"I'm fine Abby," he said yawning and ran a hand over his tired face. His aquamarine eyes were glazed over with sleep and his head soon began to nod again as he drove.

"For Christ's sake Jacob," Abigail yelled snapping him out of his stolen slumber once again. "You're going get us killed."

"Do you wanna drive," he grumbled as his eyes briefly lost their focus and then came back again. He looked at his wife, her amber green eyes were also glossy with sleep, but she seemed to be more awake than he was at the moment. Her flawless complexion now had purplish bags under her eyes. Reaching out he caressed her cheek. She closed her eyes and leaned into his touch. "I'm sorry darling. I just want to get home to the kids."

Abigail was about to reply when the honking of a loud horn made her eyes snap wide open. "TRUCK," was all she could scream.

Jacob spun the steering wheel to avoid the eighteen wheeler that was headed for them, but the road was slippery with ice and there was nothing he could have done to stop the car now. The truck driver tried desperately to get a handle on the huge speeding vehicle, but his tires slipped on the ice and in an instant the tiny car collided with the truck head on.

Jacob and Abigail's last thoughts before they fell into blackness were of their children. We can't leave the children Abigail thought desperately fighting off the blackness, but eventually she weakened and it overtook her.

Hannah looked at the clock on the mantle as the doorbell rang. It was just after midnight. "Who would be here this late," she mumbled as she set aside the book she had been reading and answered the door. "Jared," she said as her heart jumped into her throat. The solemn look the state trooper wore meant something bad had happened to her parents. She had argued with them on the phone when they told her that they were driving home from New York that night. The trip was more than eighteen hours straight and she had the worst feeling in the pit of her stomach all night.

"Hannah," he said softly. "I'm sorry to have to tell you this. Your mom and dad had just gotten within state lines when....they slipped on the ice and...." Hannah couldn't even bear to hear all the details. "They were hit head on......your father died on impact....you mother is at County General." By this time Hannah had backed up against the wall opposite the door as fat tear drops slid down her cheeks. She slid to the floor and pulled her knees to her chest as she began to sob.

"Hannah," Joshua called coming down the stairs and seeing his older sister sobbing.

"Josh," Jared said softly. "It's your parents. They've been in a bad accident."

"You need to stay with the others. I have to go stay with mom," Hannah said pulling herself together. Joshua nodded mutely as he watched his older sister grab her jacket and follow Jared out to his patrolcar.

"I'll call Shan," Joshua called to Hannah as she got into the car. She gave him a pained look and then nodded.

"Shan you got a call from Joshua. He sounds pretty upset," Matt said. Jeff looked up a little surprised as did Shannon. Shannon ran to the phone to find out what was wrong with his baby brother.

"Josh," he gasped into the reciever. "What's wrong?"

"It's mom and dad," Josh said as tears poured down his face. "They've been in an accident."

"How is mom," Shannon asked.

"Hannah went to go see her," Josh managed to choke out. "I'm with the kids." Shannon heard a strangled sob. "Shan dad's dead."

"No he isn't," Shannon said. "Jacob is dead. He was never our dad."

"He was never your dad," Joshua fumed. "Jacob was the only father I ever had and now he's gone."

"I'm not here to argue," Shannon said with a sigh. "Tell Hannah that I'm on my way home." With that he hung up the phone.

"What's going on," Matt, Jeff and Shane all asked seeing how upset Shannon was.

"My mom and step-dad were in an accident," Shannon replied. "Jacob's dead. Hannah's at the hospital with mom. I have to get home. Josh is alone with the other kids."

"Go," Jeff said. "We'll explain to Vince."

Shannon nodded and ran to grab his bag and jacket. An hour later he was on a plane headed for home. He ran a hand through his hair and sighed. Home. That was a place he had never intended to see again, especially after the huge blowout he had with Jacob when he left five years ago. Jacob isn't a problem anymore now is he he thought and then his thoughts turned to his mother and poor Hannah having to be the one by her side. The last time he had seen his sister they had had a fight because he was leaving them. Poor Hannah. Always the peacemaker between me and our step-father. He sighed deeply and closed his eyes, resting during the flight.

When Shannon arrived at home he was greeted by Jared. "Long time no see man," Jared said smiling.

"Cut the formalities," Shannon said. "Take me to see my mother."

"It broke her heart when you left Shannon," Jared said as he led the younger man to his patrol car.

"Let's get one thing straight, Jacob Myers was no saint. I left because he wanted me to leave." The drive to the hospital was silent.

"Here we are. She's in room 105," Jared said. "I'll drop off your stuff with Josh." Shannon nodded and took a deep breath before heading into the hospital. After being directed to room 105 he stood staring at the closed door for a moment, summoning the courage to face the family he had walked out on years before. Finally he gently knocked on the door and Hannah answered it.

"So you finally came home," she said shortly. "Not the kind of homecoming you wanted I bet."

"Hannah," Abigail said weakly. "Who is it?"

"It's Shannon mama," he said going to her bedside and taking her hand. "I came home to be with you." She smiled up at him and it was then that he realized that she was not seeing him. She was simply looking in the direction his voice came from. He looked to Hannah for an explaination. She motioned him out into the hall. "I'll be right back mama." Abigail smiled and nodded, letting his hand go.

Hannah glared at him a moment before she sighed and began to tell him their mother's injuries. "She's had head trauma. They're not sure if the blindness is permanent or not. She also has internal bleeding. She's about to go into sugery soon. They need to stop the bleeding or she'll die."

As Hannah spoke a transporter and nurse went into Abigail's room and got her onto the stretcher. "Wait a second," Shannon said to them as they wheeled his mother out of the room. "Mama," he said taking her hand. "I love you. I'm gonna be right here until you come back." Abigail smiled and nodded weakly. "Mama....I'm sorry." He kissed her cheek and watched as they wheeled her onto the elevator.

"I can't believe you had the nerve to show up here," Hannah said as she took a seat in the day room.

"She's my mother too Hannah," Shannon said sitting down.

"She wasn't your mother when you walked out on us five years ago," Hannah said, her amber green eyes daring him to reply.

"I had to leave," Shannon said. "Jacob didn't want me there."

"Because you and your moron friends wrecked all the furniture in the house and the backyard."

"We were following our dreams," Shannon said jumping to his feet. "You know what...I can't do this. Not tonight Hannah. Our mother was in an accident and is fighting for her life."

"So was our father," Hannah replied.

"Jacob was not our father," Shannon fumed. "He never was and he never will be."

"He was the only father that Joshua and I can remember Shannon. Whether you realize it or not he loved you too."

"How can you say that," Shannon snorted.

