~ Entwined Lives ~

by RJ Nolan

© May 2004

Chapter One

Riley looked out the window as they pulled away from Kim and Jess's and let out a big sigh.

"What's wrong Babe?" Sam asked concerned by the heartbroken look on Riley's face.

"That gets harder every time."

Sam didn't need to ask what she meant. She'd felt it too.

"I know." Sam acknowledged sadly. "I feel like we're missing so much. I can't believe Erin is three months old already and we've only seen her twice since she was born."

The drive home was a quiet affair. Both women were contemplating the same thing but neither was willing to be the first to suggest it.

*****

"It gets harder to say goodbye every time they leave. I want Erin to know her aunts and not just be somebody she sees once a month. It's not fair they're so close but so far away." Kim tearfully told Jess.

It just didn't seem right to Kim. She and Riley had become very close during her pregnancy. They spent most every weekend with Sam and Riley, right up until the end of her pregnancy. But now with an infant it just wasn't an option. Riley's schedule had become even more hectic in the last few months. Kim couldn't help wondering if Riley's coming out at work hadn't had something to do with her ever increasing workload. If there was a short fall in the schedule, it seemed it fell to Riley to cover it. Riley had tried to explain that she was the junior member of the staff but Kim didn't believe that was the only reason for the way she was being treated. Riley had told her of her boss's increasingly hostile attitude after Riley's falling out with her uncle.

Jess tried to console Kim. "When Erin gets older we'll start going down there again I promise and I'm sure once Riley's schedule settles down they'll come up here as well."

"It's not enough." Kim sobbed.

Jess felt helpless in the face of Kim's tears and tried to remember what she knew about postpartum depression. She knew that Kim's emotions would be volatile for quite some time. It all sounded fine out of a textbook but when her wife was sobbing in her arms, it tore her heart out. Erin woke and started to cry.

"I'll get her. You try and relax." Jess said hugging Kim before getting up to go get Erin.

Kim tried to pull herself together. She knew it wouldn't be good for the baby to be upset when she was nursing.

*****

Sam and Riley were curled up on the couch. Riley was in her favorite position using Sam's broad chest as a backrest.

"Are you sorry we decided to wait?" Riley asked out of the blue.

It took Sam a moment to get what Riley was talking about. "No I think we made the right decision. We need to get a place together first before starting a family. Plus you still owe me a ring, after all you're the one that proposed." Sam teased.

"It's not for lack of looking." Riley grumbled. She was glad Sam was behind her and couldn't see her face, not wanting to give away to Sam that she'd found the perfect ring. She was waiting for the anniversary of their first date, which was in two weeks to give it to her.

"I know you've been looking; you'll find the right one." She assured Riley then laughed lightly. "You're not getting away from me that easily Babe."

Riley turned in Sam's arms and straddled her lap. She leaned in and kissed her passionately. Sam looked dazed when Riley finally pulled away. Riley leaned forward again close to Sam's ear, her hot breath blowing in Sam's ear as she spoke. "You're stuck with me now; I'm never letting you go!"

Sam shivered in response. She captured Sam's lips in a second deeper kiss. Riley got up from the couch and led a more than willing Sam to their bedroom.

*****

Riley growled at the interruption. She wanted to finish up her charts and get home to Sam. Tonight was going to be a special night; it was the first anniversary of their first date. Stomping over to the door, she jerked it open and her jaw dropped open in shock.

"Dr. Connolly?" asked the delivery boy.

Riley just stared at the huge bouquet of roses in the boy's arms. She finally nodded her head yes. He smiled widely and handed her the crystal vase holding the flowers before turning to walk away.

"Wait!" Riley called finally finding her voice. She went back into her office and set the flowers on her desk. Rummaging in her purse, she got a tip for the boy then rushed back out into the hall to give it to him.

"No thank you Ma'am, it's already been taken care of." He politely refused. "Happy Anniversary," he offered shyly.

Riley grinned. "Thanks."

Riley headed back to her office to admire the beautiful roses, doing a quick count there were two dozen. She pulled the card off the holder and opened it. 'To My Heart, Happy Anniversary, All My Love, Sam.' Riley couldn't hold back the tears. She clutched the card to her chest, tears of joy rolling down her cheeks.

*****

Riley pulled into the condo parking lot happy to see that Sam's car wasn't parked in its spot. She wanted to get everything ready before Sam arrived home from work. Carefully carrying the flowers inside she made a second trip to bring in the groceries she'd purchased for their anniversary dinner. Riley had everything set by the time Sam arrived.

"Hey Babe, I'm home." Sam called. She spotted the roses in the middle of the coffee table and grinned. The table was already set for a romantic dinner for two, with the candles waiting to be lit.

Riley stepped into the room. She was wearing tight black jeans and a form fitting deep green v necked sweater. Sam felt a throbbing begin between her legs as she slowly perused Riley's body. She stood motionless as Riley approached.

Riley smiled sexily, knowing the effect she was having on Sam. She stopped inches from Sam and placed her hand on the back of Sam's neck pulling her down. Her tongue immediately pushed for entrance into Sam's mouth causing her to moan. Riley finally pulled back after a long and heated kiss.

"Happy Anniversary Love, thank you for the beautiful roses." She whispered against Sam's lips before kissing her again.

Sam was panting and not too sure how long her legs were going to hold her up when Riley finally released her. She leaned against the back of the couch trying to get her breathing under control. The pulsing between her legs had turned into a pounding throb. She reached for Riley intent on easing the ache.

Riley took both of Sam's hands in hers and pressed them against Sam's chest. "Later… Dinner is almost ready. Why don't you go change and I'll finish up."

Sam groaned; dinner was the last thing on her mind. She looked over at the beautifully set table and knew Riley had gone to some trouble to prepare dinner. Grumbling internally, she headed upstairs to change out of her uniform.

*****

"That was wonderful Riley." Sam complimented as she pushed her empty plate aside.

Riley had gotten some help from Carol in preparing the meal. Carol had provided the recipe and walked Riley through the steps the previous week at work. They'd had a salad then pot roast with red potatoes and carrots. Riley smiled happy that the meal had turned out so well and that Sam was pleased. As Sam had quickly found out Riley rarely had time to cook and most things besides scrambled eggs were beyond her cooking ability.

Riley rose from her chair and approached Sam. She offered her hand to her. "Come over to the couch with me."

Sam rose and they walked to the couch with their arms wrapped around each other. Sam couldn't resist leaning down to capture Riley's tempting lips. They kissed softly then Riley pulled back before things could escalate.

She placed one last soft kiss on Sam's lips. "I'll be right back."

Sam settled herself into the comfortable couch cushions. Riley returned with two glasses and a bottle of wine. She poured them each a glass and offered one to Sam. Riley sat on the couch next to Sam and turned to face her.

"You have made the last year the most wonderful year I can ever remember. You've made me happier than I ever thought it was possible to be. I wake up every morning and marvel that you're at my side. You are my fondest wish and my greatest dream come true."

Riley slid off the couch and knelt in front of Sam. She held out a ring box to Sam. "Will you be my wife?"

Sam gulped and her hand shook as she reached out to take the box from Riley. Riley pulled the box back before Sam could take it.

"Well?"

"Don't I get to see the ring first?" Sam asked teasingly.

Riley opened the box to display a matching set of rings. They were solid gold bands with twisted gold wire edging and platinum embossed centers.

Sam was speechless; the rings were gorgeous. Riley cleared her throat nervously; she was starting to panic. Sam was just staring at the rings. She hates them. Sam glanced down into Riley's panicked eyes.

Sam reached out and took the ring box from Riley. She brought her hand up and cupped Riley face.

"It would be my fondest wish and my greatest dream come true to be your wife."

Riley's breath whooshed out and she raised a trembling hand up to cup Sam's still resting against her face. She took the ring box back from Sam and removed the larger of the two rings.

"I love you Sam, now and forever." She said as she slipped the ring on Sam's left ring finger. Riley leaned over and kissed the ring once it was in place.

Sam slid off the couch and knelt in front of Riley their knees touching. She took the remaining ring out of the box. As she slipped the ring on Riley's finger, she repeated her words.

"I love you Riley, now and forever." Leaning down she placed a soft kiss on the ring resting on Riley's left ring finger.

They moved back to the couch and toasted each other with their wine glasses. Neither spoke; there was no need to. Riley curled up against Sam's side and rested her hand on Sam's thigh admiring her ring. Sam brought her hand down and laid it next to Riley's so they could admire both rings.

They both spoke at the same time. "Happy Anniversary."

They stared into each other's eyes. Sam saw Riley's eyes darken and her expression change; she knew that look.

"Could I interest you in some dessert?" Riley asked in a sexy purr.

Sam swallowed hard all her arousal from earlier returning in a flash. "What did you have in mind?"

"Well…" Riley drawled. "How about we take the chocolate mousse I have for dessert upstairs and I spread it all over your body and lick it off?" Her expression had turned predatory.

Sam struggled to find some saliva in her suddenly dry mouth so she could speak.

"Okay." She finally managed to squeak out.

Riley laughed and pulled Sam from the couch. They made a quick stop in the kitchen before heading upstairs.

*****

Sam sighed in frustration. They had been looking at houses and condos since Erin's birth four months ago and still hadn't found a place they could both agree on. Either one or the other of them had found fault with every place their realtor had shown them so far. Phyllis was about to strangle both of them.

Phyllis looked over at the two women. "Not this one either huh?" she asked in a resigned tone. Sam and Riley glanced at each other then both shook their heads no.

Phyllis cleared her throat and addressed both women. "Maybe you need to reassess just what you're looking for. I've shown you a lot of places that meet the criteria you gave me but one or both of you have found fault with every one. I'll be happy to show you other properties as they become available but maybe you should wait a bit and make sure that this is what you both really want."

Sam and Riley left feeling depressed. Both knew what the problem was but neither one wanted to be the first to acknowledge it and suggest the obvious solution.

*****

Sam had made dinner and they lay on the couch enjoying a glass of wine after eating. Riley was back in her favorite spot between Sam's legs, using her as a backrest.

"Maybe we should think about what Phyllis said and rethink what we really want." She told Sam.

"Have you changed your mind about getting a place together?" Sam asked already sure of the answer.

"No, of course not." Riley answered immediately.

Riley took a deep breath preparing for Sam's reaction. She set their wine glasses down and turned to face Sam straddling her lap so she could watch her expression.

"I know what the problem is," she informed Sam.

"So do I." Sam replied.

Riley's eyebrow arched as she looked at Sam curiously. Sam was watching Riley's eyes trying to read her. They both decided to take the plunge at the same time.

"I want to move to LA." They both blurted out simultaneously.

"You do!" They echoed each other again.

They both started laughing. When both started to speak at the same time again, Riley reached up and placed her fingers against Sam's lips stopping her. Sam smiled and nodded encouraging Riley to go first.

"I want to live near Kim and Jess. I miss them so much and seeing Erin once a month for a few hours just isn't enough. I want us to be part of her life and I want our child to have her as a part of theirs. I grew up alone and I don't want that for our child when we have one. I haven't forgotten your promise to get me pregnant you know."

Sam grinned. "Yes, to all that! I just didn't know how to tell you that's what I wanted." Sam turned serious. "Are you sure? This is a big decision. You've already established yourself here. Does this have anything at all to do with Stevens giving you such a hard time since you came out? What about Carol and Denny? What about your uncle if you move back to LA where he is?"

Riley laughed. "Whoa Honey one question at a time. Yes, I've thought about this since before Erin was born. Truthfully, I've been thinking about it since Thanksgiving. I realized then how much I missed being part of a loving caring family all those year with my aunt and uncle. You, Jess, Kim, and Erin are my family now. I'll miss Carol and Denny but we can still come visit them and they can come to LA. I admit things have been getting more difficult at work. Stevens has been unhappy with me since I came out. Since returning from that medical conference a few months ago, he's been downright hostile. I can only imagine what my uncle told him. What it really boils down to is I want us to live near Kim and Jess and raise our families together. That's the real reason I want to move to LA. As far as my uncle goes he made it quite clear he wanted nothing to do with me and that's fine by me."

Sam smiled brilliantly. "I've been thinking about it for a while too. Even before Jess met Kim, I had considered transferring to one of the precincts up there. But I saw Jess most weekends and just never did it. Now that we're together and Kim and Jess have Erin, it's been on my mind more and more. I never said anything because I didn't think you would want to return to LA and were happy here in San Diego, even with your asshole boss."

Riley shook her head in amazement. "Phyllis is going to kill us," she laughed. Sam grinned in agreement. "This is a good lesson to both of us you know." Riley told Sam.

Sam looked at her quizzically.

"On how important it is to communicate with each other even if you don't think it's something the other person wants to hear. We could've been in LA months ago if we'd just talked to each other."

Sam groaned, "Yeah you're right Babe. So what hospital would you want to work at?" Sam questioned.

"Well obviously my first choice would be LA Metro with Kim and Jess. But I don't know if they have any openings for trauma surgeons. I have to start checking the journals for job openings. What about you? Can you request a transfer to a specific precinct in LA?"

Sam looked down suddenly not meeting Riley's eyes.

"Sam?" Riley put her fingers under Sam's chin forcing her eyes up.

"I guess this is a good time to practice that communication thing huh?" Sam asked sheepishly.

"What do you want to do?"

