.”

“You can thank mainly Joshua and Christopher for that,” Evan said, “They are the ones that come up with it, I know Brooke and Robbie helped a little with it, while they made their own game.”

Bobby looked proud as he heard mention of his children, they had made a hoop toss game together, making the models out of pumpkins that he had helped to paint and get ready for it. “They all had a lot of fun making things and coming up with ideas,” he said.

“They did, I’m going to make sure to do this next year as well, something that we can do each year,” he smiled, “We didn’t really do anything the first Halloween,” he stated, “Never really thought of it.”

“Well, you have something they can build on each year,” Eddie told him, getting a nod.

They talked a little more before heading around the large garden, going to the different areas that each of the children had set up, an adult at each one to make sure things ran smoothly. The Hallween bash at Second Chance Home was a large success.

XxXxX

Evan smiled as he saw Hen almost seem to float into work after Halloween. He laughed as she went over and hugged him tightly. “Things are going well?” he asked.

“As of yesterday afternoon I am the proud momma of three,” she told him, “Thank you, Buck,” she told him, hugging him again.

“I didn’t really do anything, just point you in the right direction. You and Hen did the rest of the work,” he told her, hugging her back, “And congratulations,” he added, “I know you and Karen are so excited about this.”

“We are, we were thinking about sperm donors for a while, but this… this feels so much better to do, a child that needs a home and a loving family and being able to give them that. Just like we did with Denny. It is its own special reward,” she said, letting him go.

“It is, I’ve adopted Leyna now, she is my daughter and I wouldn’t trade her for the world. Some days I look at the kids that come into my care and I want to do the same with all of them. But I know I can’t do it, Leyna was a special circumstance, because of the connection I felt with her, from the first moment I rescued her,” he said, as he thought of the almost ten-month-old. Three days and it would have been ten months since he had rescued her from the pipe with the others of the 118.

“You are a good man, Evan Buckley,” Hen told him as she got up, heading to get ready.

Evan smiled slightly, nodding, “I’m just me,” he murmured to himself, he didn’t see himself as doing something good in the world. He’s just doing what he can to help the kids. Those who feel lost, alone, or hurt by those who should love and care for them. Xiaoli may have started him on this path when he first talked about it, but it was as much as his as Xiaoli’s now.

“You okay?” Eddie asked as he walked over, putting a booted foot on the bench and tying the laces, switching out as he waited for Evan to answer.

“Do you think I’m a good man just because I run Second Chance?” he asked, frowning as he looked at his boyfriend.

Eddie shook his head, “No,” he told him, “It’s a little part of it, but Evan, you are a good man because of who you are. You love those around you, you are willing to help anyone who comes across your path. You are kind and honest. You make me want to do better each day. Therapy helped me a lot, but you helped just as much for me. You showed me the way I should be, the kindness, the honesty, the love I have for my family, and the want to be the best dad I can be for Chris and Leyna. Just like I know you do the same. Running Second Chance, that’s part of it, but it isn’t all of you.”

Evan stood up, as Eddie put his foot down and they shared a hug and a chaste kiss.

“Seriously, get a damn room,” Catherine said as she walked into the locker room and rolled her eyes at the two.

The two broke apart, “We’re not on the clock just yet, we’re allowed,” Evan stated as he looked at her. She had been a little pointed in her words since Eddie had started at the 118.

“Doesn’t mean I want to see it,” she stated as she headed to get her uniform on.

Evan and Eddie rolled their eyes and carried on, “Come on,” Evan said, “We should get up top and see if Bobby wants some help, he said something about breakfast today.”

Eddie kissed him once more and nodded, “Sounds like a plan, and I could do with breakfast, we were in a rush this morning.”

“What happens when you live at the Home, there’s always a crisis,” Evan stated, most mornings there was something going on, a lost shoe, lost homework, or something. The two laughed as he and Eddie headed out of the locker room, hearing Catherine grumble under her breath as they left.

Chapter Six

Evan grumbled as he saw the video of him on his latest save. It was a rope rescue of a teenager who had been trying to spray-paint the underside of a bridge. He had ended up falling and getting caught in some webbing that had been hanging off the side. It hadn’t been a hard rescue, but it had caught the attention of a lot of drivers and their passengers. So many videos had been taken of it and posted online. He was once again going viral, and he wasn’t happy about it. It was because of the first time he went viral that someone had decided to use his image to catfish a dozen women.

“You okay?” Eddie asked as he walked over to the table. “I know that you’re not happy about going viral.”

“No, I’m not, it’s because of this type of crap that I got targeted by a catfisher,” he reminded his boyfriend. I know that it doesn’t always mean it’s going to happen, but it puts a target on my back. And another thing, there is also the fact that Doug is out there,” he added, worried about the children at the Home and his sister.

“I can understand that,” Eddie said as he sat beside him at the table, taking a hand, and using the other to take the phone and put it down, “For now, let it go. We can’t do anything about it, alright,” he told her.

“Yeah,” he sighed, leaning against Eddie for a moment and closing his eyes. They groaned as the alarm went and they jumped up, hearing that it was a multi-vehicle pile-up.

XxXxX

The 118 were subdued when they returned to the station seven hours later. The loss of life had been high, small fires had broken out with three of the nine cars and 1 heavy goods vehicle that had crashed together. It had been heartbreaking, three victims had been children, the mother had passed before they had even arrived, and the children had done so before they could get them to the ambulance. Eddie and Evan had been working on the car, taking out the children and holding them as they hoped to get them aid in time, but there had been nothing to do. Eddie and Evan kept close to each other as they moved to the couch and leaned against each other. Take-out had been ordered and would be delivered soon.

Bobby looked at the shift and said, so everyone could hear, “We’re offline for 3 hours. Take the time you need, talk to family, sleep, eat, relax,” he told them, “I know tonight has been hard.”

Eddie and Evan looked at him and nodded, curling against each other. The death of children always got them, got to everyone. Those that it didn’t affect were the ones that didn’t have heart. Evan closed his eyes, “I hate it,” he murmured again, shaking his head at the harshness of the world.

“I know, so do I, stupid fucking asshole,” Eddie muttered under his breath. The accident looked to have been caused by an impatient driver who was weaving in and out of traffic. Not caring about the lives he had put in danger and the lives he had ended with his actions as he lost control and started a chain reaction.