"Because after you left he was so depressed. He loved you Shannon, just as much as he loved Josh and I. Believe what you want to believe, but he did." Shannon just stared at her unable to say anything. "Now can I have a hug," she finally said with a small smile. "I've missed my big brother." Shannon smiled and pulled her into an embrace.

They had just finished their hug when a doctor, still clad in surgical scrubs walked into the day room. "Shannon and Hannah Moore?" They nodded. "I'm afraid there's no way to say this gently. Your mother's bleeding was extensive. We tried our best to find the bleeder and tie it off, but when we did one another one seemed to start. I'm very sorry, but your mother died on the table."

Shannon felt Hannah's knees buckle and he held onto her so that she didn't fall. She buried her face in his shoulder and sobbed while Shannon just blinked back his tears. "What will we do now Shan," Hannah sobbed.

"It'll be all right," Shannon said choking on his own tears. "I'm here now and I'll take care of you and the kids. I promise that. It's what mama would have wanted." He continued to hold her as she sobbed.

Shannon sat on the living room couch later that night. He had helped Hannah up to bed and told Joshua the news. He had to admit that it felt good to see his siblings again, he only wished it could have been under better circumstance.

Trudging upstairs he checked on all the kids and then went to the master bedroom to get some sleep. Laying down on the bed and staring at the family portrait above the headboard, the last one he had ever been in, he closed his eyes as the tears began to flow again. Soon he fell into a dreamless sleep.

Shannon was awakened the next morning by a blood curdling screech and the sound of Hannah and Joshua arguing with someone. Jumping out of bed and headed down the stairs. He stopped on the last step when he saw little Jordan struggling in the arms of a stern looking man while Hannah and Joshua yelled at him.

"What's going on here," Shannon asked taking the screaming child from the man and quieting her.

"My name is John Davis," the man said. "I'm with child welfare. Who are you?"

"Shannon Moore," Shannon said handing Jordan to Joshua. "I'm Abigail Myers' oldest son. What's going on here."

"I have been trying to explain to Hannah and Joshua that it's my job to take the younger children into custody and place them in foster homes until they can be adopted."

"You can't do that," Shannon said angrily. "Who says you can just rip my family apart?"

"The law sir," John replied. "The legal guardians of the children are deceased and they left no word of who will care for the children if this very situation should happen. Now if you'll excuse me...."

"No," Shannon said stepping between John and Joshua. "I will not excuse you. These 'minors' are my family and they just lost their mother and father. You will not take them away from all they have left."

"But they have no legal guardian..."

"Yes they do," Shannon said and glanced at Hannah and Joshua. "They have me. Good day sir." With that he shoved John out the door and slammed it in his face.

"You were great," Hannah squealed and jumped into Shannon's arms. "Did you really mean it? You're going to be their legal guardians? All five of them?"

"Six," Shannon said picking up Jordan and smiling at his sister. "Josh here's only sixteen last I heard. He's a minor too." Joshua groaned at the reminder and Shannon laughed. "Come on. Let's get you guys some breakfast. I got a lot of catching up to do." He took Jordan into the kitchen as Hannah and Joshua looked at each other confused.

Shannon had just set Jordan into her booster seat when Ryan stumbled into the kitchen. "Who are you," she asked when he turned around.

"Come now," Shannon said smiling. "I know you were only five when I left home, but surely you remember your older brother."

"Shannon," she said as her turquoise eyes brightened. He nodded and she ran to his awaiting arms and he scooped her up. "How come you're home?"

"I have some bad news kiddo, but you have to wait for the others to come down to breakfast," Shannon said kissing her cheek. He set her down in a chair and soon Alexander and Sydney entered the kitchen arguing and shoving one another. "Hey kids settle down," Shannon said. They both stared up at him wide eyed. "Don't be scared. I'm your older brother Shannon."

"Half brother actually," Ryan said with a smile.

"The gang's all here," Hannah said as she entered the kitchen with Elijah balanced on her hip. Joshua followed close behind.

"Where's mommy and daddy," Elijah asked as Hannah set him down in a chair next to Jordan. Hannah looked to Shannon to answer the question.

"Kids," he began. "Your mommy and daddy were in a very bad accident last night. They were hurt very badly."

"Are they in the hospital," Alexander asked.

"No," Hannah jumped in. "They were, but they were hurt very badly. Kids...they're not going to be coming home ever again."

"Were we bad? Do they hate us," Sydney asked.

"No," Joshua replied and ruffled her hair.

"Mommy and daddy are dead," Shannon said not wanting to sugar coat it anymore. Hannah glared at him for his bluntness. "The doctors tried really hard to fix them, but they were hurt so bad that they couldn't be fixed."

"This can't be," Ryan said standing up so fast that her chair toppled over. "They can't be dead," she screamed and ran up to her room, slamming her door behind her.

Hannah was about to follow her when Shannon motioned for her to let him. Hannah sighed and nodded as she turned back to her younger siblings and explained what had happened to their mother and father.

When Shannon reached Ryan's room she was face down on her bed crying her eyes out. "Ry," he said softly. "Ry come on look at me please." She wiped her eyes and sat up still hiccupping and not looking at him. Shannon sat down next to her and pulled her to him tightly.

"It's not fair," she sobbed and buried her head into his chest.

"You're right," Shannon said softly. "It's not fair at all. They were good people and this shouldn't have happened to them." He wiped her blonde curls out of her face and kissed her forehead. "Sometimes life isn't fair. But you know what?"

"What," she asked sniffling and wiping her tears away with her palms.

"You're stuck with me from now on," Shannon said. Her face immediately brightened.

"You mean...you're moving back in," she asked.

"Yup," he said and hugged her. "Now, what do you say we go downstairs and have some breakfast. I doubt Hannah's changed much since I moved away. She's probably got breakfast going for us." Ryan nodded and they went down to the kitchen, where as Shannon had predicted, Hannah was cooking up pancakes, eggs, and sausage.

"Hey you two," she said smiling when she saw Ryan with Shannon. "Better get some before it's all gone." Shannon swiped a sausage before taking a seat between Elijah and Jordan. The two youngest smiled up at him with mouthfuls of pancake and syrup.

"Feels good to be home," Shannon said smiling as Hannah placed a plate of food in front of him.

"Hannah," Shannon shouted as he fastened the buckles on Jordans black patten leather Mary Janes. His mother and step-father must not have liked dark colors on the little girl because the darkest color in her closet was a deep purple frilly dress. With reluctance he had dressed the two year old in it and put white lace trimmed ankle socks on her. Now all he needed was Hannah to fix the child's blonde curls. "Hannah," he called again.

"She's helping Sydney," Elijah said coming into Jordan's room and plopping down onto the bed next to her. Shannon glanced at the little boy and smiled. The suit he had found at the back of the three year old's closet still fit him and for that Shannon was thankful. He never thought of taking the kids out for clothes for the funeral.