"Well… there was a notice posted last week looking for several instructors at the Police Academy in LA. I was thinking that maybe I could apply for one of those positions. I've been thinking a lot about us starting a family and I'm not sure I want to remain a patrol cop once we have a child."

Riley threw herself at Sam; Sam's breath whooshed out from the impact. Riley hugged her as tightly as she could. "Oh Honey." Riley cried against Sam's neck.

Sam pulled back until she could see Riley's tear streaked face. "I take it that idea meets with your approval?" She asked smiling softly at Riley. She knew Riley had made great strides in accepting her profession but she also knew she was still scared by it.

Riley wiped away her tears and leaned in to kiss Sam passionately. "I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I can't wait to tell Kim and Jess. Do you think they know a good realtor?"

Sam just laughed and hugged Riley. They stayed up late into the night making plans.

*****

Jess let out a loud groan as her arms gave out and she slumped down onto Kim the aftershocks still rippling through her body. Finally regaining her composure she lifted up and met Kim's love filled gaze. She kissed her gently on the lips. "I missed this," she murmured softly. At Kim's quizzical expression, Jess explained. "Being able to be on top of you like this."

Kim tightened her arms around Jess holding her close. "Me too."

Jess eventually moved off Kim when she shifted uncomfortably. Kim looked down feeling wetness on her chest and grimaced.

"Oh that's sexy," she muttered under her breath.

Jess heard her anyway and looked down; she had some milk on her belly and chest where Kim's breasts had leaked from the pressure of Jess lying on her. Kim had milk on her chest and belly as well as some running down her sides.

Jess leaned up and kissed Kim deeply then lightly stroked her engorged breasts. "Yes, I think they're very sexy." She assured Kim. "It makes my heart feel like it's going to burst with love when I watch you nurse our child."

Kim snorted. "I feel like a milk cow and you can't convince me it turns you on to have breast milk all over you."

Jess moved to hover over Kim before leaning down to whisper in her ear. "You'd be surprised what turns me on." She husked in Kim's ear nipping it. Jess then proceeded to show Kim exactly how sexy she thought she was.

*****

Kim lay panting sprawled out on her back. Jess slid up from between her legs and grinned as she placed several soft kisses on her sensitive breasts.

"Okay, you convinced me." Kim gasped still trying to get her breathing under control.

A cry was heard from the baby monitor. "Well at least she has good timing." Jess said chucking as she got out of bed to go get Erin.

She talked softly to Erin as she changed her. "That's my girl. Now you be good to your mommy, so she knows how much we both love her."

Kim listened to Jess coo to Erin over the baby monitor and her heart swelled with the love she had for both her girls. Jess brought Erin back into the room. She shucked her robe and climbed into the bed behind Kim after handing her Erin. She cradled both of them as she watched Erin root at Kim's breast. Jess grinned when Erin hungrily latched onto a nipple causing Kim to jump.

"Yep, she's your daughter alright," she informed Jess with a teasing smile.

Jess looked over Kim's shoulder to watch her daughter nurse. As if aware of the scrutiny, Erin opened her eyes and tried to focus on Jess; her eyes had remained sky blue like Kim's. It was already obvious even at this age just who she would take after not only in looks but it appeared she would have Jess's height and build as well. They sat quietly and enjoyed the time together as a family. Finally, Kim broke the silence.

"Riley called today and confirmed they'd be here tomorrow morning. They were both excited to see how much Erin had grown in the last month but said that digital pictures just don't do justice to the real thing." Kim sighed despondently. "I feel like they're missing out on so much."

They'd had this conversation several times over the last four months with no solution in sight. Jess hadn't told Kim not wanting to get her hopes up that she'd made some discreet inquires at the hospital. Next month the hospital would be placing an advertisement in several journals for a trauma surgeon position opening up at LA Metro. Jess planned on quietly approaching Riley when she and Sam were here over the weekend. She didn't know if they would even consider moving to LA but she had to try. Seeing Kim cry every time they left to return to San Diego broke her heart and if honest with herself, she wanted Erin to grow up with Sam and Riley near by as well. Kim calling her name drew her out of her thoughts.

"Sorry just lost in thought. What were you saying?"

"I ran into Debbie yesterday when Erin and I went down to get the mail. She told me Robert was being transferred to Oakland. They're looking to sell their house."

Debbie and Robert were their closest neighbors. Their house was the next one off the main drive after Kim and Jess's.

"Do you think Sam and Riley have found a house yet?" Kim asked.

Kim felt guilty that each time Sam or Riley found something wrong with a house she had been secretly glad. She'd come up with the idea of them moving to LA while she was still pregnant with Erin. Unfortunately the opportune moment to broach the subject had never appeared. It was a major decision and one not easily made. Riley had confided to Kim and Jess that she had asked Sam to marry her but it hadn't been revealed to the rest of the family yet. They had been waiting until they bought a house together to make the big announcement. The house above them being for sale was the perfect opportunity to talk to them about moving to LA. Kim had been in the house and knew they would both love it.

Jess could see the wheels turning in Kim's head and knew that look; she was up to something. "What are you planning Kim?"

Kim tried to look innocent and failed miserably. Jess chuckled. "Okay… I was just thinking how Debbie and Robert's house would be perfect for Sam and Riley." She admitted.

"You're right, it would be," Jess agreed, "but they don't live in LA."

"They could!"

Jess sighed, when Kim made up her mind about something there was no dissuading her.

"How could they not want to live in LA and be close to this precious little one? I know every time they visit they don't want to leave. If they lived next door they could see Erin whenever they wanted and …"

Jess placed her fingers over Kim's lips. "You don't have to convince me. I think it's a great idea. I just don't want you to get your hopes up. It's a major life change and they have a life in San Diego. Riley has a good job at Mercy and Sam loves being on the force in San Diego."

Kim looked stubborn. "They could have an even better life here with us." She declared adamantly indicating the three of them. "Plus Riley told me they want a child soon. He or she could grow up with Erin."

Jess's jaw dropped open in shock. She knew Riley had proposed to Sam but wasn't aware the discussion had extended to starting a family. Jess just prayed Kim wouldn't be crushed if they said no. Erin had fallen asleep and Jess took her from Kim's arms and returned her to the nursery. She climbed back into the bed and spooned up behind Kim hugging her tight.

"Okay, we'll talk to them about it tomorrow when they get here."

Kim smiled happily snuggling back against Jess.

Chapter Two

Riley was jerked out of her thoughts when Sam suddenly hit the brakes. She looked around to see what was wrong. Sam had stopped at the end of the main drive leading to Jess and Kim's house.

"What's wrong?" Riley asked turning to glance at Sam.

Sam had that half smirk on her face that Riley had come to know so well.

"What?" She asked again suspiciously.

Sam couldn't hold it back any longer a huge grin broke out on her face. "How close to Kim and Jess did you say you wanted to live?" she questioned chuckling.

"In the same area if possible…why?" Riley's confusion was apparent.

Sam pointed to the 'for sale by owner' sign she'd spotted as she pulled into the drive.

"No way!" Riley exclaimed laughing.

"Want to take a look?" Sam inquired already knowing the answer.

"Hell yes," Riley replied with a grin.

*****

Greetings and hugs had been exchanged all around then they headed into the living room. Sam and Riley were waiting impatiently for Erin to awaken. Riley couldn't wait to tell them about looking at the house next door. Kim came back into the room and handed Riley a glass of ice tea. When Riley reached out to take it Kim noticed the ring; she glanced over at Sam and spotted the matching ring on her finger.

Kim let out a whoop startling everyone. "You've been holding out on us." She accused Riley.

At Riley's puzzled look, Kim reached out and took hold of Riley's left hand holding it up so Jess could see. Jess came over to examine the ring. Sam held out her hand so Jess could see her matching one.

"They're beautiful. Congratulations." Jess said sincerely. She grinned at her sister before whispering loudly… "Never thought I'd see the day." Sam just beamed not bothered one bit by the teasing. "But you know you're in really big trouble…"

Riley looked over at Sam questioningly. Sam shrugged her shoulders she didn't have any idea what Jess was talking about.

"Wait 'til Mom finds out you exchanged rings." Jess told Sam.

"Oh shit!" Sam exclaimed.

Riley still looked confused. Kim just snickered. She'd been down this road already.

Sam looked nervously over at Riley "Um… well you see…um."

"Spill it McKenna." Riley demanded.

Jess choked on the drink of tea she'd just taken providing a momentary distraction for Sam to gather her thoughts.

"Sam!"

"Okay…Okay…Remember the picture in my apartment of Kim and Jess at their commitment ceremony?" Riley nodded yes. "Well the ceremony wasn't exactly their idea."

"Wasn't exactly!" Kim interrupted. "How about not our idea at all!"

Sam glared at Kim then continued. "See my mom insisted that no child of hers was going to live in sin and demanded that Jess and Kim get married. She kind of planned everything and invited all the relatives. Once she finds out we exchanged rings there's going to be no stopping her."

Riley looked terrified. She had yet to even meet Sam's parents. They had planned on going to Northern California for Christmas last year but she unexpectedly had to work. They'd talked about visiting several times but she'd just never been able to get the time off. She had spoken to Sam's mother on the phone; she seemed a formidable woman.

"But… but… we can't be legally married and she knows we've been living together." Riley stammered.

Sam sighed. "I know but it makes no difference to my mother." Sam eyed Riley nervously before admitting. "And she doesn't exactly know we've been living together."

"What!" Riley shouted. Kim's eyes darted to the baby monitor. "Sorry." Riley said contritely.

Sam refused to meet Riley's eyes. She shuffled her feet nervously. Riley glanced over to Jess; she had a little half smirk on her face. Kim looked amused as well.

Riley took several deep breaths trying to calm down. "Want to explain to me how your mother doesn't EXACTLY know we've been living together for the last YEAR?"

"Well she's aware we've been dating and are very serious." At Riley's raised eyebrow Sam blushed. "She knows we both have our own places so she doesn't exactly know that we live together in both of them." Sam admitted sheepishly.

Riley shook her head in amazement. It had never even crossed her mind that Sam's parents might not know. A thought suddenly occurred to her.

"Do Frank and Cheryl know we're living together?"

Sam looked relieved; that wasn't the question she was expecting. "Yeah, they know."

Kim knew Riley well enough to read how much this sudden revelation had upset her. She glanced over at Sam who looked at her pleadingly.

"I know this is probably a shock." Kim told Riley. Riley snorted. "The truth is Jess and I went through the same thing. Doris didn't know we were living together either 'til we bought this place. Like Sam said she knew we were dating and serious just not how serious. When she found out we'd exchanged rings she had a fit." Kim glanced over at Jess; it was obvious from her expression that that was an understatement. "She called Jess every week after that to find out when our commitment ceremony was going to be. She insisted no child of hers was going to live in sin. Then she started calling me asking when I was going to make an honest woman of her daughter." Kim rolled her eyes at the memory. "Eventually we caved." Kim admitted with an embarrassed grin.

Sam took Riley's hands in hers. "I wasn't hiding anything from you, I swear. I just knew how they'd be if they found out. I wanted us to have a chance to get settled before I subjected you to my mother."

Riley leaned toward Sam like she was going to kiss her. Just before their lips touched Riley reached behind Sam and pinched her sharply on the butt. Sam yelped and pulled back rubbing her butt. Kim and Jess howled with laughter.

"What did I tell you about keeping important things from me?"

Sam was saved by a cry from the baby monitor.

"We will talk about this again later." Riley informed Sam.

Sam leaned down and lightly kissed Riley.

Everyone got up to head into the baby's room. Riley and Sam both were anxious to see Erin.

*****

"I can't believe how big she's gotten." Sam marveled as she watched Erin nurse at Kim's breast.

Kim stroked the baby's thick black hair. "Yeah, she growing like a weed. She looks more like Jess every day."

When Erin finished her meal Kim handed her over to Sam. Sam crossed her ankle over her knee making a safe place for Erin to rest where she and Riley could talk and play with the little girl. Jess joined Kim on the love seat. She looked over at Sam and Riley with Erin. They were so engrossed in the baby the other women might not have even been in the room.

"Think we're ever going to get her back?" Jess asked smiling fondly at the two women cooing over Erin.

"Oh I'm sure once she gets hungry they'll come looking for me." Kim laughed.

"Well since our daughter is so well taken care of maybe you could use some attention." Jess said leaning over to press her lips softly against Kim's neck.

Kim let out a soft moan tipping her head to the side to give Jess more area to caress.

When Riley looked up from the baby several minutes later Kim and Jess were locked in a passionate kiss. Riley nudged Sam then motioned toward Kim and Jess. Sam just grinned when Jess pressed Kim back into the sofa.

"Maybe we should adjourn to the family room and give them some privacy." Sam stood with Erin in her arms and the three of them headed for the family room. Kim and Jess never even noticed them leaving the room.

*****

When Jess pushed up her shirt and bra and leaned down to take a nipple into her mouth Kim suddenly remembered they weren't alone.

"Jess." She pushed against her shoulders stopping her."

Jess lifted passion glazed eyes to Kim. "What…"

"We're not alone…remember." Kim whispered.

Jess's face flushed red and she glanced over to the couch where Riley and Sam were with Erin. She turned back to Kim with a grin.

"Oh yes we are."