“Well, Athena cuffed the bastard, so hopefully he’ll be charged with it all. Twelve people, gone, five of them children,” Evan murmured, feeling his heart clench at the thought of the children, especially the ones that he had Eddie had pulled out of the car.

“We can hope,” Hen said as she walked over, a hot chocolate in hand. Bobby was making drinks for everyone, something hot and sweet. No coffee was allowed after a hard call, according to Bobby the only drink to have was hot chocolate or tea. Something that could calm and soothe a person after something tragic and heartbreaking. Most preferred hot chocolate, but there were a couple that preferred tea instead.

“Here we go,” Bobby said, walking over with two mugs for Eddie and Evan. Everyone else gathered theirs and found a place to sit and relax. Some took the table, the others coming to the couches and armchairs around the place.

“Will Athena be able to keep us informed on what is going on?” Eddie asked Bobby.

“She’ll try, but she won’t be able to tell us much since it’s an open case. The forensics are going to be going over the site for a few more hours from what she said, taking in the videos and the dash cam that has been found as well,” he sighed, shaking his head as he grabbed his own drink and walked back over, taking the last armchair free and sitting down.

“That’s okay, just keep us informed if he is being charged and of what, and that’s all,” Hen said as she looked over at the captain who nodded.

“Captain Nash,” Catherine said as she looked at the man, “Can you please do something about that,” she added, gesturing to Evan and Eddie.

“I see nothing wrong with them finding comfort in each other at the moment. I know that if Athena was here, I would be doing much the same,” Bobby said, looking at her, “What about it do you want me to do? Tell them they aren’t to find comfort after something they have been through. Both of them have children, and I know that they are thinking of the times when those children have been in danger,” he added, seeing Evan shudder.

“Same here, I would love nothing more than a hug from my wife,” Hen added, frowning at her partner.

“They are blatantly flaunting the rules, the code, they aren’t to cuddle and kiss and do such things all the time,” she complained, almost whining.

“Then why were you fine when Athena visited and I was doing much the same thing?” Bobby asked her. “I mentioned before that sometimes our partners will come for a visit and spend lunch here. You have the same opening to bring someone by if you so choose. You have not taken us up on that.”

“Fine, you want me to say it!” she yelled out, her ability to not open her mouth gone. “I don’t want to see two men sucking fucking face every time I turn around. They shouldn’t flaunt such behavior in front of people and especially in a public place like this where children could walk in.”

“Right, you’re homophobic,” Hen said, with a heavy sigh, “Cap, please get rid of her, I don’t want that type of language around me again.”

“Already on it,” he said as he was already up and headed for his office.

“What the hell are you on about?” Catherine said, eyes going wide as she looked at everyone.

Hen sighed, “We don’t put up with the -isms and the -phobias in this station,” she told her, “We had a captain that was like that, a right bastard. Anyone who shows that type of behavior in this station gets kicked out of the station and sometimes booted out of the LAFD. The LAFD will not accept those people anymore. And considering that you said that in front of the entire shift, and in front of the CCTV that is around here, you’re not going to last. You were a good partner when you weren’t glaring at Buck and Eddie. Chances are you are either going to be fired or gone.”

“That isn’t fair, I am expressing a feeling that I don’t want to have to see two people sucking face every single time I see them.”

“They aren’t though,” someone said from the table, “They never make out, and really, we’ve given them plenty of opportunity to do so. They give each other little kisses and curl against each other. Mostly after a bad call. But that’s what we all do with those we love when they come for a visit. I’ve done that with my girlfriend a lot when she stops by,” he added, as others nodded about doing the same.

“So, the only problem has been me and Eddie,” Evan said, “You glare at us and make snide comments, but every time you see someone else doing the same things, you’re fine with it. You even smiled when you saw Bobby and Athena kissing, and that was more of a make-out session than anything.”

“They were just getting off a bad call,” she snorted, “Of course, it was nice to see them together.”

“Then why is me and Evan different, we’re just getting off a bad call, one that reminds us of our kids, we’re taking a few moments, to cuddle each other and remember that they are fine and safe at home,” Eddie told her.

“I–” she cut herself off.

“You’ve just realized that you have contradicted yourself,” Hen snorted, “Yeah, I would be packing my things if I were you,” she told her, shaking her head, “I thought you would have been a good fit. It was nice to have another woman around here. There are only four of us on A-Shift,” she sighed.

Bobby walked back up, “Paramedic Kraven, you’re dismissed pending review, you will not be welcomed back at the 118, so take all your things and leave please. Micheals, would you be able to watch and escort her out?” he added as he looked over at the firefighter.

Micheals nodded as she stood up, “Sure Cap,” she said as she looked at Catherin, “Come on, let’s get you out of here.”

“This isn’t fair, I’m going to fight this,” she said as she stomped away, muttering under her breath.

“Sorry, Hen, I had hoped we would have a good one in her. She had the right qualifications to be able to match you out there in the field,” Bobby sighed, “Want to help me find the next one?” he asked her.

“Sure, Cap,” she smiled, “Not your fault, you can’t really find out the bigots until they are in your face about something they don’t like.”

“Maybe, but I wish I could get them on that straight away.”

“You could always have Buck and Eddie making out in the locker room when they arrived,” someone mock suggested.

Eddie rolled his eyes, “Not a chance,” he said, “Those sessions are behind closed doors.”

“Or at least until one of the kids barges into the room,” Evan muttered under his breath.

“Oh, sounds like a story there?” Hen said as she settled back.

Eddie snorted, “You don’t know the half of it.”

“Then spill the TEA!” Micheals shouted as she made her way back up, “She’s pissed off Cap, and I mean that in both senses. Pissed off as in gone and pissed off as in angry, and boy is she. She was muttering about lawsuits and such when she stormed out with her things. I would get in touch with HR and report her ass for the things she said. CCTV would have recorded her rant,” she advised him. “Though, it might just be bluster because she’s been called out, but nip it in the butt before it gets worse.”

“Will do,” Bobby said with a sigh, grateful he brought his laptop with him and was already informing HR of everything, with one earpiece from his headphones in, he listened to the tirade as Eddie and Evan were coaxed into spilling what happened during an at-home date.

XxXxX

Jolene walked into the living room, where the adults spent their time when they were off the clock from watching the kids. The kids weren’t allowed in unless there was an emergency. Evan was sitting there, reading through a few reports that he had been giving on a new child that was to be going to them in a few days. It wasn’t often they got the warning like they did.