Once he was done with Jordan's shoes he told her and Elijah to play nice and to try not to get dirty. Making his way to Sydney's room he stopped in the doorway and saw Hannah was all dressed. She was wearing a dress that he recognized as their mother's. It was black with wide straps and a matching jacket. Her normally straight blonde hair was pulled up in a pony tail and curled. "You look nice," he said smiling. "Jordan's all dressed, but I have no clue where to begin with her hair."

Hannah chuckled. "I'll do it. What did you put on her," she asked as she helped Sydney slip on some shoes.

"The purple dress in the back of her closet. I wasn't sure if it would fit her because it was in the back of her closet, but it did."

"That was one of mom's favorites. She only allowed Jordy to were it on special occassions," Hannah said smiling sadly.

"I guess it's appropriate then," Shannon said.

She nodded and then smiled down at her four year old sister. "All done Syd. Why don't you go see if Ryan and Alexander are ready." Sydney nodded and ran out of the bedroom. "I better go see about Jordy," Hannah said once she had put some of Sydney's things away.

"I know this is hard for you," Shannon said just before she left the room. "It's hard for me too. You know how much I loved mama."

"All I know is that you never wrote, you never called, you never sent her a birthday or Mother's day card," Hannah said. "How can I know that you loved her when you never showed it?"

"You don't see my side of this," he said. "You didn't back then and you don't now. Jacob hurt me when he gave me that ultamatum and mom hurt me even more when she backed him up. I was her oldest son for crying out loud and she took Jacob's side over mine." Hannah huffed impatiently. "I know it all seems so petty now, but I was angry. I did call Hannah. I called her every Mother's day and every birthday." Hannah shook her head in disbelief. "Think about it. Didn't she always get a call that she called a wrong number or a telemarketer?" Hannah's eyes grew wide with the memories of all those calls coming at the same time every Mother's day and birthday. "That was me Hannah. I asked her not to tell anyone it was me because I thought that Jacob might try to stop them. Now I know what I've been missing all these years that I stayed away. My home. My family. Those kids are great."

Hannah smiled. "I think you'll make up for the lost years in no time. Hell you got Jordy dressed in ten minutes. That's a record in this house. She usually takes at least an hour." Just then they heard Jordan and Elijah screech. "Speaking of the little she devil. I better go get her hair fixed. We have to leave for the funeral in just about ten minutes."

"I thought Hannah and Josh said that mommy and daddy would be here," Jordan whispered to Elijah and Sydney.

"Maybe they're in those big boxes with the flowers on them," Sydney replied.

"I wanna see," Elijah exclaimed causing the whole room to look at them.

"Kids," Hannah hissed and she placed a finger over her mouth. They all looked up at her and mumbled an apology.

"Matt, Jeff, Shane," Shannon said seeing the three men coming towards him and his siblings after the service. "What are you guys doing here?"

"You didn't think that you'd have to do this alone did you buddy," Shane said clapping Shannon on the back.

"Yeah," Jeff said. "I even went back to my natural hair color just out of respect."

"How sweet," Hannah muttered sarcastically.

"You guys remember Hannah," Shannon asked.

"I remember the little chubby kid with braces who used to follow us around like a puppy," Jeff said eying Hannah. "This can't possibly be the same Hannah."

"Up yours Hardy," Hannah said and grabbed Jordan and Elijah's hands before storming out of the room.

"Oh yeah," Matt laughed. "That's her."

"You didn't tell me your sister was so hot dude," Shane said watching her walk away.

"Dude," Shannon said smacking him. "She's my little sister."

"She's not so little anymore," Jeff chuckled.

"Did you guys come here to show respect or to molest my eighteen year old sister with your eyes?"

"Sorry," Matt said and shot Shane and Jeff looks. "We'll see you back at your house all right." Shannon nodded and waved as they walked away.

He felt someone tugging on his pant leg and turned around to see Sydney staring up at him. "What is it Syd?"

"Ryan and Alex said that mommy and daddy are rotting," she said with tears in her eyes. Shannon shot Ryan and Alexader a look.

"Well, their bodies are, but their souls are already in heaven. They're not in any pain. They're in a beautiful place," he said scooping her up. She placed her head on his shoulder and listened as he described heaven to her. He took Alexander's hand and Ryan followed Joshua as they all left for home. "There's lots of pretty rivers and lakes to swim in and those pretty flowers that mommy likes. You know the wild ones." She nodded her head. "And daddy can go ride horses all he wants and build things. So you see they're happy and you know what else?"

"What," Sydney asked.

"They love you so much," he said smiling, wondering why this was all coming so easily to him. "They love all of us more than words can describe."

"Shannon," Sydney said softly as they all got into the awaiting limo. "I'm glad you came home."

"Me too squirt," he replied and kissed her forehead. "Me too."

The reception at the house went uneventfully. Jeff, Matt and Shane had stayed as long as they could, but had to catch a flight out to California. Shannon was getting to know aunts and uncles and cousins he hadn't seen in years. Every last one of them said basically the same thing. "I can't believe they're gone." "They were such special people." "Cut down in the prime of their lives." Finally all the relartives were gone and Shannon and Hannah had gotten the kids to bed. Shannon sat on the edge of the bed in the master bedroom just staring into space. He didn't hear Hannah come in until she spoke.

"Josh told me what you said to Syd today," she said. "That was very sweet."

"It was the truth," he replied. She nodded and sighed loudly. "What's wrong?"

"I...I just don't know how we're going to make it....on our own," she said.

"You're not on your own," Shannon said. "You have me and we have each other and that's all we need."

"Did you really mean what you said? That you were moving back in," she asked.

"Yeah," he replied. "I just need to sell my house and put some things in storage and then I'll be here for good."

"God help us," Hannah laughed. "Night Shanny."

"Night Hannah," Shannon said smiling at the nickname she used to call him when they were younger. With a sigh he got under the covers and again fell asleep staring at the the family portrait above the bed.

"Are you sure you really want to sell this place," Jeff asked as he helped Shannon pack his clothes into boxes. "I mean...you had some pretty wild nights here."

"I have responsibilities now Jeff," Shannon said shove some books into a box. "I have kids who depend on me."

"They're not your kids," Jeff said with a chuckle. "Lighten up man."

"They might as well be mine," Shannon replied. "You won't understand it until you have kids depending on you Jeff."

"I think it's great that you've stepped up like this," Matt said as he and Shane carried boxes from the bedroom into the living room.

"You would," Jeff muttered. Matt shot him a look.