Kim looked over confirming that Sam and Riley weren't there any more. Jess immediately leaned down and captured the nipple she was denied before. Kim moaned loudly.

"We can't do this here. They're just in the other room."

"Come on…" Jess got up off of Kim urging her up off the loveseat and pulled her down the hall.

"Wait Jess, I need to check on Erin." Kim insisted pulling her shirt and bra back into position.

Jess pressed Kim against the wall in the hallway. Before Kim could protest she slipped her hand inside Kim's pants and underwear and stroked the wetness she found.

"She's fine. Riley's a doctor. They'll come get us if there's a problem." The whole time she was speaking she continued to stroke Kim and plant open mouth kisses along her neck.

Kim groaned unable to resist. Jess had Kim's shirt off and her bra unhooked by the time they reached the end of the hall. She pulled her into the bedroom and shut the door.

"Just stand still, let me take care of you." Jess urged Kim as she removed the remainder of her clothes tossing them to the floor. Jess felt a surge of wetness between her legs when Kim stood nude before her. Her breasts were much larger than normal but in the months since Erin's birth she'd already lost most of the weight she'd gained during her pregnancy. The birth had left its mark in the fuller more lush curves she now sported.

Jess guided Kim over to the side of the bed, encouraging her to sit down on the edge. Jess knelt on the floor between Kim's legs. Placing a hand on the inside of each knee she spread her open. Jess gazed at the sight before her the thrill and arousal she felt seeing Kim like this had not lessened in the time they'd been together. She kissed Kim's breasts stroking them lightly knowing how sensitive they were. She could smell Kim's arousal and couldn't wait any longer. She leaned forward to taste the nectar between Kim's legs. Kim's head fell back at the first stroke of Jess' tongue.

"Oh god Jess," she moaned leaning back on her hands and spreading her legs further open.

Jess pressed her tongue inside repeatedly trying to lap up all the flowing juices. Kim's hips started to buck. Jess knew she was more than ready. She pulled out her tongue and quickly pushed two fingers inside. She moved up latching on to the throbbing bundle of nerves and sucked hard as she thrust in and out. Kim's back arched and she screamed Jess's name before slumping to the bed her arms giving out as her climax roared through her body. Jess remained in place holding her fingers still and gently licking the still twitching flesh in front of her. Once the aftershocks stopped she carefully withdrew and moved up to lie next to Kim.

Kim's eyes opened and a lazy sated grin crossed her face. "You are so good at that."

"I aim to please." Jess replied before taking her lips in a deep kiss.

"I'm sorry Sweetheart you must be dying." Kim said when the kiss finally broke. She began to work Jess' clothes off. Jess was more than happy to help and was quickly naked.

Kim leaned over to kiss Jess then moved to her ear nipping lightly. "Tell me what you want." She whispered in Jess's ear. Jess groaned her hips rising.

Jess looked deep into Kim's eyes. "I want to feel you on top of me and inside me."

Kim gulped her own arousal soaring. She pushed Jess over onto her back and quickly straddled her hips. She pressed their mounds together and kneaded Jess' breasts with both hands. Leaning forward she took a rock hard nipple into her mouth and sucked then lightly scraped her teeth across the hard surface. Jess's hips bucked hard almost unseating Kim. Kim lay down covering Jess then shifted slightly to give herself access.

"Spread your legs for me Babe." She husked in Jess's ear.

Jess moaned and her legs spread open. Kim's hand slipped between their bodies and began to stroke Jess. Jess's hips immediately began to thrust.

"Go inside…please." She begged Kim.

Kim pushed inside with two fingers and took up the rhythm of Jess's hips. Kim knew it wouldn't be long, Jess was soaked and she could already feel the fluttering of her inner walls.

"More… please." Jess pleaded.

Kim pulled out just enough to add a third finger then thrust back inside hard. She pumped her fingers hard, fast, and deep.

Jess's back arched and her whole body went rigid as she called out Kim's name. Kim held her fingers in place but stopped all movement. Once the tight grip on her fingers relaxed Kim pulled out eliciting a groan from Jess.

They drifted off to sleep with Kim still lying on top of Jess.

*****

"Erin's getting hungry, why don't you go get them?" Sam asked.

"No way, you go get them." Riley countered.

They both looked up when they heard a noise. Standing in the door way were Kim and Jess.

"Have a nice nap? You sure are loud sleepers." Sam snickered unable to resist tweaking her sister.

Kim blushed and Jess just grinned at her sister. "We had a wonderful nap, thank you."

"Thanks for watching Erin." Kim told them as she reached out to take the baby.

Riley pulled back, "I'm not ready to give her back yet."

Erin began to fuss and root at Riley's breast.

"Well unless you plan on opening your shirt and feeding her, you're gonna have to give her back."

Riley stuck her lower lip out in a pout as she handed Erin back to Kim. Kim just laughed and settled in the rocker to nurse Erin.

"Sam and I were talking while you were… a…. napping." Riley stuttered and blushed. "We know you haven't had a chance to go out to dinner or anything since Erin's birth. So…um if you wanted we would be glad to watch her. I mean if you'd be comfortable with something like that…" she added nervously. She really didn't know if they would feel comfortable leaving Erin with her and Sam.

Kim glanced over at Jess who nodded her head in agreement. "That would be great. I mean if we can't leave her with her godparents who can we leave her with."

Sam and Riley looked at Kim in shock. "Godparents." They echoed each other.

Kim laughed startling Erin and interrupted her feeding. She took a moment to get her back to her meal. "Yes, her godparents. If you want to be that is."

Riley's grin couldn't have been any bigger; even Sam looked like she was about to burst. Riley jumped up and embraced Jess before kissing her, then made her way over to Kim. She hugged her careful of Erin and kissed her softly as well.

Glancing over at Sam she answered for both of them. "We would be honored to be her godparents.

Sam hugged her sister and Kim and placed a soft kiss on Erin's forehead. "Hear that Little One, we're going to be your godparents."

They all sat and happily watched as Erin finished her meal. Kim rocked her for a few minutes then took her back into the nursery.

"Ready for your first babysitting job?" She asked Sam and Riley when she returned.

Sam stood up and saluted. "Ready and waiting for orders ma'am." She yelped when Riley pinched her ass.

"Sit down, smartass." Riley ordered.

Jess grinned over at her sister then mouthed. "Whipped."

Sam stuck out her tongue at her sister then yelped when Riley pinched her a second time. Jess roared with laughter.

*****

Kim and Jess had left several hours earlier. They'd decided on not just dinner but a movie. Kim had expressed her breast milk for Erin's later feeding. They gave her a bottle with breast milk at least once a day so Jess could participate in her feeding plus Kim couldn't always get away from work to go up to the day care facility and feed her. Kim assured Riley she would have no trouble giving Erin a bottle.

Everything had been going well until Erin started to cry frantically. Sam and Riley had both tried to calm her without success. She wasn't hungry or wet. Sam was pacing the room with her as she continued to cry inconsolably. Thor lay at Riley's feet closely watching Sam as she paced with Erin. Finally he got up and stepped in front of Sam nudging her then growling softly. Obviously the baby crying was upsetting him too.

"I know I'm trying." She told the big dog. Sam felt totally helpless not knowing what was wrong or what to do. "Do you think we should call Kim and Jess?"

Riley suddenly remembered being at Carol and Denny's and having the same thing happen with Jeremy.

"No not yet, come here." Riley answered beckoning her over to the couch.

Riley reached up and took a still loudly crying Erin from Sam. She looked up at Sam.

"Take off your shirt and bra and lay down on your back on the couch."

Sam quirked her eyebrow at Riley and smirked, "Babe, I hardly think this is the time for that."

Riley growled at Sam making her laugh. "Do it!" she demanded.

Sam self-consciously removed her tee shirt and bra then lay down as instructed. When she settled onto her back she saw that Riley had removed Erin's sleeper leaving her in just a diaper. Riley placed Erin on her belly on Sam's bare chest. Erin started to quiet almost immediately. She rooted at Sam's breast and whimpered. Riley offered Erin her pacifier, which she immediately took and began to suckle strongly. It didn't take long before her little eyes started to close. Sam couldn't believe it. She gently stroked Erin's back and held her close as Riley spread a baby blanket over them. Thor came up and gently touched Erin before giving Sam a grateful lick in the face. He flopped down right in front of the couch.

Sam looked over at Riley. "How did you know this would work?"

"I am a doctor." Riley replied with mock arrogance.

Sam snorted startling Erin. She patted the little girl's back and kissed her softly on the top of her head. When Sam was sure Erin was settled again she turned back to Riley and raised an eyebrow in question.

Riley laughed softly. "Okay… I was at Carol and Denny's one night and the same thing happened with Jeremy. Carol had Denny take off his shirt and lay skin to skin with Jeremy. She said sometimes young babies get over stimulated and the only way to calm them is with skin on skin contact and body heat. Plus she said the sound of your heart and the warmth reminds them of being in the womb.

Sam smiled brightly at Riley. "You're going to make a great mom." Riley just glowed with the compliment.

*****

Sam was still on the couch with Erin when Jess and Kim returned. Kim and Riley talked quietly as Jess made her way over to her sister. It didn't take her long to notice Sam's tee shirt and sports bra draped across the back of the couch. She reached out and softly stroked Erin's hair.

Quirking an eyebrow at her sister she asked. "Just what are you doing naked with my daughter." She chuckled lightly when Sam shot her a dirty look.

Kim walked up in time to hear the comment. "Leave her alone Jess. Erin decided to have one of her screaming fits while we were gone. You know the only thing that settles her down is to lie on your bare chest."

Kim leaned down and kissed Erin's forehead then Sam's. "Don't let her give you a hard time Sam. She does the same thing with Erin all the time. That's probably why she settled down so fast when you did it. You have the same muscular chest that Jess does. She felt right at home."

She reached down to take Erin but pulled back when Sam blushed. Kim realized she'd have to expose Sam to pick up Erin.

"Riley how about you put Erin in bed and Jess and I will get us all some wine." Not waiting for an answer she pulled Jess toward the kitchen to give Sam some privacy to get dressed.

*****

They settled in the living room with a glass of wine. Riley was hoping for a chance to talk to Jess about a job opening at LA Metro and her and Sam's decision to move to LA. The house next door was perfect, just what they'd been looking for. They had talked about it earlier when Kim and Jess were gone but neither one of them could quite figure out how to bring up the subject now that they were here. It all sounded so great when they had talked about it in San Diego, but what if Kim and Jess weren't as thrilled about the idea as they were? Riley and Sam were both worried.

Sam glanced over at Kim and Jess just in time to see Jess grab Kim's wine glass before it hit the floor. Kim was sound asleep.

"Sorry guys," Jess apologized as she yawned widely. "Erin still gets up in the middle of the night. It's been a while since Kim and I got a full night's sleep. Sorry to poop out on you like this."

"Don't worry about it. We'll be here all day tomorrow. Get some rest…both of you." Sam assured her sister.

Jess woke Kim and led her back to the bedroom. Sam and Riley sat up for a while talking trying to decide the best way to tell Kim and Jess about their plans. She didn't know why they were suddenly so nervous. They both laughed agreeing they were being silly. Kim and Jess were going to be thrilled with the news. They headed to the guest room for some much needed sleep.

Chapter Three

Jess's eyes snapped open and she looked around in confusion, something wasn't right. Kim was snuggled up in her arms still sound asleep. Jess finally realized what was wrong. It was light outside and it was late. A quick glance over at the bedside clock confirmed it; it was just after eight am. Erin should have woken them over two hours ago for her six am feeding. Jess quickly untangled herself from Kim sparing a quick glance at the baby monitor assuring herself it was still on. She slipped it into her robe pocket before exiting the room. She quietly stepped into Erin's room across the hall. Jess felt a moment's panic at Erin's empty bed then smiled remembering that Sam and Riley were in the house.

Jess stood silently in the doorway leading into the family room. Riley was sitting in the rocking chair with Erin singing softly to her totally unaware of Jess's presence. Jess could see that Erin's eyes were open and she was watching Riley intently. Her heart clenched with emotion at the look on Riley's face. Her expression was so open and filled with love as she gazed at the little girl in her arms. Jess knew she and Kim had made the right decision naming Sam and Riley Erin's godparents. If anything ever happened to her and Kim she was certain Erin would have a loving caring home with Sam and Riley. Jess shook her head refusing to think any more about such things. She shuffled her feet making her presence known. Riley looked up; her face was aglow with pleasure. Oh yeah she's ready for kids, Jess chucked to herself.

Riley's expression became shy and just a little nervous. "I hope this is okay. I woke up earlier and heard her start to fuss. I changed her then gave her the bottle from the fridge. We've just been bonding." Riley added with a smile and gazed down lovingly at Erin. "Haven't we Little One?" she asked before leaning down to kiss her softly. Erin gurgled happily in response.

"It's fine." Jess assured her. "I appreciate it and I'm sure Kim does too. This is the latest we've slept since the munchkin came along. That's what woke me, it was light out and our little alarm clock hadn't gone off."

Jess leaned down to kiss her daughter good morning. Riley obviously reluctant offered Erin to Jess.

Jess just smiled and stepped back. "Mind hanging on to her for a while longer while I get a cup of coffee? Or if you want I can put her in her swing?" Jess offered already knowing what Riley's response was going to be.