“Oh, hey, Jo,” he put the paperwork aside and jumped up and hugged the woman tightly, “Damn, it’s good to see you again. I don’t get to see you as much as I wish,” he said, as he slowly let her go.

“I know, the ranch is getting busy. We’re making it a little larger so we can handle more people coming in and a few more fosters,” she said, “It’s nice to be there, and you have to come for a visit sometime soon,” she told him.

“Yeah, as soon as I can get some time off, I’ll see about coming by for a week,” he promised her.

She smiled, “Well, I wish this was a pleasure visit, did you get a call recently from your lawyer?” she asked him.

“They called, but I missed it and I haven’t gotten around to calling them back,” he frowned, “What going on?” he said, sitting down and gesturing for her to do the same.

“Well, I wanted to warn you. Dana Pierce is free. She was released two weeks ago. Now, I know that the lawyer should have sent you a letter and given you a call to warn you. Something is going on and it stinks,” she muttered, “But I don’t know if they have reached you at all since I talked to one of the others that were accused and he hadn’t been given a warning either. So, I thought I would come here and check on you. I know what happened with her had shaken you in a way that worried me back then,” she told him, reaching out and taking a lax hand.

“She’s… free,” he said, frowning, “but I… she…”

“She was due for release soon, but she got out early. Good behavior from what the rumors are saying. Not that I can believe that at all,” she snorted, “That girl is just as bad as before,” she sighed, shaking her head, “I’ve heard a few things about the men that she had falsely accused before. Most have moved out of town, and the two that remained, well, they’ve been in some nasty accidents lately and it’s made me and a few others worried. The other men have been informed, and while the two haven’t been killed, it was a near thing. One of them swears they saw her, and that was before we got wind that she was released. I had to ask the sheriff what was going on to learn that she was free. I informed the lawyer and he said he would call, that was a week ago.”

“Are they okay?”

“They are going to be just fine,” she replied, smiling, “I just needed you to know that she was out. I don’t know what her plans are, but she’s been making noise about making people pay.”

Evan nodded, “I… thank you,” he said as he leaned towards her, getting another hug from the woman who had been almost a mother to him when he had needed it.

“You’re one of mine, Evan, I may not have birthed you, but I care and love you the same,” she told him, “Now, I know you’re seeing someone, tell him what is going on, just in case. I’ll see about getting a picture to you so you know who to look out for. There is a restraining order out, so she and her family aren’t to go near you. Or the others, but we all know what she thinks of them,” she muttered.

“Yeah, I’ll let people know. Will you be around for long?” he asked her, “I want to introduce Eddie to you,” he smiled a little, still feeling off after hearing about Pierce.

“Of course, I’ll be here for a couple of days, if you don’t mind the visit,” she smiled.

“I’ll be glad to have you here,” he stated, hugging her again as they began to talk about other things. Jolene realized that he needed to think about something else for a while.

Chapter Seven

Thanksgiving had come and gone, Jolene and Eddie got along well, both had gone to the ranch and went riding as she got to know the man that Evan had fallen in love with. Eddie enjoyed learning more about the woman who had been there for Evan and had been there when Pierce had tried her luck in framing him. Learning about that had been harrowing and wishing that he had been able to be there for the younger man.

December had hit with a bang as preparations for Christmas had been underway before the Thanksgiving turkey had even finished being cooked. Eddie walked into the living room of the Home and smiled as he saw his son and some of the other children dotted around the floor doing their homework. Normally Christopher would be doing that at a table, but at the Home, the floor was the preferred place to be. They could spread out, eat the snacks that had been provided that were put in the middle of each grouping, and one of the workers being there on hand would any of them need any help.

“Hey Dad,” Christopher smiled as he looked up, “Evan’s in the other room,” he said, “With the babies.”

“Thanks,” he smiled as he leaned down and ruffled his son’s hair, doing the same to Joshua when he laughed at Christopher’s whines.

“Hey!” the two of them said, giving him matching glares.

Eddie laughed, “I’ll talk to you later, alright Chris. I’ve got something to talk to you about.”

“Okay, Dad, but no messing up the hair,” he said, giving him one last glare.

Eddie put his hands up, and backed away, a smirk on his face, knowing he would be doing it again at some point. He smiled at Alicia as she walked out of the other living room, and he walked in. Seeing Evan sitting on the floor with Leyna on a blanket, kicking her feet and attempting to roll over. She had slowly been mastering that, as well as the beginnings of crawling. She gave a joyful scream and giggled as she rolled over.

“That’s it, baby girl,” Evan said, encouraging her.

Eddie went over, sitting on the couch behind Evan as the man spared him a glance and a smile before they went back to watching Leyna. She was bringing up her knees and starting to put her hands underneath her. She was rocking like that a couple of times before she fell to the side, giving a frustrated yell.

“Almost,” Evan said, letting her roll onto her back and kick her legs, a tiny pout on her face. He leaned down and kissed her cheeks, “So good Leyley,” he told her.

“She’s doing better, she’s getting there,” Eddie said, smiling at the little girl as she began to roll over again.

“She is, she’s a little behind on a few things. But with her broken leg, it was to be expected. Now that she’s starting to do the things that she should have been doing back then,” he sighed, “But she is getting there at least.”

“She really is,” he said, putting a hand on Evan’s shoulder and squeezing it.

“I wanted to ask you something,” Evan said as he turned to look at Eddie in a way that he could keep an eye on Leyna.

“What is it?” Eddie asked him, stopping watching Leyna to look at his boyfriend.

Evan bit his lip, “I’ve been thinking about this for a while, and I want to ask if you would like to move into the Home, with me, you and Christopher. He’d have a room in the family part of the Home, and you’ll be in with me,” he said, beginning to babble.

Eddie paused for a moment, letting the words sink in, “Evan,” he said, trying to get the man’s attention as he carried on talking about what they could do if Eddie and Christopher lived at the home. “Evan,” he said, putting his fingers under Evan’s chin and lifting it up, kissing him, “Hush and let me answer,” he said as he pulled back.

“Oh, erm, yeah, sorry,” he said, smiling and laughing lightly.

“I would love to move in with you. I’ll talk to Christopher, as I will take in what he wants to do. But since we spend nearly all our time here, I don’t really see it being a problem,” he told him, “So yes, we can move in. When?” he asked.