Just then Shannon's cell phone rang. Looking at the Caller ID he quickly answered. "Hannah, Josh? What's wrong," he asked worriedly. Matt, Shane and Jeff all watched as he breathed a sigh of relief. He hung up the phone and smiled at his friends. "Hannah wants me to pick up some dinner on the way back to the house. She doesn't want to cook."

"You would have thought someone had a limb torn off by the way you answered the phone," Shane laughed.

"I worry about them," Shannon said tucking his phone back into his pocket. "Is that a crime?"

"Not at all. Come on," Matt said smiling as he clapped Shannon on the back. "Let's get your stuff loaded into the truck so that you can get dinner for those kids."

"Guess who's home," Shannon called as he lugged in the bags of food.

"Shannon," Sydney, Elijah and Jordan all squealed as they ran to him and hugged his legs, the only part that they were tall enough to reach on him. He laughed and tried desperately to keep his balance. "Little help," he called laughing. Ryan and Alexander came to take the bags into the kitchen. Hannah and Joshua were setting the table when Shannon entered the kitchen carrying Sydney on his shoulders and Elijah and Jordan dangling from either arm.

Hannah giggled and took Jordan, placing her in her booster seat and Joshua did the same with Elijah. "Looks like you've adjusted to the kids all right," Hannah said smiling as Shannon sat Sydney down and took a seat himself.

"What's to adjust to," Shannon said filling his plate. "You're all my family." Shannon saw Hannah's eyes tear up as she turned her back to him to grab some napkins from the counter. He reached out and squeezed her hand to let her know that things were going to be all right. She squeezed his hand back and took a seat to help Jordan cut her food.

"Hannah," Shannon said as she washed dishes and he dried.

"Hmmm," she replied as she handed him a dish.

"Well, Christmas is coming up in a couple of weeks and...I was wonderfing if you could help me pick out some gifts for the kids sometime this week."

"You don't have to play Santa," she said smiling. "Mom and dad stashed a bunch of stuff in the attic."

"I thought they might," he replied. "I still want to get them something. I have a lot of years to make up for."

"All right," Hannah said with a laugh. "I suppose I could do some last minute shopping myself." She shut the water off and set the last wet dish in front of him. "So, did you get everything all settled with your house?"

He nodded and sighed. "The for sale sign is in the front lawn and Jeff and Shane were cleaning the floors and windows when I left."

"Shane and Jeff? Cleaning," Hannah said making a face. "Well, you might as well invite them over for Christmas," she said with a sigh.

"Jeff and Matt are spending Christmas with their dad and grandmother," Shannon said smiling. "Shane's going away with his girlfriend until after the new year. Face it kid," he teased. "You're stuck with me and just me." Hannah giggled and shoved him playfully.

"Come on," she said smiling. "It's movie night. If we can get the kids to bed early we can get up early and shop while Josh watches them." They settled in to watch Monsters, Inc. and then put all the kids to bed before going to bed themselves.

"This place is a madhouse," Shannon muttered as he fought his way through the packed toy store.

"Did you expect anything less four days before Christmas," Hannah replied.

"Why don't you pick out some toys and stuff that the little ones will like," Shannon called to her. "I have a couple of things that I need to pick up alone." She nodded and watched as he left the toy store. Wonder what he's up to she thought.

Shannon made his way down the mall to the jewelry store and smiled. He had had a vague idea of what to get for Hannah when he entered the mall this morning, but their trip past this jewelry store on the way to the toy store made his idea more concrete. As they passed he noticed that Hannah had gone to the window and gazed longingly at a beautiful gold butterfly pendant. He remembered that she had always wanted it, but their parents had never been able to afford it. Smiling he made his way into the store and waited as the woman behind the counter helped an elderly couple buying a present for their grandchild.

"May I help you," the woman asked when the couple had left.

"Yes," Shannon said smiling. "I'd like the gold butterfly pendant you have in the window."

"Lovely choice," she said and went to the window display. "Your girlfriend is an awfully lucky woman this Christmas."

Shannon smiled politely and shook his head no. "It's for my sister. She's wanted it for so long and now I can finally afford to get it for her."

"That's so sweet," she replied. "I heard about your mother and step-father. I'm very sorry."

"I'm sorry," Shannon said now taking a closer look at the woman. "Do I know you?"

She chuckled and sighed. "Nice to know our time together in high school was so memorable."

Shannon took another look at her, it was then that he recognized the sparkling blue eyes and the lilting voice. "Morgan," he asked. She nodded and smiled. "I haven't seen you in years. You've dyed your hair."

"Yeah," she replied smiling. "I take it Hannah's going to have a big surprise under the tree this year."

"She deserves it," Shannon said. "She really stepped up when mom and Jacob died."

"So," Morgan said after an awkward silence. "Shall I wrap this up?" Shannon nodded and watched as she placed the butterfly in a gift box and wrapped it in shiny green paper.

"Listen," he said softly. "I want to apologize for the way I left things between us."

"No need," she replied with a smile. "You needed to follow your dream and that didn't include me. I'm over it now." She tied a silver and metallic red bow around the box and handed it to Shannon. "Don't be a stranger now that you're back in town. I took over mom and dad's house when they moved to Florida. My number's still the same. Give me a call some time and we'll get together for some coffee or something. Ya know, catch up on things."

"Won't your boyfriend get mad that you're spending time with an ex?"

"He would if there was one," she replied smiling. "I've recently been placed back on the market."

"I'm sorry to hear that," he replied. "Well, you'll probably be spending the holidays with your parents then."

"Actually they've decided to spend the holidays in Europe this year," Morgan replied. "An early Christmas present from my pain in the ass brother."

Shannon chuckled remembering that her older brother had always been quite obnoxious. "Well, then I insist that you come over my place and spend Christmas with my family," he said before he could even think about second guessing himself.

"Well, if you insist," she replied smiling. "When should I come over?"

"How about Christmas Eve? You can stay overnight."

"Do you really think that's a good idea," she asked doubtfully.

"No one should wake up alone on Christmas morning," Shannon replied. "I won't take no for an answer."

"All right," she replied. "I'll see you on Christmas Eve." Shannon smiled wide and thanked her for her help before leaving the jewelry store.

"You were awfully chummy with the sales lady in there," Hannah teased, seeing the dreamy look on Shannon's face.

"It's Morgan," he replied. "My girlfriend from high school. Remember her?" Hannah smiled and nodded. She had liked Morgan a lot back then. "I invited her over on Christmas Eve. She was going to spend Christmas alone."

"How charitable of you," Hannah teased. "Come on Romeo. I saw some things we could get for Josh." She grabbed his arm and dragged him to a sporting goods store. "I suppose you'll need a gift for Morgan now too." He smiled and nodded as his eyes went back to the jewelry store.