Riley tightened her hold on Erin. "No that's okay, she's fine right here."

"That's what I thought you'd say." Jess teased before heading into the kitchen for her coffee.

It dawned on Jess as she poured her coffee that now would be the perfect time to talk to Riley about the job at LA Metro. Jess came back into the family room with her coffee and sat down opposite Riley in the recliner. Erin had finally fallen asleep in Riley's arms. Riley continued to rock her gently.

"So how's work? Is Stevens still giving you a hard time?"

Riley's expression clouded over. "Yeah, the guy is being a real bastard. He's started messing with my scheduled follow-up surgeries assigning them to another surgeon."

"He can't do that, can he?" Jess asked shocked at how bad things had gotten.

"Well technically no, but there's another surgeon on the service that's had a real problem with me since I came out. She's helping him, doing the surgeries early when I'm either off or tied up in the ER. I'd go to pre-op my patient and find out the surgery had already been done. Not only that she's making the patients think I turned their cases over to her. I don't know why Claire has such a problem with me since she found out I was gay but she does." Riley said sighing in frustration.

"So what are you going to do, file a grievance?"

Riley shook her head no. It was obvious from her expression how upsetting she found the whole situation. She realized that Jess had just given her an opening to ask about a job at LA Metro. She and Sam had planned on telling them together but she knew Sam would understand.

"Actually I've decided to look for a new job."

Jess's jaw dropped open in surprise; this was just too perfect. She started laughing then quickly quieted when Erin jumped in Riley's arms. Riley soothed the little girl back to sleep before looking questioningly at Jess.

Jess had a huge grin on her face. "Well if you and Sam would consider a little relocation there's a job opening at LA Metro for a trauma surgeon. The fringe benefits are pretty good too." She added motioning toward Erin. Jess watched Riley's face closely to gauge her reaction. She didn't have to look very hard. A matching grin quickly graced Riley's face.

She shook her head in amusement. "Sam and I were going to tell you both today that we'd decided to move to LA and…" Riley was cut off by a loud whoop from Jess, which earned her a glare from Riley when she woke up Erin.

"Sorry." Jess whispered. She was almost bouncing in the recliner trying to contain her happiness.

Riley couldn't help but smile widely in response. Once Erin was back asleep, Riley got up and took her into the nursery then returned to the family room and Jess. Before she could say anything Jess jumped up from the recliner and wrapped Riley in a warm hug. The embrace was interrupted by a voice from the doorway.

"Just what are you and my wife up to this early Sunday morning?" Sam asked in a sleep-roughened voice. She'd obviously just awoken.

Riley stepped out of Jess's arms and into Sam's. Riley's smile lit up the room; it was the first time Sam had referred to her as wife to anyone.

"Morning Babe." Sam murmured before leaning down to kiss Riley softly. "So what's going on? I assume that was your big mouth that woke me up." She accused her sister.

Jess just laughed. "Well I was just telling your wife about a job opening for a trauma surgeon at LA Metro."

Sam's whoop matched the one her sister had let out just minutes earlier. She slapped her hand over her mouth when she realized what she'd done.

"Oops." Sam said with an embarrassed grin.

The three women started laughing and hugging each other. A voice again interrupted from the doorway.

"What the hell are you three doing? I could hear you all the way in the back bedroom. I can't believe Erin has managed to sleep through all the racket."

An obviously sleep tousled Kim stood glowering at the three women who were smiling broadly and didn't look the least bit contrite. Kim eyed the two sisters then Riley. Turning to her wife, she repeated Riley's words from yesterday.

"Spill it McKenna."

The three women across from her convulsed with laughter falling against each other.

Kim glared at all three of them. "The first one of you hyenas that wakes up Erin is going to be on poopie diaper duty all day," she threatened.

The three sobered immediately but continued to grin. Kim's eyes pinned Jess and her eyebrow arched. Jess sauntered over to her wife causing Kim's lips to quirk as she tried to hold back her smile.

"Oh we were just discussing the fact that…" She paused earning a poke from Kim. "Sam and Riley have decided to move to LA." Jess informed Kim with a grin.

Jess quickly brought her hand up and covered Kim's mouth muffling the whoop of joy she let out. Kim's eyes filled with tears and she rushed over to hug first Riley then Sam.

Sam wiped away Kim's tears. "That was supposed to make you happy, not make you cry." She gently chided Kim.

"Oh I am happy; I can't even begin to express how much this means to me."

Jess stepped over and wrapped Kim in a loving embrace as the tears of joy continued to trail down her face. She looked over to see Sam had taken a now crying Riley in her arms as well.

She smiled over at her sister knowing how much this meant to both their wives.

*****

Kim was gliding around the kitchen her feet barely touching the floor she was so happy. She just couldn't believe that Sam and Riley had decided to move to LA. It was like a dream come true. She passed Sam where she stood at the counter stirring batter for pancakes. She and Sam had offered to make brunch since they were the late risers of the group. Riley and Jess had headed into their respective bathrooms to get cleaned up and Erin was still sleeping. Kim couldn't resist wrapping her arms around Sam's waist and hugging her as she went by. Sam smiled back at her when Kim rested her head on Sam's shoulder.

"I just can't get over it. You guys are really moving to LA. How did that happen? I thought you were looking to buy a place in San Diego. Not that I'm complaining mind you." She added quickly.

Sam laughed. "I know what you mean; it took some getting used to for me too. It all started when Phyllis called to say she'd found the perfect place. Riley and I went over and looked at it and the truth is it was perfect except for one thing."

"What was that?" Kim asked curiously.

"It wasn't near you, Jess, and Erin." Sam told her sister-in-law smiling.

Kim tightened her arms around Sam's waist.

"Phyllis said she thought we should reevaluate what we really wanted. I'd known for a while that I wanted to be closer to you and Jess. I had actually considered it before Jess met you but I saw her then the two of you most weekends so just never got around to it. But when the little one arrived, it brought it up all over again. I didn't say anything to Riley; I figured she'd never be willing to leave her job. Anyway, we both finally admitted to the other what we really wanted. Riley's miserable at work and we both feel like we're missing out seeing Erin grow up. We'd like a child of our own soon and I know how great it was growing up having siblings close in age. I know you do as well. Riley grew up alone and doesn't want that for our child any more than I do. She actually told me she'd been considering moving to LA since Thanksgiving. She never said anything because she didn't think I'd want to leave my job." Sam added ironically.

"What about you Sam? I know how much your job on the force in San Diego means to you. Are you okay with transferring to a station house here?" Kim asked trying to read Sam. She wanted to be sure that Sam was going to be happy in LA; she had no doubts about Riley.

"Well to be honest my focus has changed since meeting Riley. Before her, my job was my life now it's just what I do for a living. I've never told Riley but the incident with Keith really shook me up and made me reevaluate my priorities. Now that I've got a wife and hopefully soon a child on the way I don't want to be a patrol cop. I'm going to apply for a position that's opening up at the LA Police Academy. That way I stay in law enforcement which I love but I'm not on the streets any more."

Sam was flabbergasted when Kim started to cry again. She turned and took her into her arms.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong… everything is finally right." Kim sobbed.

Sam didn't have any idea what had caused this latest crying jag. She just held Kim until the storm passed.

"Sorry about that my emotions still get away from me sometimes." Kim tearfully told Sam as she wiped away her tears. "I would've never said anything to you but now that you're giving it up I'll tell you. I've been petrified ever since you went back to work. I just knew we were going to get another phone call like last time and this time you weren't going to be so lucky."

"No one ever tells me anything," Sam grumbled shaking her head in disbelief. She knew Kim and Riley were frightened by her job but had no idea they felt so strongly. She thought Riley had adjusted well and come to accept her line of work. "Riley just about strangled me in her enthusiasm when I told her. If it bothered you both that much why didn't you say anything?"

Sam jumped when Riley spoke from the doorway. "Because Honey, neither of us would ever ask you to give up something you loved doing. That's part of accepting the person you love for who they are."

"What she said." Kim agreed.

Jess stepped up behind Riley. Seeing Kim's tear streaked face where she stood in Sam's arms, she addressed her sister. "Are you making my wife cry again?" she questioned sternly.

Kim tightened her arms around Sam and laid her head on her shoulder. "No she's not." She answered for her.

"I'm not!" Sam insisted.

Jess wrapped her arms around Riley from behind bringing her back against her body. She leaned over to whisper to Riley loud enough for Sam and Kim to hear.

"What do you think, should we believe her?"

Riley relaxed back against Jess and pretended to seriously think about her answer.

"Oh I think she's trustworthy." Riley finally concluded after giving Sam the once over.

All four women laughed then went to their respective partners. Riley nestled happily in Sam's arms while Kim did the same with Jess. Kim and Riley's stomachs growled in unison. Their raven-haired partners both roared with laughter. Their merriment was interrupted by a cry from the baby monitor. The two sisters looked at their spouses guiltily.

"Lucky for you two she was due to get up." Kim informed the two contrite women.

Jess volunteered to go get her and quickly escaped the room her sister hot on her heels.

Kim shook her head as she watched them scurry from the room. "I swear sometimes it's like having two kids."

"Just wait, 'til Sam and I move up here." Riley chuckled.

Kim just laughed. "It'll be worth it."

*****

The four women gathered in the living room after brunch. Sam and Riley were cuddled together on the loveseat and Kim and Jess shared the couch. Erin was on a comforter spread out on the floor being watch over by Thor as she contently played with her toes.

Kim was bursting to tell Sam and Riley about the house above them for sale.

"So have you made up your mind where you'd like to live?" Kim asked casually.

Jess snickered, earning a glare from Kim, she knew exactly where Kim was going with this conversation.

"Well if I get the job Jess told me about at LA Metro we'd like to live somewhere here in the area." Riley answered. They hadn't told either woman that they'd already looked at their neighbor's house.

Kim turned to Jess in shock before Riley could say anything else. "What job at LA Metro?" she demanded. "You knew all along there was a job available and you didn't tell me?" she accused.

"I just recently found out. I didn't want to say anything and get your hopes up Babe in case Riley or Sam weren't open to moving up here. I didn't want you upset." Jess tried to explain.

Kim glared at Jess for a second but seemed mollified by her answer. Jess glanced over at her sister and fought to keep a straight face when Sam wiped imaginary sweat off her brow. Kim saw her and turned her glare on Sam. Sam quickly looked engrossed in her shoes.

"So anyway..." Riley said hoping to defuse some of the tension. "How soon is the job opening up?"

"It's supposed to get listed in the journals starting next month with immediate availability. If you can fax me a copy of your Curriculum Vitae I'll take it over to Allen Freeman on Monday. He's the Chief of Surgery."

"You don't have to do that Jess; I can apply once it's listed in the journal."

"Take my word for it Riley; most jobs don't ever make it to the journal listings. I know you stayed where you did your fellowship but believe me that's how it usually works. Allen will be thrilled he doesn't have to deal with paying for candidates to come look from all over the place."

"You seem pretty sure he'll hire me, but he might want to see if there are some better candidates out there." Riley said suddenly unsure.

Jess smiled at Riley. "Don't worry about it. I've seen your CV and read the papers you've written. I'm positive he'll want you. Plus, you do a lot of trauma surgery on kids and I know for a fact that we're lacking in that department. This was meant to be." She assured Riley.

She turned to her sister. "What about you Sam, are you okay with transferring to a precinct here in LA?"

"Actually I plan on applying for a position at the LA Police Academy. It's not more than 10 blocks from LA Metro."

"But what about..." Jess started to question.

Kim interrupted. "I'll explain later." She promised. She wanted to talk about Debbie and Robert's house. The housing market in LA and San Diego was still red hot and she knew the property wouldn't be available long.

"Are you going to buy a house here?" She asked hopefully.

Sam and Riley grinned at each other. "Definitely." They answered together.

"Great." Kim enthused, "I know the perfect place. Our neighbors are moving…" Her voice trailed off when she caught the look on both women's faces. "What?"

Sam and Riley just grinned like idiots but neither one spoke. Kim stared as if they'd lost their minds. Finally Sam spoke.

"We saw the sign when we drove in yesterday. We stopped and looked at the house before we came in."

"Well?" Kim asked impatiently.

"We loved it and wanted to know if you'd go back with us to put in an offer?" Riley asked.

Kim started to cry again, which started Riley going as well. The two siblings sighed and took their sobbing wives into their arms.

"I'll be so glad when you move up here." Jess said over her wife's head. "I don't know how much more of this I can take."

Thor chose that moment to stand up and start to woo woo mournfully.

"Don't you start." Jess warned the big dog.

Riley pulled away from Sam and went over to console the big dog. She'd grown very fond of him. Thor sighed happily and licked Riley's face when she hugged his neck.

Everyone chuckled at his antics.

The phone rang interrupting them. Jess went into the kitchen to answer it. It was a good thing Erin was awake or Jess would've been in trouble again. They all jumped at the loud yell of exhilaration Jess let out several minutes later. They all piled into the kitchen to see what all the excitement was about.

"Okay, that's great I'll let everyone know… Yeah, Sam and Riley are here… I'll tell them… I'm so happy for you... Give Cheryl our love… talk to you soon… I love you too… Bye."

Jess turned grinning at her audience who'd been listening to her side of the conversation.

"Well?" Kim asked.

"Give me the baby first." Jess instructed.