“Before Christmas?” Evan suggested, “I know that’s really soon since we’re four weeks away from Christmas Day, but… I don’t want to spend the holidays without you both here. Me and Leyna love you both a lot. We both miss you, I miss you when you’re not here.”

“Then, we’ll see if we can get it done. With our friends, no doubt it will be easy. Bringing some of our things in, I don’t know about furniture.”

“We can have a room set up as a family room. Clive and Joshua have the same. A room that is their family room, their living room. If they want time away from everyone and just themselves, or just one or two visitors. It’s how we have our time off. We have a small, almost apartment-like area for ourselves. This place is massive, and I do mean we could house a lot of people here. We only have a cap on the children because how many we should have in the home is lowered. We grouped a few together, some have their own rooms, and it’s what was preferred. But we have a family area, which isn’t open to those of the Home unless an emergency happens and we’re needed. Those that are there, aren’t working at the time if you know what I mean,” he frowned, trying to explain more about how the Home worked.

“I know,” he told him, “Don’t worry, you don’t have to try and explain things. I get how the place works. I’ve been dating you for a while now,” he reminded him, “And I’ve been here on and off for just as long,” he smiled, kissing him.

“Yeah,” he said, as they turned to Leyna when she gave a victorious cry. “She’s crawling!” Evan crowed, his phone already out and filming what she was doing.

Eddie smiled and nodded as they watched her take her first tentative crawling steps.

XxXxX

Evan looked at Xiaoli. Eddie had taken a week to get moved into the home. A little living room with their things now beside Evan and Eddie’s Bedroom. Across from them were the rooms that housed Leyna and Christopher. There had been a small party to welcome the two to the home, just like Josh had gotten when he had moved in with Xiaoli.

“Well, I can’t believe we’re doing this,” Xiaoli smiled at his best friend, “I’m honored you called me to come with you,” he added, hugging the man tightly.

Evan laughed nervously, “I still have to find a ring first and ask,” he stated.

“Well, getting engaged, no matter when it happens. I’m looking forward to seeing the proposal,” he said as he let his friend go, “Now, do you have any idea of the type of ring you want to get for Eddie?” he then asked.

“I don’t know. He likes simple things. He doesn’t like flashy things. Something subtle would work I think,” he said, frowning as he tried to think of what would suit his boyfriend, and hopefully one day soon, fiance.

“Well, there are a few places around here, it’s where I went looking for Josh,” he said as he led the way to one of the places he had tried. “This one has a few rings, but I’m not sure that any would be what you wanted.”

Evan nodded as they went in, declining the help of the jeweler behind the counter. “No, you’re right, too flashy for Eds,” he murmured quietly.

“I thought so, come on, there is another one a little closer,” Xiaoli smiled, “My grandparents are excited to meet my fiance again,” he said, “They can’t wait until the wedding,” he added.

“Looking forward to it?” he asked, knowing that it would be happening at the beginning of February.

“Yeah, though sometimes, with all the planning and that, I kind of wish we had done the same thing as Zac and Nic, they just eloped. Would be easier, but I think my family would kill me.”

“I think I might as well. I went with you to all the caterers that you wanted to try that would be able to pull off a good mix of American and Chinese foods,” he said, shaking his head.

“I know, which is why I’m not doing so. Also, I like the thought of celebrating with everyone,” he smiled, “You remember Luke?” he asked him.

“The kid from Birmingham Alabama,” he nodded, looking at Xiaoli.

“Well, I still talk to him, he’s eighteen now,” he smiled, “Off to college and enjoying life after being adopted by the Lichfields,” he told him, “I want him to come to the wedding. I still talk to him, and I went to see him a while ago.”

“I remember you heading that way for a week,” Evan said, “It would be good to see him, what’s he studying?” he asked, a little curious.

“Pre-Med, he wants to be a doctor. So he’s been working hard towards that, and he got a scholarship for the pre-med degree he’s going for,” he smiled, “I’m proud of him, he’s done so well for himself and I know that Nina and Martin are happy with him, their other child, a girl, Lousia, she’s doing well, she’s younger than Luke, but they are a good family. And they still foster occasionally.”

“That’s good,” he smiled, “I’m glad he is doing well.” He started thinking about the children that had gone through the home, and the ones that he still saw. Mostly thinking about Justin, he was one of the ones that had a father that fought for him and did what he could to get his son back. He had been to visit the others a few times and he knew that Robbie and Justin were still friends.

“We’ve done well with our own as well, Luke was happy to learn what we do,” he added as they reached the other jewelers.

“Right, let’s find this ring,” he said as he went in.

Xiaoli nodded and with a mission in mind he followed his best friend inside to help him choose a ring.

XxXxX

Evan was nervous as he messed around with the little box that was in his pocket. He knew it might be a little quick after they had moved in together. But Evan felt like it was the next natural step and he wouldn’t mind getting married sometime next year. He had never really thought much about marriage. But now, it was all that was on his mind, it didn’t help that there were several couples around him all the time.

They were having a date night. One thing that they tried to make sure they do at least once a month, and sometimes twice if Clive or one of the others would be free to watch over Christopher and Leyna for the night.

“It’s nice to be out again,” Eddie said as he finished looking over the menu.

“Yeah,” Evan said, feeling nervous again, as he looked at the menu, before putting his hands on the table, to stop himself from fighting with the ring box.

“You okay?” he asked, frowning at his partner, “You’ve been a little off for the last few days.”

“Yeah, just… happy that you’re with me now. Waking up with you is like… a dream at times. Sometimes I feel lucky to have gotten the chance to date you. I know that how we met wasn’t exactly the normal way for a couple to meet,” he smiled at him, as the waiter came over. They made their orders and asked for nothing alcoholic, neither of them felt like drinking.

“I know, it’s been great, and yeah, the way we met was different. I don’t think that took anything away from who we were together though,” he pointed out, reaching out and taking a hand. “I can’t think of a life without you and Leyna in it,” he told him, “And I don’t want to either.”

“Good,” he said as the waiter came over and handed over their sodas and water.

“Thank you,” Eddie said as the waiter put them down.

“Anything else, please, call out,” he said as he went back to wait on some of the tables around them.

“Yeah, as I… I was sa…ying,” he trailed off as his eyes went wide. A woman had entered and been guided to a table alone. She was glaring at him. She was older, and a little worn compared to how she was the last time he saw her.