When Hannah and Shannon got home they hid the gifts in the attic and Hannah made up an excuse to get herself and Joshua out of the house, claiming that she had forgotten something at the mall and needed Joshua to help her with it.

"What on earth do you need help with," Joshua demanded when they had pulled out of the driveway.

"Do you remember Morgan Peterson," Hannah replied.

"Shannon's high school girlfriend," Joshua asked. Hannah nodded. "Isn't she working at the Jewel Hut at the mall?" Hannah nodded again. "So? What's she have to do with anything?"

"Shannon ran into her today and invited her over Christmas Eve," Hannah replied. "He said it was because she would be alone for Christmas."

"But you think he still has a thing for her huh," Joshua asked.

"I know he does," Hannah replied. "You didn't see how happy he looked after they had spoken."

"So? Where are you going with this," Joshua asked.

She had just parked outside a pawn shop and smiled at him. "The day that Shannon left home," Hannah said taking her keys out of the ignition. "I followed him. He came here and pawned an engagement ring. He was going to propose to Morgan, but the blow up with Jacob changed his plans and he broke up with her instead."

"So?"

"Don't you have one romantic bone in your body," Hannah huffed. "He didn't want to break up with her. He was upset and didn't want any reason to come back here. Seeing Morgan again made him realize how much he still loved her."

"You got that from some stupid grin he was wearing after they talked," Joshua asked with a laugh. "I think you need your head examined."

"Did you bring your money with you," Hannah grumbled.

"Yeah," Josh replied. "A whopping hundred bucks."

"Good. With what I have left over from shopping we should just have enough to get it," Hannah said getting out of the car.

"And what will we do once we have it," Joshua asked.

"Give Shannon a chance to make things right," Hannah replied. Joshua rolled his eyes, but followed her into the pawn shop.

"You guys get what you needed," Shannon asked when Hannah and Joshua entered the house.

Hannah smiled and nodded. "Where are the kids?"

"Playing in the yard," Shannon said motioning to the back of the house. "I was just heading out there to keep an eye on them when you guys came home."

"Oh," Hannah said, unable to control the smile curling her lips.

"What's up with you," Shannon asked suspiciously.

Unable to control her excitement anymore she pulled the small velvet box out of her purse. Shannon's eyes widened in disbelief. He hadn't seen that box in years. "Josh and I got it for you so you can give it to Morgan," she said opening the box.

Shannon sighed and turned away as his heart began to ache like it had the day he pawned that ring. "How did you know about that," he asked unable to look at Hannah or the ring.

"I followed you when you left home that day," she replied. "Take it. You can ask Morgan to marry you now."

"No," Shannon said, his eyes boring holes into her. "I can't just pick up where things left off Hannah. We don't live in a fucking romance novel. No one lives happily ever after Hannah. You're eighteen years old, you should grow the fuck up." Hannah flinched with every mean word he said. It was as if his words were slapping her across the face. He grabbed his jacket and slammed the door behind him, without even a second glance at his sister.

Dropping the velvet box to the ground, Hannah ran upstairs to her room and slammed the door. Moments later Joshua, who had been watching the whole scene unfold, heard her sobbing. With a deep sigh he went to check on the kids in the back and brought them in the house. Leaving Ryan in charge he went up to check on Hannah.

Shannon found himself walking down the block, not paying attention to anything. He soon found his way to the park that he and Morgan used to take walks in all the time. He closed his eyes and could still hear her laughter as he pushed her on the swings in the playground. Then his mind flashed to the day he left. He remembered meeting Morgan after the fight with Jacob.

"I'm leaving," he said breathlessly.

"Leaving? Where will you go," Morgan asked, confusion in her blue eyes.

"I don't know, but I can't stay here. Jacob is fucking insane. He wants me to go to college."

"Is that so bad," she asked. "If you went to college we could still be together."

"Come with me," he said. "Come with me and then we can be together and travel."

"You know I can't," she said softly.

"I need to follow my dream Morgan," he said sadly. "I can't do that here."

"I know," she said tears springing to her eyes. "Goodbye Shannon Moore. I'll never forget you." She kissed his cheek and before he could pull the velvet box out of his pocket she was gone.

Shannon wiped his face and realized he had been crying. How could she have just given up on their relationship like that? Didn't she have faith that they could survive a long distance relationship?

With a sigh Shannon wiped the final tear away and mumbled, "Guess that's something to ask her Christmas Eve."

"Hannah Bear," Joshua said softly as he entered her room. She was lying face down on the bed and he could tell she was sobbing into her pillow. "Hannah. Come on. Don't let Shannon get to you. He's a jerk. You always knew that."

"But he was so different the past couple of weeks," she choked out as she sat up to face him. "I thought that he had changed."

"In some ways he has," Joshua said sitting down next to her and pulling her into his arms. "In other ways he's the same jerk that abandoned us years ago."

"Christmas is going to be ruined if he's still in that mood," she sobbed. "I was hoping that the kids could enjoy it without mom and Jacob, but now I don't think they will."

"They'll have a blast like they do every year," Josh said. "We'll have a blast. We'll just ignore Shannon."

She looked up at him and smiled. "Hey I'm the older one here. I'm supposed to be saying these things."

"Maybe you're rubbing off on me," Joshua said with smile. "Go wash your face and come on downstairs. The kids are picking out movies to watch." Hannah nodded and went to wash her face.

Just when Joshua got to the bottom of the stairs Shannon entered the house. "Back to bite someone else's head off," he asked him.

"Josh," Shannon began, but faltered. "Is she up in her room?"

"You're not going near her," Joshua said. "You said some really mean shit to her. You can't just waltz back into our lives and expect fights to be fixed with an I'm sorry and a hug. You were down right cruel to Hannah."

"I know," Shannon said hanging his head in shame. "I was a real ass to her. I don't blame her or you if you never forgive me, but..." He sighed. "Nevermind."

"But what," Hannah's soft voice cut the silence.

"My past with Morgan is still an open wound," Shannon said. "I was going to propose to her, but when she found out that I was leaving town she broke up with me." He sighed loudly. "I...I've never gotten over her and seeing the ring brought it all back."

"I had no idea," Hannah said softly. "Shan...I'm..."

"Don't," Shannon said. "You had no way of knowing. I love you guys, but please stay out of my personal life. If things with Morgan are meant to be then they will be, but please don't interfere."

"I promise," Hannah said and hugged him. "Just don't yell at me anymore kay?"

"That's a deal," Shannon said smiling as he hugged her back. "Josh? Am I forgiven?"

"No," Josh said seriously. "But I'll let this slide for now. If you ever make Hannah Bear cry again you'll be in for a world class ass kicking."