Kim looked puzzled but handed their daughter over.

Jess cradled her daughter to her chest and covered her little ears. "That was Frank…" Jess paused smirking in anticipation. "Cheryl's pregnant!" Jess waited until the commotion died down then continued, "They think she got pregnant the day Erin was born. Frank said they were celebrating." Jess told them laughing happily. "He said Cheryl has been having a really hard time with all day sickness and that she'd try to call when she was feeling better."

They all headed back into the living room discussing Sam and Riley's upcoming move and Frank and Cheryl's happy news.

*****

Sam gazed over at Riley and smiled shaking her head. She was beginning to think she was going to have to sedate Riley. She'd been bouncing around in her seat all the way home talking excitedly about the upcoming move to LA and Cheryl's pregnancy. They'd gone over to Kim and Jess's neighbor and toured the house again. They both knew the house was just perfect for them. It had everything on their list they'd given Phyllis and best of all it was a short walk down the driveway to Kim and Jess's. Sam had already spotted a likely area where their driveway met the back of Kim and Jess's property where she could put in a gate to connect the two properties. They'd made an offer on the house and had every confidence it would be accepted. Riley was still going on about all the things they had to do as she had been since they left Kim and Jess's. For the first time since Erin was born, neither Kim nor Riley had cried when they left. Sam knew in her heart that they were making the right decision. She admitted to herself that she was just as excited as Riley was.

*****

Sam looked over at the clock and groaned. "Babe, it's almost midnight. I have an early day tomorrow and so do you. We don't have to settle everything in one night. Go to sleep."

They had gone to bed around eleven. Riley had kept her up talking about the move. Sam had finally insisted they get some sleep. Even after she turned out the light Riley hadn't been able to settle down and kept bringing up new topics. Sam finally had enough and knew there was only one way she was going to get any sleep tonight.

Sam rolled on top of Riley and before she could say anything else, took her lips in a searing kiss. Riley moaned when Sam's tongue pushed into her mouth. She ravaged her mouth not giving her a second to think of anything else. Pushing Riley's shirt up and her boxers down Sam continued her relentless pursuit. Riley could only moan and thrash all coherent thoughts driven out of her mind. When Sam's fingers slipped inside and she began to thrust hard and fast it didn't take long before Riley's body arched as the strong orgasm raced through her body. She slumped back to the bed, sated and limp. Sam curled around her as they both drifted off to sleep.

Chapter Four

"Hi Susan, is Dr. Freeman busy?" Jess asked as she stepped into the outer office of the Chief of Surgery.

"Let me see if he's free." She replied reaching for the phone. "Go right on in Dr. McKenna." Susan said with a smile after a short phone conversation with her boss.

"Hi Allen." Jess greeted the distinguished looking black man sitting behind the desk. He was of average height, in his early 50's with short-cropped black hair that had started to gray at the temples.

"Hey Jess, to what do I owe the pleasure? Usually don't see you up here." He responded with a smile.

"Do you have a few minutes? I wanted to talk to you about something."

"For you, sure. Have a seat." He invited relaxing back in his chair. "What can I do for you?" Allen asked getting down to business.

"Have you filled the Trauma surgeon position?" Jess asked.

Allen's eyebrow arched, now he was really curious. "No not yet. There are several finishing Fellows being considered but I was hoping to find someone a little more experienced. Why the sudden interest, considering changing specialties?"

Jess laughed. "No thanks! I know someone interested in the position. She's two years post fellowship and currently working at Mercy in San Diego." Jess grinned to herself she could see Allen was interested.

"Got a CV." He asked casually trying not to betray his interest.

"Sure do." Jess smiled handing over Riley's curriculum vitae that she'd been carrying. Jess sat quietly giving Allen time to read Riley's Curriculum Vitae.

When he finished he looked up. "What's the catch?"

"Huh?" Jess responded in confusion.

"Anybody who looks this good, there must be a catch. She's just what we've been looking for. Hell… she even wrote a paper on the special concerns of pediatric trauma surgery when she was a Fellow. Any Chief of Surgery worth his salt wouldn't let this woman get away. So I repeat 'what's the catch?' Is she a prima donna, drinks, what? Why is she leaving Mercy? Do you know this woman personally?"

Jess laughed lightly at Allen's rapid-fire questions. "Yes, I know Riley personally. She wants to relocate to Los Angeles." Jess said. She hadn't talked to Riley about how comfortable she felt about being out at work if she took the job at LA Metro.

"And?" Allen pressed.

Jess crossed her fingers and hoped Riley wouldn't be angry. "Her current boss is a homophobe and making her life miserable."

Jess watched Allen carefully. She knew he was aware that she was a lesbian and had never seemed to have a problem with it.

Allen's breath blew out in a whoosh and he grinned. "Damn Jess, why didn't you just say so; I thought it was something serious. When can she come for an interview?"

It was Jess's turn to grin. "All her contact numbers are current. I'll tell her to expect your call."

Jess knew she better tell him the rest. The hospital was like a fish bowl and gossip traveled at the speed of light. When Riley took the job and Jess was sure Allen would offer it; Riley's relationship to her and Kim would spread like wild fire.

Jess stood and shook hands with Allen. "Thanks."

"Don't thank me. If this works out, I owe you."

Turning to go, Jess stopped just as she reached the door. She turned back to face Allen. "Oh just one other thing, she's my sister-in-law."

Allen's laughter followed Jess out of the room.

*****

Sam jogged up to the condo with a huge smile on her face. She couldn't wait to tell Riley the news. Things had progressed much quicker than she'd anticipated. It had been less than three weeks since they'd made the announcement to Kim and Jess that they wanted to move to LA. Riley had an interview on Friday with Dr. Freeman the Chief of Surgery at LA Metro and now she also had an interview on Friday for the position at the police academy. Her captain had just informed her before she left work.

"Hey Babe, I'm home." She called out as she opened the door. She glanced around the living room her eyes landing on Riley. She was sitting on the couch with a bunch of papers spread out on the coffee table and crying. Sam immediately rushed over and pulled Riley into an embrace.

"What's wrong Baby?"

Riley just cried harder. Sam held her then pulled her into her lap. Riley finally got herself under control.

"Phyllis called today. There's been a hold-up with the escrow of the condo."

Riley had put the condo on the market as soon as they'd returned from LA. It had sold after only three days on the market. The offer they'd put on the house above Kim and Jess's was contingent on the sale of Riley's condo.

Riley started to cry again. Sam could barely understand her, all she got was something about losing the house and it's all my fault.

"You have to calm down Baby. Tell me what's wrong." Sam told Riley as she softly rubbed her back.

"I said we're going to lose the house in LA and it's all my fault!"

Sam raised an eyebrow questioningly. Riley took a deep breath before continuing.

"I'd forgotten all about it 'til Phyllis called today. I don't know why I ever let him talk me into it."

Sam still had no clue as to what Riley's talking about. "Talked you into doing what Babe?" She asked in confusion.

Tears started rolling down Riley's cheeks again and Sam tightened her embrace.

"I let my uncle put his name on the deed of the condo with mine. We can't sell it without his signature. I'm so sorry." She sobbed burying her face in Sam's neck.

"Come on now, it's not that bad. We'll just get him to sign." Sam tried to reassure Riley.

Riley just cried harder. "You don't know my uncle, he'll never sign. He told me to never contact him again. If I can't sell this place we'll never be able to swing the one in LA. I was counting on the equity from the condo plus what you have saved to put the down payment on the new house."

Sam sighed. She didn't know what to say to Riley to cheer her up. Unfortunately she was right without the proceeds from the condo; there was no way they could purchase the house in LA. An idea suddenly struck Sam.

"Don't worry Babe, we'll figure something out."

Sam mind was whirling but she didn't want to get Riley's hopes up. Besides she was pretty sure Riley wouldn't approve of what she was about to do.

"Hey come on now, every thing will work out. I have some good news." Sam told Riley wiping away her tears.

"I could sure use some good news."

"Captain Daniels called me in just as I was leaving. They want me to come to the Academy on Friday and interview for the self-defense instructor position. I made the first cut."

"Oh Sam that is great news. Wait… Friday!!"

Sam grinned, "Yeah Friday"

Riley had thought she was going to have to drive to LA alone for her interview since Sam had to work. Now they could go together."

The first genuine smile since Sam came home appeared on Riley's face.

*****

"Sam I don't think this is a good idea, just showing up at the house." Riley told Sam as they pulled up in front of a large home in an exclusive area of Brentwood. "Besides I told you he's never going to sign these papers. You don't know what he's like."

Sam stopped and turned to face Riley. "Trust me."

Riley let out a big sigh and headed for her uncle's front door. What could she say to that? She trusted Sam with her life.

Sam prayed this would work and wouldn't turn ugly. It had taken her less than a week to come up with the information she needed. She'd had to call in a lot of favors but it'd been worth it. The hardest part had been getting Riley to agree to go to her uncle's and take the papers for him to sign. Sam squared her shoulders as Riley rang the bell trying to prepare herself for anything. Several moments later the door swung open to reveal an older black woman in a black dress and white apron.

"OH Riley." The woman exclaimed before stepping forward and wrapping Riley in a warm embrace. "It's wonderful to see you." The woman squeezed her again smiling happily. "I'm so glad you're alright, it's been so long." She told Riley with tears glistening in her eyes.

"I'm so sorry Vera. I should've gotten in touch with you but I didn't want to cause any problems for you with my uncle. I know how much you need this job and after he disowned me..." Riley's pain filled voice trailed off.

"I understand," Vera assured Riley, "and I appreciate it. I thought your aunt and uncle both were going to have a stroke when they returned that day from San Diego. Your aunt informed me that your name was never to be mentioned in this house again." She told Riley sadly. "Are you doing okay? Is everything alright? What are you doing here?" Vera asked her eyes flickering to Sam.

"A lot has changed in the past year." She told Vera. Riley smiled and turned to wrap her arm around Sam's waist and pull her close. "Vera this is my wife Sam." Riley introduced proudly.

Vera glanced over at Sam then frowned sternly at Riley. Riley felt Sam stiffen beside her and gave her a reassuring squeeze.

Riley blushed hotly. "Vera Washington may I present my wife, Samantha McKenna." Riley announced formally. "Samantha McKenna may I present Vera Washington."

"That's better." Vera said trying to retain her stern demeanor. She couldn't and her face broke into a huge smile. She turned and winked at Sam.

Sam laughed relieved and offered her hand to Vera. "It's a pleasure to meet you Vera." Sam greeted.

Vera surveyed Sam from head to toe causing her to blush before turning back to Riley. "You did well for yourself child. I'm proud of you for finally going your own way and being true to yourself."

Riley's jaw dropped open in shock. "You knew… You knew I was gay?" she asked incredulously.

Vera just smiled smugly.

They were interrupted by a harsh voice coming from the room across the hall. "Vera who's out there. You know I never see unannounced visitors."

Riley squared her shoulders. "Into the lion's den," she quipped.

"Vera!" Rielly Connolly yelled again.

Riley held her finger up stopping Vera from responding. "We'll take it from here." She said knowing he would never agree to see them if Vera announced who was there. Riley headed across the hall to her uncle's study with Sam hot on her heels.

Riley stepped into the dimly lit study. There was a lamp on the desk and a small table lamp across the room providing the only illumination. Rielly sat at his desk, still dressed in a suit coat and tie.

"Vera what did I tell you about…"His voice trailed off mid-sentence when he spotted Riley. "YOU!" he hissed rising from his desk and rapidly approaching Riley. "I told you never to step foot in this house again!" He bellowed.

Riley stood rooted to the floor unable to move as her uncle loomed over her. He raised his hand toward her. Sam felt her anger soar at Reilly's threatening posture. She quickly reached out and grabbed his wrist. From his shocked expression it was obvious he hadn't noticed Sam.

"How dare you!" He snarled trying to jerk away from Sam. His eyes widened in surprise when he was unable to free himself.

"Touch her and you won't live to regret it." Sam growled in a deep menacing voice.

Rielly attempted to jerk away again unsuccessfully. Sam squeezed his wrist to reinforce her point. Riley who had been silent during the altercation finally found her voice.

"Let him go Sam." She said quietly.

Sam gave his wrist one last squeeze before releasing him.

"Get out before I call the police." He demanded, stepping back behind his desk and away from Sam.

"I'll be glad to as soon as you sign these papers." Riley informed him putting the folder she'd been carrying down on his desk.

"I'm not signing anything." He snarled.

Riley ignored him and opened the folder, flipping to the appropriate page. "I'm selling my condo. I should've never allowed you to pressure me into putting your name on the deed with mine. I put up the down payment and I've made every single mortgage and tax payment."

Sam and Riley both stiffened when Rielly laughed humorlessly. "I don't think so. The condo is a good investment and rising in value. Who knows with the deviant life style you've obviously adopted…" He said sneering at Sam. "You might not even be around in a few years. Good riddance to bad rubbish as far as I'm concerned. Now get out of my house."

Sam clenched her fists to her sides, wanting nothing more than to beat the bastard standing so smugly behind his desk to a bloody pulp. Riley looked stunned by her uncle's vitriol. She couldn't believe this man was actually related to her father. Riley's shoulders slumped in defeat. She knew this would happen and had tried to warn Sam. Her head jerked up when Sam suddenly spoke.