“Evan,” Eddie said, eyes wide as he saw the way that Evan was reacting to something he was seeing. He turned around and saw the woman that Evan was staring at and who was glaring at him in turn. “Evan.”

“Dana Pierce,” he said quietly, “It’s her, I…”

“It’s okay, there is a restraining order, yes?” he asked.

“Yeah, I got the paperwork at home. Didn’t think I would need it,” he said, “Didn’t think she would actually come here. I don’t know why she did so.”

“Because she’s an idiot who wants to go back to jail,” Eddie snorted as he pulled out his phone and made a call. “I have someone here who is breaking their restraining order. She followed my partner into a restaurant. She’s sitting nearby g-” he began only to hear crashing as the woman lunged toward their table, “Send the cops now!” he called out as he grabbed the woman before she could reach Evan and tossed her to the ground. “Not happening,” he muttered.

“That fucker ruined my life, and my parents!” she yelled out.

“You ruined your own life and you know it,” Evan snapped at her, “You’re the one that decided you were going to lie to the cops and it wasn’t even the first time. I’m just the one who made sure that you won’t do it again. Your parents enabled you to such a degree that they didn’t care that you were destroying people’s lives as long as you got your way. Well, tough shit, you reap what you sow,” he told her, shaking his head, “You’re nothing but a damn footnote in my life. I’m a lot better than you and I will always be better than you. You aren’t worth the seconds I’m even spending talking to you,” he added as Eddie kept her under control.

“The cops are on the way,” Eddie added, “And since you’re breaking your restraining order, you’re going back to jail,” he added.

“No, no I won’t,” she yelled, trying to break free as flashing lights were seen and the cops entered.

Statements were taken and evidence was obtained from CCTV. Eddie and Evan didn’t stay for their food, but paid and gave a little extra for the damage that Pierce had caused. All they wanted now was to go home and cuddle. The thought of proposing now the furthest things from Evan’s mind.

Chapter Eight

Evan pulled up outside of the Grant house. Bobby had called them on Christmas Day to stop by the next day for a celebration. Though what was being celebrated, no one had a clue. “Well,” Evan said as he looked back at Christopher who was sitting happily in his seat, holding Leyna’s hand as she squealed and babbled. So far there had been no words or even sounds that sounded like they could be words yet, but they were hoping she would do something soon.

“Wonder what’s going on,” Eddie said as he got out, helped Christopher down, and handed him his crutches.

Evan got Leyna and held her in his arms as she rested her head on his shoulder. “Xiaoli is already here with Josh,” he added, seeing his friend’s car. Xiaoli and Josh had gone out for a bit after the hectic Christmas day at Second Chance.

“Hope they had fun today,” Eddie said as they made their way to the front door, and knocked.

Athena was the one to greet them with a large smile on her face as she hugged them both and Christopher. She kissed Leyna on the cheek as she welcomed them inside, “Everyone is finally here,” she said as she went over to Bobby and took his hand.

“So,” Hen said as she looked at her friend, “You’ve been dancing around so much since I got here, I’ve barely had time to see you, so what’s going on?” she asked.

“Well,” Athena said looking at Bobby.

“I asked Athena to marry me yesterday,” he said, “With the blessing of all our children, they were happy to let us take the next step in blending our family,” he added.

“Congratulations!” came the ringing cry for those that had gathered.

“I can’t believe it,” Hen said as she went over to her friend and hugged her. “Congrats, ‘Thena,” she said, happy about the new development. “Now, show me,” she stated, letting her go.

Athena presented the beautiful cluster ring that Bobby had proposed to her with.

“Damn, girl!” Hen exclmained, “It’s gorgeous,” she smiled.

“Congrats, Bobby,” Evan said as he went over to the man, “I’m so happy for you,” he told him.

“I didn’t think I would have this again,” Bobby said as he watched Athena go around their guests. She was happy, with Brooke often going to her and May doing the same. Harry and Robbie were off to one side, looking surly but the little smirks and smiles on their faces told everyone that they were happy.

“Marcy wouldn’t want you wallowing, she wasn’t the type from what I could gather from her,” Evan said softly as Xiaoli walked over. Eddie was now over with Karen.

“No, she wouldn’t, and Andy, my brother, has been telling me I needed to get out there again a while ago. So, I told him about Athena and he wants to meet her. So, we might be doing a small family trip down to see him at some point,” he told them, smiling softly.

“Well, you should be able to get some time off, I don’t think you’ve done so since I’ve started working there. I know we can get another captain in for a bit, there are some floaters around,” Evan said as he looked over at Xiaoli.

“There are,” Xiaoli nodded, “my own Cap went off for two weeks recently, we had someone else come in for a bit to take over.”

“I’ll see about doing so in the new year,” Bobby told them, “How’s the wedding planning coming along, Xiaoli?” he then asked, changing the subject.

“Going well, everything is all set for the 4th of Feb,” he grinned, glancing to where Josh was standing talking with Elane Maynard. “I can’t wait,” he stated, “We’re heading to Hong Kong for a bit, and then to meet up with more of my family before coming back here. We’ve got three weeks for the Honeymoon, so we won’t be back until almost the end of Feb,” he added.

“A long one,” Bobby nodded, “I don’t think Athena and I would want to do something like that, something a little shorter maybe,” he frowned as he looked toward his fiance, “Did you find out what Christopher wanted by the way? You and Eddie were trying to figure it out after he visited Santa.”

“We did,” Evan grinned, “He wanted to call me papa, to have me officially part of his family and to adopt him. That’s already in the cards, so we’ve got that sorted. But it’s just waiting for the right time to do things,” he finished, thinking about how his proposal had fallen through.

“I bet you are happy about that,” Bobby stated, laughing lightly.

“We are, we were hoping that he would be open to me adopting him in the future, but we weren’t going to bring it up for a while at least. We wanted to make sure that Chris and Eddie were fully settled into the home and that he was secure in the knowledge of the relationship. That we weren’t going to be splitting up at all. That this is it,” Evan said, slightly rushed, as he glanced at where the children were playing.

“Makes sense,” Bobby said, nodding, “It was something that I had to talk to Robbie and Brooke about when it came to asking Athena to marry me. I wanted to make sure that we’re in this together.”

Evan nodded and wondered if he should talk with Christopher about asking his dad to marry him. He shook his head and then said, “It’s an idea.”