"I really appreciate you taking Dominic for Christmas, Antonio," Morgan said as she handed her ex the child's bag.

"Why shouldn't the little guy be with his daddy for the holiday," Antonio replied as he kissed his son's cheek. Neither one looked each other in the eyes. "Oh. Before I forget," he said disappearing into the apartment and coming back a couple of minutes later. "I got you this before we broke up and...well...I want you to have it."

Morgan took the small gift box and forced a smile. "There's a gift for you in Dom's bag," she said softly. "I want you to have it. You have fun with daddy sweetheart."

"Morgan," Antonio said before she could turn around and leave. "I wish things could have turned out different."

"Me too," she said half smiling. "It still hurts, but not as much as living a lie did. Merry Christmas Antonio." With that she went back to her car.

Sliding in behind the wheel she looked down at the delicately wrapped present Antonio had given her. With a sigh she pulled off the bright green ribbon and tore off the paper. With another sigh she opened the long velvet box and gasped. Inside the box, atop cotton batting, sat a thin gold chain with a pendant that read World's Greatest Mother. Tears came to her eyes as she gazed down at the gift. Despite all of their quarrels and feeble attempts to stay together Antonio truly was a wonderfully caring man. He knew exactly how to touch her heart even when they wouldn't be a couple anymore. It was then that she was glad she had decided to keep Antonio as a friend. Putting on the necklace she tucked it into her sweater and went to Shannon's house.

When the doorbell rang Shannon took a deep breath and answered the door. It took all of his willpower not to pull the angel standing before him into his arms and kiss her long and hard. Morgan's brown curls were piled on top of her head in a messy bun. Her eyes sparkled like sapphires and she smiled wide. "Merry Christmas," she said cheerfully.

Shannon suddenly found his voice, "Merry Christmas to you too. Come on in." He helped her remove her coat and hung it in the hall closet, admiring the way her pale blue sweater hugged in all the right places. His eyes trailed down her slim frame to take in her slender hips encased in denim and her feet clad in white running shoes.

"Morgan," Hannah said smiling as she entered the living room with a trail of children behind her, she was carrying a tray of Christmas cookies fresh from the oven. "Merry Christmas. Care for a cookie?" Morgan smiled and picked up a tree.

"I made that one," Elijah said smiling up at her.

"And it's the best cookie I've ever tasted," Morgan said as she ate the cookie.

Hannah handed the plate over to Shannon and grabbed Morgan's bag. "Come on. I'll show you were we stuck ya for the night." Morgan laughed and followed Hannah up the stairs.

"You'll be bunking with me," Hannah said as she dropped Morgan's bag onto the floor by her bed. "I know it looks small, but Shannon wouldn't hear of you sleeping on the couch.

"He's a sweet guy," Morgan replied smiling at the younger woman.

Hannah's expression grew serious and she closed the door. "Morgan," she said biting her lip. "Can I ask you a terribly personal question?"

"I suppose so," Morgan said taking a seat on Hannah's bed. Hannah sat down next to her still biting her lip. "What's wrong Hannah?"

"You don't have to answer this question if you don't want to," Hannah began. "Why did you and Shannon break up?"

"Aren't we the curious one," Morgan said smiling. "I don't think that there's a simple answer to that Hannah."

"He was going to propose," Hannah blurted out and immediately regretted it. She saw the pain in Morgan's blue eyes the moment the words had escaped.

"Did he tell you that," Morgan asked forcing her mind to remember that day. "Because from what I was hearing he was pushing me away."

"No," Hannah said. "He was. I have the ring. He hocked it after you broke up with him and Josh and I bought it back." Hannah grabbed the box from her desk and showed it to Morgan. "You...you pushed him away before he could push you away didn't you?"

"I knew he would never want to come back here once he started working as a wrestler," Morgan said, her eyes tearing up. "I refused to sit here and let my heart break over the one who got away. So, I broke things off with him. He went his way and I went mine."

"You hurt him, Morgan. He's still hurting all these years later," Hannah said.

"This was a mistake," Morgan said standing and grabbing her bag. "I should have stayed home."

"No," Hannah said taking the bag from her. "I just...I recently realized why Shannon's been the way he is all these years and...Morgan please don't tell him I said anything to you. He'll kill me if he knew I almost scared you off."

"All right," Morgan said with a sigh. "It's just for Christmas anyway. After that he'll probably go back on the road."

Hannah nodded and motioned to the door. "We better get back downstairs before Shan gets suspicious."

Morgan sat staring at the snow falling outside later that night. Shannon was helping Hannah and Joshua put the kids to bed. She fiddled with the pendant around her neck and thought about what Hannah had said to her earlier. She didn't hear Shannon come back downstairs and sit down next to her.

"Penny for your thoughts," he asked. She jumped and turned to face him. "You seem jumpy tonight. Guess I wasn't the only one who was nervous."

"I don't think I should have come tonight," she said getting up. "I should just head home. I'll go get my bag from Hannah's room." Shannon grabbed her wrist and stopped her from going upstairs.

"It's snowing too hard and Hannah's in bed already. What's going on? You've been acting strange ever since," he stopped as realization flashed in his amber eyes. "Hannah said something to you didn't she?"

"Don't be mad at her," Morgan said with a sigh. "She told me about the ring." Shannon's eyes darted away from hers, suddenly finding the carpet fascinating. "Why didn't you do it? Why didn't you ever ask me?"

"Because you broke up with me," he replied. "I was all set to ask you and then you said goodbye."

"Because you told me you wanted to leave here. You wanted to get out of this town and I thought...." She turned away from him and stifled a sob.

"You thought what," he asked turning her back to him.

"I thought that you would never come back for me," she said, tears shining in her eyes. "You never once came back to visit your family until this year."

"Why do you think that was Morgan," Shannon said. "I loved you. You were the one thing that kept me sane through all the shit with Jacob. You were my sanity and then you broke things off just when I thought things would be great for us. You abandoned me."

"I did it before you did it to me," she replied, the tears now streaming down her cheeks.

"Whatever," Shannon said shaking his head. "I'm going to bed."

"That's exactly how you were towards the end," she called to him. "I was losing you. I know I was." He didn't reply, only continued up the stairs and into his room. Morgan slid down the wall onto the bottom step, buried her head in her hands and cried.

Hannah was awakened the next morning by the little ones bouncing on her bed. "Hey," she giggled as Elijah and Jordan battled for a better position on the bed. "Quiet. You'll wake Morgan."

"She's not here," Sydney said bouncing on the bed more.

"What do you mean," Hannah said checking the sleeping bag on the floor and the bed next to her. She jumped out of bed and went to check downstairs.