Sam knew it was time to play her trump card. "Oh you'll sign the papers alright." She informed him confidently.

Reilly laughed arrogantly. "And what are you going to do about it if I don't little girl." He scoffed at Sam obviously enjoying himself.

Riley started to speak but Sam squeezed her hand stopping her. She met Rielly Connolly's angry blue eyes and grinned. A second of uncertainty flashed across his face before his sneer reappeared.

"I'm sure the LA Times would just love to know about a prominent LA Cardiac Surgeon's speeding tickets."

Rielly let out a divisive snort and visibly relaxed.

"And let's not forget the two DUI's you bribed your way out of."

Rielly started to squirm and looked very nervous. Riley looked over at Sam in shock. She knew nothing about this.

Then Sam went in for the kill. "Oh… and of course there's that little matter of the solicitation charge."

Reilly's shoulders slumped in defeat. He didn't know who this young woman was or where she'd gotten her information but there was no way he could ignore it. As much as it galled him to give into her demands whatever they were he knew he didn't have a choice. If word ever got out about those charges his career would be over.

"So that's what this is about. You're going to blackmail me?" He accused.

"No. You sign the quitclaim to Riley's condo so Riley can sell it. We go away. It's that simple."

He turned to Riley. "So if I sign, you'll leave me alone and never bother me again?"

Riley nodded still too stunned to speak. Rielly signed the papers and shoved the folder back at Riley. "Now get out."

He locked eyes with Sam. "You've made a powerful enemy today." He threatened.

Sam met his stare evenly. "So have you." She replied before slipping an arm around Riley's waist and escorting her out of the room.

Vera was nowhere to be seen so they let themselves out.

*****

Riley was quiet on the drive back to Kim and Jess's. Finally she turned in her seat to face Sam. "Those things about my uncle, they were true?" Sam nodded. "How did you find out about them?"

Sam gulped nervously. Riley's voice was very flat and matter of fact. Sam hoped she wasn't angry about what she'd done.

"I know quite a few people in law enforcement. I called in some favors and they did some digging for me. I took a chance that someone as arrogant as your uncle would think they were above the law and I was right."

"Did he really get picked up on a solicitation charge? I just can't picture him picking up some woman on the street." Riley said shaking her head in disbelief.

Sam chuckled. "No he got caught in a sting operation. There was a high profile escort service that was a front for very high priced prostitutes. They specialized in wealthy men with particular tastes." Sam decided not to tell Riley everything she'd found out about her uncle. She shuddered remembering the type of tastes these prostitutes catered to. "He just lucked out and got caught with some high profile politicians who were able to use their influence to cover it up."

"But not well enough." Riley commented.

"Obviously not." Sam grinned.

Sam glanced over at Riley. She had a slight smile on her face. "Thank you."

"For what?" Sam asked.

"For coming to my rescue from my uncle… again. Though I have to admit for a minute there I thought you were going to rip him limb from limb."

"I wanted to." Sam admitted. Her expression tightening as she remembered the horrible things Riley's uncle had said to Riley.

"My hero." Riley soothed picking up Sam's hand and gently kissing the palm. She wrapped both her hands around Sam's and held their entwined hands in her lap all the way to Kim and Jess's.

*****

"You're going to wear a hole in my floor." Jess teased Sam.

They were in her office at LA Metro. Jess was working and Sam was waiting for Riley; she was upstairs in her interview with Dr. Freeman. Jess had been relieved that Riley wasn't angry about her telling Allen the reason she was unhappy at Mercy. Riley had laughed and assured Jess she had no problem with being out at work.

"Isn't she back yet?" Kim asked poking her head in the door.

"Don't you start," Jess warned. "Sam is already driving me nuts pacing the floor. She'll get done when she gets done. Don't worry he'll offer her the job."

Sam stuck her tongue out at her sister. Jess and Kim both chuckled.

Kim turned to Sam excitedly. "I almost forgot. What happened at your interview?" she asked looking at Sam expectantly.

Sam grin was answer enough. "I got it!" she confirmed.

Kim stepped into the room and hugged Sam. "Congratulations."

A knock on the door interrupted. "Come in." Jess called figuring it was Riley.

Penny the desk clerk opened the door. "Sorry to interrupt Dr. McKenna but there's a trauma five minutes out. Dispatch said an MVA and to expect two criticals and four minors."

"Thanks Penny I'll be right out." Jess told her.

Penny made no effort to leave. She was too busy staring at Sam. Sam never came to Jess's place of work so none of the staff knew who she was. Penny was fascinated. This woman could be Dr. McKenna's twin. I wonder if she's into women too?

Sam squirmed uncomfortably in the other woman's gaze. Jess finally noticing Penny's interest introduced the two women.

"Penny, this is my sister Sam. Sam this is our desk clerk Penny."

"Hi Sam, it's really nice to meet you." Penny said smiling flirtatiously at Sam and offering her hand.

"Nice to meet you too." Sam replied politely trying to remove her hand from the other woman's grasp. Penny continued to stare at Sam and unconsciously licked her lips.

Jess decided to have pity on her sister. She put her hands on Penny's shoulders and turned her toward the door. "Let everyone know what we have coming and have Dr. Armstrong prepare trauma two."

"Okay." Penny mumbled then turned back to Sam. "It was a pleasure meeting you. I hope to see you around again soon."

Sam smiled slightly but gave no other response.

As soon as Penny was out of the room Kim and Jess started laughing.

"Knock it off." Sam growled. "What's with her anyway?" she asked Kim.

"Well she had the hots for Jess but finally got a clue. Guess she figures if she can't have Jess her sister is close enough. I think you have an admirer." Kim teased.

"That's not funny… I'm taken!"

"Yes you are," said a stern voice from the doorway. "Who thinks any differently?"

"Riley! You're back… how did it go?"

"Answer my question first. Who thinks you're not taken and where are they?"

Kim and Jess decided now would be a really good time to go back to work. "Hey we gotta go, work calls." Jess said and they both quickly exited the room leaving Sam to her fate.

Sam stepped over and pulled Riley into her arms. "Kim was just yanking my chain. Jess introduced me to the desk clerk Penny. Seems she used to chase after Jess before Kim came along. Jess introduced us and Kim was just kidding around saying she was after me now. It was just a joke… you know I'm taken."

Riley put her hand behind Sam's neck and pulled her into a passionate kiss. The kiss went on for some time and when they finally broke apart both were breathing heavily.

"And don't you forget it." Riley breathed against Sam's lips as she kissed her again. Sam's knees were shaky by the time Riley released her. Sam stepped back and leaned against Jess's desk.

"Wow!" Sam muttered.

Riley smiled then grinned when she remembered what had happened upstairs. She met Sam's eyes.

"I got the job!" she exclaimed excitedly.

Sam face broke out in a huge grin. "I did too." She happily told Riley.

Riley threw herself back into Sam's arms. "I can't believe it. We did it… we really are moving to LA."

Sam leaned down taking Riley's lips in a congratulatory kiss. Things heated up quickly and before either one of them realized what was happening their hands began to roam. Riley's hands came up and claimed Sam's breasts. Sam moaned into Riley's mouth and quickly switched positions pinning Riley up against Jess's desk and pressing her leg between Riley's thighs. It was Riley's turn to moan. Sam reached down and pulled Riley's silk shirt out of her pants and slipped her hand underneath to cup her breast. Just as Sam was working open the buttons to Riley's pants the door unexpectedly opened.

"Hey guys is everything…" Kim's voice trailed off and she blushed when she realized what she'd interrupted. "Sorry." She muttered before quickly closing the door.

Sam and Riley both started laughing the moment broken. They both reordered their clothes and headed out to the front desk to find Kim and Jess before heading home.

*****

Penny smiled brightly when she saw the object of her desire coming down the hall. It quickly turned to a frown when she spotted the small redhead by her side.

"Hi Sam." Penny smiled at Sam totally ignoring Riley. "Are you looking for your sister?"

"Yeah or the other Dr. McKenna."

"I think they're both with patients. You can wait in the lounge or there's an extra seat back here." She said indicating a stool behind the counter next to the one she was sitting on. Sam noticed there was only one stool.

"No that's okay, we'll just wait in my sister's office." Sam turned to head back down the hall with Riley when Kim came out of one of the exam rooms.

"Hey Riley, how did it go?" Kim asked when she joined them at the front desk. Penny was trying to look busy. She wanted to know who this woman was with Sam.

Riley smiled. "It went great… I got the job."

"Congratulations." Kim said and reached out to give Riley a quick hug.

Now Penny was really curious who this woman was. "Dr. McKenna." She said interrupting Kim. You have a consult in exam six. Dr. Armstrong said the woman claimed to be hearing voices."

Kim turned apologetically to Sam and Riley. "Sorry duty calls. Are you sure you guys can't stay the weekend?"

"I wish we could but we just have too much to do to get everything ready for the move. Things are moving faster than we planned." Sam explained.

"I understand. I'll let Jess know you had to head back to San Diego. Congratulations again Riley and you too Sam." Kim saw how interested Penny was in the conversation. She felt bad for getting Sam in trouble earlier so decided to help her out.

"Oh Penny, since you'll be seeing her around quite a bit let me introduce you to Dr. Connolly. She's going to be our newest trauma surgeon. And of course you've already met her wife, Sam."

Penny's shock and disappointment was evident. She stood gaping at Sam and Riley.

"Nice to meet you." Riley offered.

Penny finally managed to pull herself together and take Riley's hand in a limp handshake.

"I have some stuff I need to do, excuse me." She turned and hurried away from the desk.

Sam couldn't help it she started to chuckle and Kim joined in. Riley just looked confused then it hit her.

"Was she the one who thought you weren't taken?" Riley asked glaring in the direction Penny had gone.

Sam just nodded still chuckling.

A loud commotion was heard from down the hall. Kim looked up to see a nude older woman run out the doors of the exam room.

"That's my cue. Love you guys. Let us know if you need anything." Kim turned and ran down the hall.

Sam and Riley watched for several seconds. "Never a dull moment huh?" Sam asked.

They left and headed for what they both now looked on as their temporary home in San Diego.

*****

Sam headed down the hall toward Riley's office. She was on her lunch break and decided to stop by and see how she was doing. Riley had informed her that she'd be handing in her resignation letter today and Sam was worried about Dr. Stevens giving Riley a hard time. He had become more and more hostile to her with each passing week. Riley's work schedule in recent months had become so hectic that Sam hadn't been to see her at work in some time.

Sam reached out to knock on Riley door only to have it jerked open in her face and a body slam into her. She reached out and grasped the person's arms trying to steady them.

Dr. Stevens glared at Sam then realized who had hold of him. He'd never seen her in uniform before.

"You!" he hissed jerking away from Sam. "This is your doing." He accused. He looked her up and down. "People like you are a disgrace to that uniform." He snarled before pushing past her and stomping down the hallway.

Sam watched him go then stepped into Riley's office and shut the door. Riley was sitting at her desk looking shell-shocked.

"Riley…" no answer, "Baby, you okay?" Sam tried again.

Riley seemed to shake herself out of a stupor blinking rapidly several times. "Sam, what are you doing here?" she asked in confusion.

"I was worried so I thought I'd stop by on my lunch break and make sure you were okay." Sam admitted slightly sheepishly.

Riley got up from her chair and walked into Sam's arms. She was immediately enclosed in a warm embrace.

"Always my hero." She said softly before drawing Sam down into a soft kiss.

"So what was that all about with Stevens?"

"I turned in my letter of resignation this morning to his secretary, he wasn't in yet. He stormed in here a couple of minutes ago demanding to know what I thought I was trying to pull. He thought it was some ploy to get a better schedule and hours. When I told him no I really was leaving he threw a fit. Told me not to bother coming to work tomorrow I was through here and to have my office cleaned out by tonight. He was furious that the first he'd heard of my leaving was when his secretary gave him my letter." Riley told Sam still not quite believing it herself.

"But I thought Dr. Freeman would've contacted him since he's your current boss?"

"That was my assumption as well, but obviously he didn't." Riley said shrugging her shoulders.

I thought you had to give 90 days notice?" Sam questioned confused.

"So did I but I guess they're so anxious to get rid of me Stevens said they were waiving the 90 days notice. Today's my last day at Mercy. I guess I'm out of a job."

Sam could tell Riley was in shock over the confrontation with Stevens. "Don't worry about it; I'm sure Dr. Freeman will be happy to have you start sooner than planned. He did say they wanted you as soon as possible but understood you had to give notice." Sam tried to reassure Riley.

"I know I just wasn't expecting it. He seemed truly shocked when he realized I was serious about leaving. I thought he'd be happy I was leaving. He just started to scream about all he'd done for me and how I was betraying him. He informed me the only reason he accepted me into the trauma surgery program and then as staff was because of my uncle. Then he told me to get out of his department. Said he expected my office cleaned out by tonight. I told him I would fulfill my obligation of 90 days notice. He insisted that he was waiving it and repeated he expected me out of my office and his hospital by tonight then stormed out."

"I'm sorry Baby." Sam said hugging Riley tightly.

"I guess I should be happy. It means we can move to LA that much sooner. The condo's already sold and I'm sure the new owners will be happy not to have to rent back to us. Oh but what about you?" Riley asked wondering how this would affect Sam. "You never said how much notice you had to give at work."