“Bobby!” Athena called, “Get over here,” she said, as she stood next to her ex-husband.

“Coming,” he called out, “Sorry, I’ll talk to you again in a bit, we’re going to be doing toasts soon, but with sparkling apple juice,” he told them.

“Sounds good,” Evan nodded as Xiaoli soon turned his attention toward Evan.

“Now, Evan,” he said quietly, “What happened to proposing to Eddie a few weeks ago, I thought you were going to do it on your date.”

Evan sighed, he hadn’t gotten around to telling anyone other than Bobby what had happened. He had of course called Jolene to tell her, but everyone else, he had kept quiet with. “Dana Pierce, Jolene told me that she was released. From what she’s told me, her parents bribed someone not to let the victims know that she had been released. Jolene found out and forced the Lawyers to do so. She came here in the end, and tried to attack me.”

“What the fuck?” Xiaoli exclmained quietly.

“Exactly that. She’s been charged with attempted murder this time, and a few more things,” he sighed, “I don’t know what else is going to be happening, since Jolene said she would keep me updated.”

“Tell me as well, if you can. I thought that was all over when she was sent down,” he shook his head.

“I know, so did I, but she just… came back, she’s pissed because her life is ruined,” Evan said quietly, shaking his head as he looked back at the party.

“She ruined her own life and so did her parents. They helped to try and cover things up. There isn’t anyone else to blame,” Xiaoli huffed with a low growl.

“Let’s try and enjoy tonight. I’ll be calling Jo later on and asking how Christmas went,” he said, “You want in on that call?”

“Sure, be nice to talk to her,” Xiaoli said, seeing that Evan was now over talking about the woman who had tried to ruin his life several years ago.

They headed back to the others, smiling and laughing as a toast was prepared.

XxXxX

Hen smiled as she went over to Bobby and Evan, the two were at the counters, already getting the mac’n’cheese ready for dinner later on.

“Hey,” she said as she sat at the counter behind them, “I can’t wait for dinner.”

“Just hope it doesn’t end up a burnt mess,” Eddie said as he walked over to join them, book in his hand. No matter how small the downtime was, Eddie usually had a book nearby. He enjoyed reading and it helped that the Home had a large library of books.

“Micheals is going to be staying behind on calls, so she can keep an eye on it,” Bobby said as he glanced behind him and nodded at her, “You okay?” he asked, seeing the look on her face. It was one of conflict.

“Chimney,” she answered, “He’s going to be released by the look of it. He’s had nothing but good behavior since he went inside. He’s done the therapy that was asked of him as well, and done what he could to keep his head down.”

“Sounds like he learned from his mistake,” Evan said, as he brought over a few snacks that he had been working on.

“He has,” Hen agreed, “He’s been hurt, I know that doesn’t excuse him from what he has done. But he’s been trying to find a place for himself for a long time and then he had this place. Gerrard made life difficult for a lot of people. Chimney never got the help he should have afterward and it made him a little crazy I think. I tried to do what I could, and so did Karen. But now… I don’t know what to do. He’s going to be free, he doesn’t have a place anymore. I know he has two people that he considers family that are willing to help him. I just hope he does the right thing now,” she said, her words a rush as she tried to get out what she was feeling when it came to her friend. She had visited him when she could but had also distanced herself a little from the situation.

“Then, I wish him the best,” Bobby said, getting a nod from Evan as well.

“When’s he getting out?” Evan then asked as he helped Bobby put the trays away, ready to be cooked later.

“Mid-Jan,” she answered. “He has his hearing then, to see if he is ready to be released. From what they’ve said, he’s ready to go.”

“Right,” Bobby nodded.

Hen sighed, seeing that the others were uncomfortable talking about Chimney. He had been her friend for a long time, one of the few that had stuck around when things felt like they were falling apart around them. Especially when it came to Gerrard. “Sorry,” she murmured.

“No we get it,” Evan told her, “He’s your friend, and I get that. I just find it hard sometimes. He made things difficult for me and others with his behavior. But he was a damn good paramedic,” he sighed, “It’s a pity he won’t be able to do that anymore. We lost a good one,” he added.

Hen smiled and nodded, “We did, he’ll just have to get a different job, but hopefully he might be able to do something that will use some of his skills.”

“Fingers crossed for him,” Evan smiled back.

“So, Leyna, her first birthday is in two weeks,” Hen said, as she changed the subject. “Do you know what you are doing?”

“Well, we have the day off, and I was thinking of just doing a small gathering at Abuela’s,” Eddie was the one to answer.

“We don’t want anything big and I know those at Second Chance will want to have a large party. They always like a good party,” Evan smiled, shaking his head as he sat at the counter, Bobby joining them.

“I remember Brooke and Robbie’s first birthdays. Marcy went overboard. She invited everyone she could think of. Family, friends, everyone,” Bobby chuckled, smiling fondly at the thought of his late wife. “She wanted everything to be perfect, that she forgot the main thing in my eyes.”

“What’s that?” Hen asked, “Because I have to say, Marcy had it right, Karen and I went over the top for Denny’s first.”

“The first birthday, in my eyes, isn’t just for the kid, it’s for the parents. A chance to celebrate their family being together for a year and having an extra sprinkle of joy in it in the shape of their kid,” Bobby said, “Marcy was a mess that day. She didn’t enjoy it at all. I tried to get her to change for Brooke’s first, after the disaster of Robbie’s, but she didn’t want to.”

“I can see it,” Eddie said, “Chris, his first birthday, I was actually able to get my leave timed right so I could be there. We did something small, mostly it was just family. Janet came down along with Abuela and Pepa, some of the cousins as well. Not everyone, or it would have been a big mess. But Janet and Abuela were doing all the cooking. Shannon and I just spent time happily with Chris. My parents of course tried to make it a big thing, and when we didn’t, they made sure that we knew of their disapproval of everything we had done. In the end, Abuela and Pepa had a go at them, and they were kicked from the party after around twenty minutes of being there. So damn grateful, each time they try and do a celebration it has to be the most talked about social event in El Paso.”

“They are a lot,” Evan said with a nod, remembering the few times he had to deal with them when Christopher was in his care. “They had opinions on everything, and when they weren’t getting their way, they sounded so damn entitled all the time. They tried to trick and bluster their way into taking Christopher. Never worked, but they tried. In the end, they had their visits canceled for a while.”