The Christmas tree lights were twinkling and Hannah could see Morgan curled up on the couch. Coming around to the front of the couch she could see in the twinkling light that Morgan's cheeks were tear stained. "Morgan," she whispered. Morgan slowly opened her eyes and groaned. "How come you didn't come up to bed?" Hannah noticed the kids staring at them then. "Kids go wash up for breakfast." They all groaned. "You know that we always have breakfast first and then open presents." Turning her attention back to Morgan, she noticed the older woman was now sitting up. She gave her a questioning look.

"Shannon and I...had a disagreement," Morgan said. "I think I'm just going to grab my things and go home. He probably doesn't want me here."

"I do want you here." They both turned their attention to the steps to see Shannon there. "Morgan....I...Hannah, I need to speak to Morgan in private."

Hannah nodded and stood. "I need to make breakfast anyway," she said softly and went into the kitchen. "Josh I need your help with the kids," she called up the stairs.

"Come with me," Shannon said taking Morgan's hand and leading her up to his room. "Things back then were really rocky for me," he began. "My mom and dad had split and she had remarried so quickly. I was pissed at the world."

"I remember," Morgan said sitting down on the bed.

"Then I met you and life didn't seem so hard," Shannon said. "I thought that we'd be together for a long time." Morgan opened her mouth to speak, but he motioned for her to remain silent. "I thought...hell I don't know what I thought. I thought that you'd come away with me and it'd be happily ever after I guess." He smirked at her. "I just wanted you to know that I'm not angry at you for doing what you did. I understand and I would have done the exact same thing if I had been in your shoes."

"Really," Morgan asked. "Because I did some stupid shit once you left town." Shannon quirked a brow at her. "I was just waiting for you to come back home," she admitted. "I wasted a year of my life waiting. Then I met Antonio. He was everything that you weren't, Shan. He was stable. He works in the local library and he has no aspects of traveling from city to city night after night. He doesn't even like to watch sports on TV at all." Shannon made a face. "We were together for maybe two years when he asked me to move in with him. I did." Shannon involuntarily winced as if he'd been punched in the heart. "We were living together for about a year when I found out that I was pregnant." Shannon again winced. "We have a son, Dominic, he's two and a half."

"Didn't you tell me that you didn't have a boyfriend when I was in your store," Shannon asked.

"I don't," she said sadly. "I realized something on Dominic's second birthday. I realized that I didn't love Antonio and I had to tell him before things got too serious." She took a deep breath. "He was relieved when I told him. He felt the same way and didn't know how to tell me. He was perfectly willing to live a lie as long as I was happy."

"He sounds really sweet," Shannon said dryly.

"Did you expect me to wait for you forever Shannon," she asked. "I was trying to move on with my life. A lot of good that did me. All I succeeded in doing was disappointing my parents, making my asshole of a brother their favorite. Now I'm stuck on my own with a kid."

"Isn't Antonio going to support his child," Shannon asked.

"He is," Morgan said. "But he's not going to be there for the nightmares or when he gets sick in the middle of the night. I'm the one that has to do all of that."

"You don't have to do it on your own," Shannon said. "I'll be home a lot more now that I have the kids to take care of." Morgan shook her head.

"I can't impose on you Shannon," she said. "You've already got more than a handful."

"I was hoping that we could be friends," Shannon said taking a seat next to her on the bed and placing a hand over hers. "I was hoping that we'd be in each other's lives a lot more now. What better way than with playdates? Jordan and Elijah are around Dominic's age. I'm sure that they'd love to have a new playmate."

"You don't take no for an answer do you," Morgan asked with a half smile. He shook his head no and she chuckled. "All right....friend."

"Come on. Let's see if the kids have ransacked the tree yet," he said taking her hand and leading her downstairs.

"Right on time," Hannah said as she handed Josh the camera. "The kids have been dying to know what's in that big box by the window. It has all of their names on it." Shannon gave her a sly smile and nodded, letting her know that the kids could rip it open.

"Shan you didn't," Hannah said when she saw what the huge box was.

"Why not," Shannon said chuckling as Jordan and Elijah squealed happily. "We had one when we were young Hannah."

"Yeah, but a trampoline," Hannah said shaking her head. "That's just a broken bone waiting to happen."

"You sound just like mom," Shannon chuckled. "We'll set it up in the yard later kids. Go on and open your other gifts." He rummaged under the tree and found the the three parcels he had hidden last night. He handed one to Hannah, Joshua and Morgan. "I want you guys to open them one at a time. I need to see your faces when you see what it is. Morgan why don't you go first." She nodded and tore the paper off. Her eyes teared when she saw what it was.

"You remembered my favorite perfume," she said pulling the bottle of Soft Musk out of it's box and spraying some on her wrists and neck. "Thank you."

"Josh," Shannon said with a wide smile. "You next." Joshua tore into his box and a smile from ear to ear lit up his face. "I wasn't sure if I should get you a PS2 or an XBox so I got you both. There's a couple of WWE games in there for you too."

"Thanks man," Joshua said. "I'm gonna go hook them up."

"Hannah," Shannon said looking at his little sister with a grin. "Go on." Morgan caught his eye and they exchanged a knowing smile.

Hannah gently pulled the paper away from the gift box and slowly opened it. Her hand flew to her mouth when she realized that it was the butterfly pendant she had wanted for so long. Her eyes filled with tears as Shannon stood and pulled it out of the box. "I knew you'd love it," he whispered in her ear as he clasped it around her neck. "You look beautiful in it. Go on and look in the hall mirror." Hannah nodded and went to admire her new trinket in the mirror.

"That was so sweet," Morgan said smiling as she watched Hannah walk to the mirror in a daze.

"Well," Shannon said. "I do try."

They exchanged a few more gifts before Shannon decided that it was time to set up the trampoline in the yard and teach the kids some safety rules.

After the new year Shannon had to return to the road. He really didn't want to, but he needed the money to support the children now. He sat in his room staring at his bags and thinking. He didn't hear Hannah knock lightly and then walk in. "Shan? Jeff, Matt and Shane are waiting downstairs for you," she said softly.

Shannon looked up at her and half smiled. "It's so strange," he said softly. "I couldn't wait to get out of this place when I was your age and now...." He sighed and stood picking up his bags. "Now I don't want to leave."

"You have to support our family now," she said softly. "None of us are going to hold that against you Shan. We love you," Hannah said softly.

He gave her another half smile. "I know," he said softly and followed her out of the room and down the to front door. Matt sat in the living room playing with Elijah and Jordan. He stood when Hannah and Shannon came down the stairs.

Shannon handed his bags over to Matt. "I'll go put these in the car and give you some time to say goodbye," he said softly.

Shannon looked at his siblings and felt a lump swelling in his throat. "You'll only be gone for three weeks," Joshua said. "We can manage until then." Shannon smiled and nodded as he hugged his little brother.