"I can leave whenever I want to since I'm transferring to another department not resigning. I haven't told them yet what my departure date is. I was staying because you had to. It's no problem to transfer sooner."

Sam's radio squawked interrupting; she listened for several moments.

"I'm sorry Babe, I have to go. I'll come back after work and bring some boxes to help you pack everything up. This is a good thing! Kim and Jess will be so excited that we'll be moved to LA in time for the holidays. Please don't let that homophobic ass get you down."

Sam leaned to kiss Riley's lips before heading out the door.

Riley looked around her office then with a big sigh started gathering up her things.

Chapter Five

Sam walked down the upstairs hallway of Riley's condo dodging boxes as she went. They had spent the last few weeks since Riley's resignation packing up her apartment and Riley's condo. With the sale of the condo complete and the escrow closed on the house in LA it was all coming together. Robert and Debbie were out of the house and had already turned over the keys to them. The movers were due tomorrow. She'd finished packing up the kitchen quicker than expected so decided to see if Riley needed a hand with her study.

Sam stepped into the room looking for Riley. There were boxes stacked everywhere. This room had been the fullest with all the medical books and assorted professional journals that needed to be moved.

"Hey Babe, need some help packing…" Sam's voice trailed off when she spotted Riley. She had cleared a spot near her desk and was bent over at the waist lifting books into the box between her spread legs. Sam felt her heart start to pound in her chest and her eyes fixed on Riley's backside prominently displayed in the thin sweats she was wearing.

"Sam?" Riley called as she picked up several more books. She peered over her shoulder wondering why Sam had gone so silent. Understanding bloomed when she got a glimpse of Sam's face. Uh Oh…I know that look.

Riley straightened and started to turn to face Sam but she wasn't quick enough. Sam closed the distance between them in a flash. She placed her feet on the outside of Riley's; wrapping her arms around Riley and pulling her back into her body.

"Hey Babe," Sam purred as she leaned down to nibble an earlobe.

She tried to turn in Sam's arms but her embrace tightened keeping her in place. Sam placed open mouth kisses down Riley's neck making her tremble.

"Umm… got the kitchen all packed up?" Riley asked then moaned when Sam hit a particularly sensitive spot on her neck.

"Uh huh…" Sam murmured never pausing in her task.

Riley gasped when Sam's hand slipped under her shirt and cupped a breast. Sam's hips began to press into her from behind.

"We… um… need to…um… pack." Riley was having a hard time forming a sentence as Sam's caresses intensified. "The movers will be here… Oh God." Riley exclaimed as Sam's hand slid down her belly and into her sweats to cup her mound. Riley's protests died on her lips when Sam began to stroke her and continued to rock against her.

Sam turned Riley in her arms and guided her back toward the desk. She dropped to her knees in front of Riley and reached out pulling her sweats and underwear down in one swift motion. Riley could do nothing but groan and lean back against the desk spreading her legs further open when Sam's tongue began to work between her thighs. Riley was rapidly on her way to peaking when Sam suddenly pulled away. Riley whimpered in protest.

Sam stood up and quickly removed her shirt. She pulled Riley into her arms and reached behind her to spread the shirt over the edge of the desk. She leaned down and captured Riley's lips in a searing kiss allowing her to taste herself on Sam's lips. Riley moaned into Sam's mouth.

Sam pulled away slightly. "Turn around and bend over." She instructed huskily.

Riley hesitated for just an instant but one look into Sam's eyes and she complied. Sam guided her down until she was bent over the desk face down. Sam's eyes went right to the backside that had taunted her earlier and her hands followed. Riley gasped and her hips jerked when Sam filled her hands with both globes and squeezed. Riley felt a quiver of uncertainty when Sam's jean clad knee pressed between her thighs spreading her legs. She felt completely exposed. The quiver quickly turned to a shiver of arousal when she heard Sam opening her belt and unzipping her jeans. She risked a glance behind her and her breath hitched at the passion burning brightly in Sam's vivid blue eyes.

Sam pushed her jeans and boxers down and pressed herself against Riley backside. Her hips bucked and she growled at the contact. She thrust against Riley several times before she gained control of herself. Shifting position slightly she spread herself open and pressed herself against Riley tight ass cheek. Both women groaned as Sam's wetness slid against Riley. Sam slipped a hand between Riley legs from behind and easily pushed two fingers inside. Riley moaned loudly as Sam's fingers suddenly filled her. At Riley's moan Sam lost it, she began to thrust frantically against Riley as she pumped her fingers deep inside her. Sam climaxed first with Riley not far behind. Sam was bent over pressing against Riley's back as she tried to regain her breath. She straightened up on shaky legs and carefully withdrew from Riley. She gently lifted Riley off the desk and pulled her into her arms.

"You okay?" Sam questioned softly, worried she'd been too rough with Riley. She'd lost control there for a few minutes slamming frantically against Riley.

Riley raised her flushed face from Sam's chest. She was still trying to get her voice to work. "I'm good." She finally managed to stutter.

Sam chuckled hugging Riley tight. "Don't know what happened there, I came in and saw you bent over like that… I just kind of lost it."

Riley pressed against Sam tightening her arms around her waist. "Well then you can lose it any time you want… that was um amazing." Riley buried her blushing face in Sam's chest embarrassed at how much she'd enjoyed being taken like that.

Sam grinned. "Really?"

"Really…" Riley admitted blushing harder.

Sam laughed happily thinking of all the intriguing possibilities. After reordering her clothes she helped a still struggling Riley with hers. Sam grinned as she looked at Riley's desk.

"Sure won't ever look at that desk quite the same way again." She teased.

Riley slapped her playfully on the belly. "Hush… I have to work at that desk."

"So what's left to pack? Sam asked glancing around the room.

"Just the last of the books, I think I've got everything else ready to go."

Riley pulled over the box she'd been packing when Sam came in. She started to bend over but glanced back and saw Sam's leer reappear. Riley smirked at Sam and stepped over to the other side of the box and faced Sam before bending down. Sam sighed in disappointment making Riley laugh. They worked together to quickly finish up the last of the packing.

*****

"Well that's it. That was the last box." Riley commented as she and Sam stood in the middle of her empty living room. She thought it would bother her more, leaving the place she'd lived for the last four years. Although it had truly only become a home in the last year. She was more excited than sad and a little nervous. She laughed to herself at her sudden case of nerves. She and Sam had been living together for the last year. Except for her in-house call she couldn't even remember the last night they'd slept apart.

"It's a big step huh?" Sam asked seeming to read her mind.

Riley stepped into Sam embrace and marveled as she often did how safe and at peace she felt in her arms. Despite her fears she knew in her heart this was where she belonged, with Sam.

"It's silly I know; we've been living together for over a year."

"That's true but we both knew we still had our separate places. That's not the case anymore. We own the house in LA together; there is no more mine or yours."

Riley looked up in surprise. "Are you nervous too?"

"A little." Sam admitted.

Riley didn't know why but that actually made her feel better knowing Sam was a little nervous too.

"We're doing the right thing. I just know we are." Riley assured Sam. Her nervousness abating as quickly as it'd appeared.

"I know we are. I love you and we belong together." Sam leaned down to kiss Riley's lips lightly.

"I love you too and we do belong together." Riley confirmed before returning Sam's kiss.

Someone clearing their throat loudly interrupted them. Where a year ago Riley would've pulled away from Sam and blushed now she just turned to look at the man standing in the doorway.

"Trucks' all loaded so if you don't need anything else we're gonna head for LA. We'll be at the house first thing tomorrow morning to unload." The mover informed them.

Sam glanced at her watch. It was just after 7pm. It had taken all day to load up first her apartment then Riley's condo. She was more than happy to call it a day and start fresh tomorrow. They still had to make the almost two hour drive to LA.

"Sounds great. We'll meet you up there. You have the address and directions?"

The man nodded smiling at both women and waving in farewell before heading out to his truck.

*****

Sam started awake when a loud cry pierced the morning air. Riley rolled over and snuggled against Sam as the frantic cries continued.

"Kid's got some set of lungs…huh?" she teasing asked Riley.

"Maybe I should go check…" the crying suddenly stopped. "Or maybe not." Riley laughed.

"Now I see what Jess meant about not needing a alarm clock. You'd think by now Erin would've come up with a quieter way to let everyone know she's awake and hungry." Sam glanced over at the clock seeing the early hour. "You sure you want one of those loud alarm clocks?"

Riley chuckled and leaned over to whisper in Sam's ear. "Absolutely."

Sam shivered as Riley hot breath caressing her ear. "Want to practice making one?" Sam asked wiggling her eyebrows.

Riley laughed and rolled out of bed. "Not this morning, we have a busy day ahead of us."

Sam slid up in the bed resting against the headboard. She stuck out her lower lip in a pout making Riley snort.

Riley stepped back over to the bed and kissed Sam deeply. She pulled back and smiled. "Maybe we can sleep in our own house tonight."

Sam smiled in response at the thought of their house.

*****

"Wait!" Sam cried suddenly.

Riley turned from where she was about to open the door of the new house. "What's wrong?"

Sam stepped up to Riley and lifted her up into her arms. Though they'd been in the house during the final walkthrough prior to the close of escrow this was the first time they'd be entering the house since actually owning it. Sam shot her sister a dirty look over Riley head when she heard her snicker. Sam winked at Kim when she elbowed Jess in the ribs.

Sam leaned down so Riley could open the door. She stepped over the threshold with Riley in her arms and walked into the empty living room. Sam released her arm from under Riley's legs allowing Riley's body to slide down hers before wrapping her in a hug.

Riley reached up and pulled Sam down into a kiss. They lost themselves in the moment. Erin's loud squeal reverberated around the empty room reminding them they weren't alone.

"Welcome home." Sam murmured against Riley's lips, as they pulled apart.

They turned to face Jess, Kim and Erin and both grinned widely.

"We did it!" Sam cried triumphantly. She took Erin out of Kim's arms and danced the little girl around to living room much to her delight. The three women watched with broad smiles. Kim stepped over and hugged Riley.

"Welcome neighbor." Kim couldn't help laughing happily as she embraced Riley.

The squeal of air brakes broke the happy moment.

Riley walked over to the window and looked down the drive to see the large moving van backing up the drive.

"Let's get to work unloading our stuff into our New House!" Riley exclaimed excitedly.

Kim took Erin back home and Jess stayed to help with the movers. They had a long day ahead of them.

*****

"Anyone home?" Kim called as she stepped in the front door of Sam and Riley's new home. She still couldn't believe they were actually living just up the drive from her and Jess. It really was a dream come true. Kim had Erin in one arm and a large bag of Chinese takeout in the other. She ordered the food when she'd heard the moving truck drive away about half an hour ago. Kim and Erin had come back and forth to the house several times during the day checking on their progress.

When she didn't receive a response she went up the half flight of stairs and into the living room. A soft smile broke out on her face at the sight before her. The room was filled with boxes. The couch from Riley's condo was facing the fireplace with the large butcher-block coffee table sitting before it. Riley was sprawled face down on the couch. Sam and Jess were both lying on the carpeted floor with one throw pillow each they'd obviously managed to find. They were all sound asleep. Kim laid Erin down next to Jess. She immediately rolled over onto her stomach and began rocking trying to get closer to Jess. Erin reached out slapping Jess on the side babbling to her. Jess's eyes opened and she smiled down at her little daughter before leaning over to kiss her forehead.

"Hi Little One." She greeted softly.

Erin squealed loudly at the sound of Jess's voice; Jess lifted her up and onto her chest causing Erin to crow in delight.

Sam groaned her eyes slowly blinking open. She smiled a greeting to Kim before moving closer to her sister and Erin. She reached out offering Erin her finger to squeeze. Kim set about putting out the food she'd brought. So far there were no signs of life from Riley. The three women sat on the floor around the coffee table and began to dish up the food Kim had provided. Jess had Erin in her lap and was trying to keep her from pulling her plate off the low table. Kim looked over at Sam.

"Aren't you going to wake her?" she asked looking over at a still sleeping Riley. Riley's face was buried in the pillow on the back of the couch and all Kim could see was the back of her head.

"She'll wake up in a minute." Sam assured Kim. Kim watched as Sam lifted a container of sesame chicken and waved the fumes in Riley's direction. It was less than a minute before she stirred.

"Is that sesame chicken I smell?" she asked in a sleep-roughened voice before even turning over.

The three women chuckled when Riley's stomach growled loudly. Riley quickly joined the group and loaded up her plate.

They shared an enjoyable dinner with Kim and Jess filling them in on all the good restaurants and stores in the area. They shifted Erin from lap to lap to allow everyone to get something to eat. She was bound and determined to pull someone's plate off the table. She got fussy toward the end of the meal. Kim relaxed back on the couch with her and fed Erin her dinner.

"So how long do you both have off?" Jess asked. She knew they both wanted time off to get settled but didn't know if they'd been able to arrange it.

"I talked to the Head of Personnel at the Police Academy last week. He said it'd be no problem to take time off. They're going to be on Thanksgiving break soon and the new batch of recruits won't start 'til the first of the year. They gave me the next three weeks off. I don't start 'til the Monday after Thanksgiving. So that gives me plenty of time to prepare all my classes before I actually have to face any students." Sam told them.

Jess and Kim smirked at the mention of Thanksgiving and Riley stuck her tongue out at both of them.