“They didn’t go because they didn’t believe they would need to,” Eddie said with a shrug. “I haven’t really talked to them since then, and I don’t want to either. My sisters have taken their side on things like they always do. So Leyna will have my family, but more my extended family, and not the immediate family.”

“Family is what you make of it,” Evan said with a shrug, “Whether blood or found,” he stated, “I found my family, or the beginnings of it when I traveled, it took a while for me to have any blood family that mattered to me. Though that was mainly because I didn’t know they were out there,” he sighed, “Even Maddie and I are now trying to build a relationship. She’s… not happy with me for putting the word out about Doug, but if she wants to be safe, she needs to warn others. I’m taking no chances with the safety of my family or the Home and the children and people within it.”

“Agreed,” Eddie said with a firm nod.

“We–” Hen began as the alarm sounded and they were called to a house fire, with Micheals staying behind.

Chapter Nine

New Year had been spent on shift, getting called to parties that had gotten out of control. Firework mishaps and more. It was the same each New Year. Nothing much changed from year to year. The only good thing that they had on that day was that Doug had tried to get into the Home to find Maddie. It hadn’t worked and since Cid and a few others had been there, they had been able to subdue the man before he had left, waiting for the cops. He had been arrested and charged, about to be flown back to Hershey to face the charges that awaited him there.

Maddie had been relieved that he had been caught, and the feeling of freedom that it had given her. She looked at her brother, the day after Doug had been caught, wanting to talk to him about what she wanted to do next. “Evan,” she smiled at him.

“Maddie,” he smiled back, hugging her, “I know that you are happy about Doug being caught. What do you plan to do next?” he asked her, sitting down.

“I’m not sure. I’m filing for divorce, that’s been in the cards for a while since I got here,” she sighed, “I’ve been thinking about what I want to do next. Aunt Amelia has been helping me, but I’m just not sure what I want to do with that,” she rubbed at her face.

“I would try and finish therapy first, get that done, then you can decide what you want to do, free from what Doug and anyone else wanted. I would love it if you stayed around, I know it would be great for Leyna and Chris to have an Auntie around,” he added.

Maddie groaned, “It’s a reason to stay, I have to admit. I just… I don’t know what I want to do. You, Aunt Amelia, and Uncle Terry have been a great help to me since I got here. I know I was… a bitch when I arrived. I was running scared and thought if I was forceful enough you would cave and I would be safe. Instead, you did what you needed to, and it led to this,” she said, gesturing into the air, “You… got him arrested, he’s going to be charged and I will only have to testify against him about the charges I want brought against him,” she told him.

“Well, take your time and decide,” he told her, “And you were being an entitled… bitch,” he said with a little smirk and shrug.

“I really was,” she laughed bitterly, “I’m sorry about that, I am,” she said softly, shaking her head, “I’ve been talking to my therapist a lot since I started. Three sessions a week. I really didn’t think I needed any, you were right to push me.”

“I’m just happy that you’re sticking to it and it’s helping you. I know it’s not for everyone, but I’m happy for you,” he told her, “And take the time to recover before you head off for the great unknown. Maybe even find a job for a bit, settle, and see what life has to offer here. If you find, when everything is over that it isn’t for you, I’ll help you find another place, I’ve been around you know,” he told her, grinning, “There are plenty of cities and towns out there that you could go to and get a nursing job as soon as you qualify for that state,” he added.

“I’ll think about that,” she promised him, “Now, are you ready for the 4th?” she asked him, grinning at the thought of her niece’s first birthday.

“I am,” he told her, “I expect to see you at Abuela’s bright and early.”

“I will, now, tell me how things are going with Eddie,” she asked, hoping to get a little gossip from her brother.

“Well,” he said as he began to tell her about the situation with Dana and how his proposal was stopped, that he planned to try again another day.

XxXxX

Four days after the start of the New Year, it was Leyna’s first birthday. She was now crawling around like a champ and enjoying the little bit of freedom that she had. Isabel had done up her garden, ready to spend time with her great-granddaughter. Maddie had arrived bright and early, like she had promised, helping the elderly woman in decorating her garden. People began to arrive, family and close friends coming to celebrate the birthday. Josephine smiled as she and Bobby were cooking, with Isabel coming in and making sure they were doing as she instructed.

Eddie, Evan, Christopher, and Leyna were the last ones to arrive. Having been given the wrong time so that they wouldn’t feel compelled to rush around helping when they should be celebrating their daughter’s first year.

“Where is my bisnieta?” Isabel cooed as she went over to the family.

Leyna squealed as she saw her, waving her arms and holding them out for the elderly woman to take her from her papa.

“Well,” Evan said as he let Leyna go to her great-grandmother, “I see where I’m ranked at the moment.”

“Always behind, Bisabuela,” Christopher sassed as he followed Isabel, with promises of cookies.

Eddie snorted, “Come on, let’s go and greet everyone before we try and steal Leyna back,” he stated.

The two made the rounds before they were finally able to get their daughter back, and a sugar-loaded Christopher. Gifts were brought out, and Leyna, with a little help from her brother, was able to tear into them. Though when all was said and done, she preferred playing with the ripped-up paper than the toys she had been gifted.

“Ah, what child doesn’t love the brightly colored paper,” Bobby laughed as he watched the one-year-old grab the paper as she crawled. She looked like she was on a mission to get as many pieces as possible.

“Chris was the same, we got him some great toys, and what did he want to play with, the box it came in,” Eddie snorted, shaking his head, “I think that was the case for the first three birthdays he had.”

“That’s because my bisnieto has a great imagination,” Isabel huffed at him, smiling as Leyna squealed and grabbed the paper that Christopher was offering to her.

“We have a wedding coming soon, what are the plans for the children?” Josephina asked as she glanced over at Xiaoli and Josh.

“We’re having kids around, wouldn’t be right without them,” Josh said, “And trust me, I never thought I would say that. When my friends started having children, I was glad that I could give them back at the end of an hour or so. I have to say, being at Second Chance has changed that a lot for me,” he said, “being with Xiaoli has changed that a lot,” he added looking at his fiance and soon-to-be husband.

“You really did, I remember when you first learned that I lived and worked at Second Chance, you thought I was just a simple firefighter,” Xiaoli said, laughing lightly, “When I first brought you around, and the kids met you.”

“And I got grilled by Joshie and we figured out the name thing,” Josh said, snorting as he looked at the nine, almost ten-year-old.