"You don't worry about a thing," Hannah said hugging him. "I'll make sure that their homework is done, they eat their veggies, brush their teeth and are in bed on time." She kissed him on the cheek. "You just don't worry about us. All right." Shannon nodded and looked to his younger siblings.

"Kids," he said getting their attention. "I've gotta get going. Come give me a hug."

Ryan and Alexander both hugged him tightly and gave him big kisses on the cheek, while Sydney, Elijah and Jordan all sniffled and hugged him. "You're coming back right," Jordan asked tearfully. "The last time we hugged mommy and daddy we never saw them again." Tears welled up in Hannah and Joshua's eyes at the innocent honesty of the question.

"Of course I'm coming back," Shannon said taking the child into his arms. "I'll be gone for a while, but I promise you that I will be back. You know why?"

"Why," she choked out as she began to sob.

"Because this is my home," he said to all of them. "This is where I belong...with the people I love the most in the world." He placed Jordan back on her feet and kissed her cheek softly. "No more tears now. I'll only be gone for three weeks." He grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. He glanced back at his family and smiled sadly before leaving the house.

"Damn man," Shane said chuckling as Shannon slid into the back seat with him. "We're going back to work not in front of a firing squad."

"Shane," Matt said looking the rear view mirror at his friend. "Shut up and leave Shan alone."

Shannon was sitting in the airport waiting for his flight to Los Angeles to be called when he felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning around he was greeted by Morgan's sapphire eyes. "You were going to leave without saying goodbye," she asked.

"I...I didn't know if you were home," he replied honestly. "I figured you were at work."

"I went to the house and Hannah told me you'd be here," she said. "I wanted to give you something."

"What is it," he asked.

She reached into her pocket and pulled out a plastic bubble from a gum ball machine. "I know it's not much, but it's all I could think of on short notice. It;s a promise ring." He took the bubble and looked at her confused. "I'd like us to be more than just friends Shan. I tried to kid myself into thinking that we could just be friends, but I still love you. You coming home was like a sign that we have a second chance." He smiled at her and pulled the ring out of the bubble placing it on his pinky.

"So what is this a promise of," he asked fingering the plastic red stone on the ring.

"Us," she said smiling. "When you come back home we can start over again." He nodded and kissed her softly on the lips.

"I'll see you in three weeks," he said softly. She nodded and he grabbed his jacket once he heard his flight being called.

"Who's the hottie," Jeff asked when Shannon caught up with them.

"Morgan," he replied glancing back at her and waving. "My girlfriend from high school."

"Sweet," Shane said. "She's sure filled out nicely." Shannon slapped him upside the head and shoved him ahead as they boarded the plane.

"Josh," Hannah yelled. "I thought I asked you to get Jordan and Elijah dressed. Shan'll be home any minute now."

"Can I help," Morgan asked with a smile.

"Sure," Hannah said with a relieved sigh. "Could you get Elijah and Jordan dressed. Their clothes are on their beds. Seems that Josh is lost to the world of the living. I'm gonna kill Shan for getting him those damn video games." Morgan chuckled an checked on Dominic, who was playing with Ryan and Alexander, before she took the hands of the two youngest and took them to get dressed.

Hannah flopped down on the couch, exhausted from cleaning the house from top to bottom, and watched as Ryan and Alexander showed Dominic how to put together a puzzle. She smiled thinking about Morgan and Shannon finally getting back together. Having Morgan around would definitely make Shannon's road trips a little more tolerable. Dominic soon grew tired of the puzzle and toddled over to the couch with Hannah. She chuckled at his feeble attempts to climb up onto the cushion next to her and leaned down to help him. He giggled and played with her hair as it tickled his face. "You really are a cutie aren't you," she giggled. "Let's see if mommy's done with Jordan and Elijah." She took the toddler upstairs and stopped in Jordan's doorway where she heard talking.

"Are you going to marry Shannon," Elijah asked as Morgan buckled Jordan's shoes.

"I don't know," she replied honestly. "We'll see what happens."

"I hope you do," Jordan said. "You make Shannon happy and you're really pretty." Hannah smiled at the comment.

"Hey guys why don't you go tell Ryan and Alex to help you on with your coats. Shannon's flight should be coming in soon." The kids nodded and ran downstairs. Hannah handed Dominic over to Morgan. "Just so you know," Hannah said. "Jordan and Elijah aren't the only ones who feel that way."

"We'll see what happens," Morgan replied. "Let me get this one changed and we can head to the airport." Hannah nodded and left the room.

"You need a lift," Matt asked Shannon as they went to retrieve their luggage. "Jeff and I are dropping Shane off."

"Yeah I guess," Shannon said eager to get back to his family. It was then that he saw Morgan and the kids waiting for him. "On second thought, I think I have a ride." He dropped his bags and ran to his family.

"What are you all doing here," he asked with a huge smile.

"We wanted to surprise you," Hannah said as Jordan and Elijah clamored for his attention.

"Surprise," Morgan said smiling. He returned her smile and pulled her to him, placing a long hard kiss on her lips.

"I missed you," he said softly to her. "I missed all of you."

"We missed you more," Jordan said. "Did you bring us anything," she asked and smiled cheekily up at him.

"Jordan," Hannah scolded. "So did you?"

Shannon laughed and nodded. "Let me grab my bags and you'll get your gifts when we get home."

Upon arrival Shannon gave them all their gifts and the younger kids sat and played while Joshua, Hannah, Morgan and Shannon all talked about his trip.

After a delicious dinner than Hannah and Morgan had prepared, Shannon took Morgan for a walk to their park. Sitting on a park bench he fingered the ring that she had given him three weeks ago. He had only taken it off to go to the ring and once he had showered and changed for the night he put it back on. The band was bent out of shape from him sleeping with it on and the stone looked about ready to fall off, but he refused to remove it.

"Morgan," he said softly. "I had some time to think while I was on the road. I thought a lot about us. I'm glad that you want to start over again, but...I'd like to pick up where we left off." Morgan's blue eyes questioned him. He pulled a small velvet box out of his jacket pocket and opened it for her. "I know this is a second chance for us and I swore that if I ever had a second chance with you that I'd make it count. Morgan, will you marry me?"

Tears sprang to her eyes as she gazed down at the simple gold band and the tiny diamond. She knew that this had to be the ring that Hannah had told her about. "Yes. Yes Shannon I will marry you," she choked out. Shannon's smile grew and he slid the ring on her finger before pulling her to him and kissing her softly. "I'm glad you're back Shannon," she said softly as she rested her head on his shoulder.

"It's good to be home again," he said and kissed her temple as they gazed at the stars.