“That was a fun day,” Xiaoli commented, “But we’ve got everything ready, all the research that we’ve poured into finding what we wanted,” he shook his head, “We have binders, that we are now happy to pass along to Bobby and Athena,” he added.

“Which I thank you for,” Bobby said, “We’ve found a few things in there that have given us a good idea of what we want. We don’t want something large, just a few close friends and family of course.”

“As long as my mother doesn’t get hold of it,” Athena said, “She’s not too sure about me marrying again, and to a firefighter this time,” she said with a roll of her eyes. Beatrice Carter was a force to be recorded with on a good day, on a bad, it was batten down the hatches and find the nearest tornado shelter. At least according to Athena.

“Well, we’re hoping to have this all planned before she even enters the state of California,” Bobby added as Athena nodded from beside him, leaning against him, “With the binders, we’ve got a few places to call, and we’ve been thinking about a date. We don’t want a long engagement either, neither of us want that,” he added, glancing down at Athena.

“I’d marry you tomorrow at the courthouse if you let me,” she told him.

Bobby snorted, “I know you would, but I think we might have people that would kill us if we did that,” he paused for a moment, “I really do think Brooke and May would kill us.”

“Hmm, those two are set on being bridesmaids,” Athena nodded, “They’ve even been looking at dresses and such and what would work,” she snorted. “I think they pulled Elaine into it as well since I know they’ve been calling her.”

“If they pulled Captain Maynard in, chances are they got to Hen as well,” Evan mentioned, smirking as Athena gave a huff.

“True,” she nodded, “True, I think I’m going to have to sit them all down and make sure they are not going to go overboard with anything. I want something simple. The wedding I had to Michael was a production and a half thanks to both of our parents.”

Leyna squealed, getting everyone’s attention. “I think someone wants some cuddles,” Evan said as he reached down to the little girl and picked her up. She flopped against him, already yawning.

“How is she doing now?” Athena asked, not having much chance to see her.

“She’s doing a lot better but still has problems with the light at times. But it isn’t as bad as it was,” Evan answered, “She crawled, and we’re hoping that she’ll get around to walking soon, she’s not pulling herself up, but that doesn’t really mean much, it could be that she’s just getting used to getting around by crawling. Her eating is going well. Just before the new year, we were able to get rid of the feeding tube, which we’re happy about. She’s eating properly, but still needs a bottle at times.”

“Which is why I have a nice simple cake for the little Angel,” Isabel said as she walked over with the small slice that she had gotten for Leyna, for her papa to give to her.

“Thank you, Abuela,” Evan smiled at her, as he took it, “I think she might be a little tired at the moment,” he added as Leyna just snuggled into his shirt and whined a little.

“If you need to put her down for a sleep, I have the spare room already set up for her,” she told him, “Now, everyone, come and get cake and food,” she ordered, giving a gentle clap of her hands.

“I’ll get you something,” Eddie said as he leaned over and kissed Evan before getting up.

“Thanks,” he said, as mostly everyone left him alone with a barely awake Leyna.

“It’s been a good party,” Maddie said as she walked over to her brother, “I forgot how a family should be. I loved spending time with my friends, just for that little bit of normal,” she told him, sitting down on the grass by him, “That they are there for you, love you unconditionally, and will do all they can to lift you up. Mom and Dad never did that. I looked at the past, with Daniel, and it’s taken therapy to see that they were still the same even back then. But they had what they believed was their perfect life with one girl and one boy. They didn’t really love us, we were an image that they presented to their friends,” she sighed.

“It was always about image. When you left, they bragged that you were at college, when they learned about Doug, they bragged about that. At least until they met him, he wasn’t the sort they wanted to be linked with. Which is why they basically threw you out. They made it known to me that they wanted me gone as soon as you left for college. It was the little things at first. Leaving me alone at home. I was ten when they first did that. They were gone a week that first time, but it got longer and longer. They got nabbed the once, thinking it was only for a while during the day that they were gone, when it had been the end of two weeks. They got a telling-off from the cops. They started making sure I had money after that,” he told her, finally telling her a lot of what their parents had done to him when he was growing up.

“I never knew,” Maddie whispered, “How much did I miss Evan?” she asked him.

“Maddie, you were a teenager, I get it, you had a life of your own to live. When you lied to Grandma about it all, that was what I didn’t understand. They hated me and made it known since I was nine.” he stated, “You could have changed that for me. So why didn’t you?” he asked her, needing to know to make sense of why his life was as bad as it was after she had gone.

Maddie sighed, “it’s taken a few sessions to figure out why,” she told him, as people started to wander back, “When Daniel died, my life felt empty, adrift almost. Like a part of me was missing, and it was. But I had this little brother that we had named together, that we both adored and I wanted you where I could see you whenever I wanted. To remind myself that Daniel existed, that he loved me and you, and that I loved him. You were my reminder of our brother and in a good way. I remember talking to him late at night about all the things he wanted to show you. How to play catch, ride a bike, all of that.”

“All the things you taught me,” Evan murmured.

“Yes, and all the things he would never get to do, like drive,” she said softly as Eddie handed Evan a plate and sat down.

“Which you came back to teach me,” he frowned, “you were keeping a promise to him.”

“Yes,” she told him, “But I selfishly wanted you to be where I could easily get to you. I shouldn’t have done that, I should have realized what they were doing. But I wanted you there, at home, where I knew you were not on the other side of the country where I wouldn’t be able to see you.” She was shaking her head, “Not that I got a chance to see you much with Doug,” she said bitterly. “But I can admit, I lied saying you were fine, that Grandma was the problem. I see now that was the worst thing I could do to you, keep you in a place where you weren’t loved. You may not have remembered her, but you loved her the times you got to see her.”

Evan nodded, “It hurts.”

“And it should,” she told him, “I made mistakes in my wishes, but I should have thought of you instead of just me. I will regret that for a long time to come. To know I robbed you of being with someone that would have raised you with love.”

“You raised me with love.”

“I did for those first few years, but you should have been raised like that all of your life,” she told him, reaching over and squeezing a hand, “Now, no more, we’ll talk again another time, this is a happy day to celebrate my niece, and you being an amazing dad.”

“Okay,” he nodded as he began to eat and chatter starting up about other things, Maddie leaning against her brother’s leg as Christopher went over to her and settled beside her.

 

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