"You sure lucked out with that one." Jess teased Riley. "I can't believe Mom convinced Dad to take her on the cruise a second year in a row. I guess they really had a great time last year. I thought for sure she'd demand an appearance by you and Sam in Clayton."

The three women laughed heartily at Riley's dramatic sigh of relief. She wasn't looking forward to meeting Sam's mom.

Jess turned serious. "You're going to have to tell them soon. I can't believe you haven't told them you moved to LA."

"I'm gonna… You know how they're going to be." Sam whined.

Kim and Jess both smirked unsympathetically. They'd already been though the ordeal of Doris it was Sam and Riley's turn.

"So how about you Riley, how soon do you have to start work?" Kim asked.

"Unfortunately I have to return to work sooner than Sam. I spoke to Susan, Dr. Freeman's secretary and she told me that the credentialing committee meeting was the week before Thanksgiving. She said they'd have all my paperwork ready by then and that my credentials should be approved at that meeting. Dr. Freeman told me he wanted me to start as soon as my credentials were approved. So being the new guy I would expect that I'm going to have to work on Thanksgiving." She explained sadly. "I'd hoped we could have you and Jess with Erin and Frank and Cheryl over for Thanksgiving but I guess that'll have to wait 'til next year." Riley explained sighing in disappointment.

Sam reached out squeezing Riley leg in sympathy.

"Any idea about Christmas?" Jess asked. She was senior enough not to have to worry about working and Kim with working part-time would most likely not draw the holiday.

Riley's shoulders slumped a little lower. "I'll probably have to work then as well." She looked over at Sam and whispered. "I'm sorry."

Sam hugged Riley. They'd already had this discussion when they realized their move would be so close to the holidays. With Sam being an instructor at the police academy she'd be off over Christmas break. The recruits had holidays off.

"I know Babe. We knew that'd be the case with your new job and a move so close to the holidays. We have many years and holidays to share together. Don't worry about it."

Kim and Jess looked on as Sam kissed Riley gently. Kim reached across the table and squeezed Riley's hand.

"We'll celebrate the holiday around your schedule. This is going to be a wonderful holiday season with two new additions to the family. Kim smiled at Riley then glanced at Erin indicating who she meant." Kim and Jess had already made it clear to both sets of parents that they'd be spending Erin's first Christmas at home.

Kim looked shocked when Riley burst into tears. Kim looked at Sam in panic wondering what she'd said to upset Riley.

Sam held her wife and comforted her until her tears finally abated.

Riley brushed the tears from her face. "Sorry about that, it's just been so long since I had a family to share the holidays with. That you would even considerer working around my schedule… that's just… it's just..." Riley couldn't speak any further and buried her face in Sam's chest as the tears flowed again.

Sam met Kim and Jess's concerned eyes. Her eyes were a little teary as well.

"Riley's aunt and uncle never cared much about the holidays. The first two years she was with them after her parents passed away they went to some big charity function on Christmas and left her alone or with a servant. Her presents were left under the tree and she opened them alone or with Vera the housekeeper. They decided at twelve she was too old for Christmas and dragged her to whatever charity function they supported that year. Last year I was in Clayton with you guys while Riley had to work. We celebrated before I left of course but it's just not the same. This will be the first Christmas since she was nine that she's had a family to celebrate with." Sam explained for a distraught Riley.

Kim and Jess came around the table and hugged Riley. Both women decided right then and there to make this a special Christmas for Erin and Riley. Kim placed Erin in Riley's arms. Riley couldn't help but smile when the little girl patted her face.

"You and Erin will both spend your first holiday season with your family." Jess assured Riley.

"You guys ready to head back to the house?" Kim asked hoping a quick change of subject would lighten the emotional mood.

Sam and Riley looked at each other in silent communication.

"Could we borrow a set of king size sheets, blankets and some pillows?" Sam questioned in reply. "I had the movers put our bed together so we could spend the night here but couldn't find any of our bedding."

Kim smiled. "Sure come on over neighbor and I'll get you whatever you need."

*****

Sam came out of the bathroom trying not to trip over all the boxes. They hadn't managed to unpack anything yet but still wanted to spend the night in their new house. Riley was already in bed. They'd put Sam's California king in the master bedroom and Riley's queen in one of the guest rooms. Sam slipped into bed and Riley immediately snuggled up to her side.

"Tired?" Sam asked.

"I know I should be but I'm just too excited to sleep. I think I got my second wind from the nap we took earlier. I just can't believe it. This is our house!" Riley exclaimed animatedly.

"So maybe we should christen it?" Sam suggested.

Riley turned to look at Sam in confusion. The light dawned with one look at Sam's face.

"Maybe we should." She responded huskily sliding on top of Sam.

It was quite some time before either of them got any sleep.

*****

Someone pounding on their front door awakened Sam and Riley. Sam grabbed her tee shirt and sweats and hurriedly dressed. She opened the front door to find a grinning Jess.

"Rise and shine! It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood." Jess sang to her sister.

"What time is it?" Sam growled.

"7:30, I've been up for almost two hours. I would've been here sooner but Kim wouldn't let me out of the house." Jess replied with a grin. "I come bearing gifts from your sister-in-law."

Jess moved some boxes and cleared a spot on the dining room table. She pulled out some pastries and a huge thermos; which Sam prayed held coffee. Next came the cups and plates along with some napkins.

"Okay you're forgiven." Sam said as she poured herself a big cup of steaming coffee and took a gulp. She wasn't sure what time it'd been when she and Riley had finally fallen asleep but it felt like just minutes ago.

Riley stumbled down the hall following the smell of coffee. She took the cup out of Sam's hands and drained it before handing the empty cup back. Jess snickered at the look of outrage on her sister's face. Riley pulled Sam down into a brief good morning kiss.

"Thanks I needed that." Riley murmured as the kiss ended. Sam smiled and poured Riley another cup of coffee before getting her a couple of pastries. Riley took her booty over to the couch and began to chow down.

"You are so whipped." Jess ribbed her sister.

Sam flushed with embarrassment causing Jess to laugh.

"Leave my wife alone, I like her just the way she is." Riley instructed from the couch. "So what's the plan today?" she asked the two sisters.

"I'm yours for the day. Kim is going to take Erin over to a friend's house later this morning then she'll be here to help as well. We both have to work tomorrow so figured we'd give you as much help unpacking and arranging as we could today."

"That's great Sis, we both appreciate all the help you and Kim have given us."

"Hey it's our pleasure. We're both very happy to have you living so close."

The three women sat and enjoyed their breakfast before getting to work.

*****

Sam, Riley and Jess were sprawled around the family room. The house was a split-level; the lower level consisted of a large family room, laundry room, bathroom, and a mid-size room that was to be Sam and Riley's office. Sam would be doing a lot of paper work now that she was teaching so needed office space as well. They had put the furniture that had been in Sam's living room in the family room. Jess was stretched out on the loveseat with her legs up on the armrest. Sam and Riley were lying against each other on the sofa. They'd finally called it a night about an hour ago. Kim had left to go pick up Erin.

Sam jumped up when the doorbell rang. "That must be the pizza. I gave Kim a set of keys." She glanced over at Riley to see her reaction; she just smiled and nodded at Sam. Sam grinned before heading up the half flight of stairs to the foyer.

"Come and get it." Sam yelled down the stairs.

Jess and Riley stepped into the living room to see that Kim had arrived along with the pizza. Jess walked over and kissed both her wife and daughter before taking Erin from Kim's arms. They had made great progress in setting up the main living areas. It was obvious they'd need more living room furniture; the new living room was much larger than the one in Riley's condo. The two rooms were combined in one large L shaped room with the dining room being in the lower arm of the L. There was a doorway on the far side of the dining room leading into the kitchen. Sam appeared with paper plates and cups. They still hadn't finished unpacking the kitchen.

*****

Jess leaned back with a groan that last piece of pizza had done her in. "Well it actually looks like a home in these two rooms."

"Yeah, just as long as you don't open any of the doors to the other rooms." Sam laughed. "I think we made great progress, we couldn't have done it without you and Kim."

"Here…Here." Riley agreed raising her soda to toast the two women.

"We were glad to help," Kim assured them.

All four of them yawned in unison causing chuckles around the room. Erin had fallen asleep quite some time ago after eating her dinner.

"Well I guess we should head home." Jess told Kim. "We both have an early start in the morning."

Kim nodded yawning widely. They both said their goodnights before heading off down the driveway. Sam eyed the fence where their driveway met the back of Kim and Jess's property and vowed to put in a gate as soon as possible. She didn't like the idea of them walking up and down the driveway in the dark.

Sam and Riley walked through the house together making plans for what they needed for the house. Soon they too decided to call it a night and headed off to bed.

*****

"You want to go see your aunts?" Kim asked a happily cooing Erin as they walked up the drive to Sam and Riley's. She only worked a half-day today so although it was only lunchtime she was done for the day and Kim wanted to see how things were going. Sam and Riley had been in the house two weeks and she knew Riley had to start work at LA Metro on Monday. The two women had made amazing progress getting settled in the new house. She hadn't seen them since Tuesday night because she'd worked both Wednesday and Thursday this week. Her schedule varied from week to week.

Kim stopped in her tracks when she reached Sam and Riley's driveway. Sam was working on putting the finishing touches on the gate she'd installed in the fence that ran along the top of her and Jess's property and abutted Sam and Riley's driveway.

"Hey you two." Sam greeted with a smile. "What do you think?" she asked indicating the gate. "I didn't like the idea of you walking up and down the driveway especially with Erin." Sam explained.

Kim smiled and walked over to give Sam a kiss on the cheek. "You're the best." Sam blushed. "So while you're playing handyman what's Riley up to?"

"She's trying to put our study into some semblance of order. We decided to keep both PC's and network them together. We still need more bookshelves in there. I'm done here why don't we head in and see how she's doing." Sam grabbed her tools and they headed inside.

They stopped in the garage to drop off Sam's tools and entered the house through the door in the garage. Sam led the way to the study. She walked into the room and froze. Kim peered around her shoulder to see what had caused the strange reaction. Riley was bent over next to one of the desks. She had a box between her spread legs and was lifting books out of it. Kim came around Sam and snickered at the glazed look of lust on her face. Sam's eyes were locked on Riley's backside.

"Hey Riley." She greeted. Sam still hadn't moved or spoken.

Riley jumped, she hadn't heard Kim come into the room. She straightened up and turned around to find Kim, Erin and Sam.

"Hi guys," Riley said with a smile.

Sam shook herself seeming to come out of her trance when Riley stood up and turned to face them.

"Hi Babe," she greeted softly.

Kim looked around the room. The two desks had been placed against the far wall facing each other; each had a PC already set up on top. Two walls were lined with bookcases and there were a number of book boxes left to be unpacked. Riley's desk was a beautiful solid oak desk. Kim hadn't seen it before.

"This is a really nice desk." She commented innocently stroking her hand along the top of the desk.

Sam and Riley's eyes both flicked to the desk then each other; both women blushed hotly. Kim looked back and forth between the two women trying to figure out what that was all about. I'd love to know the story behind those blushes, Kim snickered to herself.

"Get the gate all finished?" Riley asked Sam in a quick change of subject as she led the two women out of the study. She could feel how hot her face and ears were and didn't want to risk Kim commenting on it.

"Yeah it's all set and the new neighbors liked it." Sam joked happy for the abrupt topic change.

They headed upstairs to the living room.

"Oh you were able to find the matching loveseat." Kim commented when she stepped into the living room. Sam took Erin from Kim's arms and settled on the floor to play with the little girl. She knew once Kim and Riley started talking they would be a while so decided to enjoy some time with Erin.

"We got lucky; the same store here carried both pieces. Originally I didn't even consider the loveseat, as it was the couch was too large for my condo. But here as you can see there's plenty of room. We even had to pick up an extra end table." Riley explained.

"You've both done a great job putting everything together. You'd never know that you've only been in the house two weeks." Kim complimented.

Riley smiled at the praise, Sam was so engrossed in Erin she wasn't paying any attention to their conversation.

"So are you looking forward to Monday?" Kim inquired, closely watching Riley's expression. She'd learned to read Riley pretty well over the last year.

Riley looked at Kim and smiled. She knew there was no sense in being less than truthful with Kim. Not only would she know it, but she'd also most likely call her on it.

"I'm excited and nervous. I don't have any doubts about my skills or ability to be a productive member of the staff but it's always hard working with new people. You never know what to expect or if you'll even hit it off with them."

"That's true." Kim acknowledged. "But you do know some of the people. You know the Head of the ER and the ER Psych Attending."

"That's different, I know you both personally. I've never worked with either of you professionally and that's a whole different thing." Riley countered. That was one of her main worries of working with Kim and Jess. There was the concern that work disagreements, which were bound to happen, would spill over into their personal life. She didn't want her relationship with either woman to be damaged by professional disagreements at work.

"I understand. I admit Jess and I have had our share of professional disagreements at work. But…we leave them at work."

Riley's tense posture relaxed at Kim's reassuring words.

"So let me fill you in on all the staff at LA Metro." Kim offered settling back against the couch, this was going to take a while.

Chapter Six

Riley stood staring at the tiny office she'd be sharing with another surgeon. There were two small desks shoved back to back, two lockers, and two desk chairs. The computer monitor and keyboard took up most of the small desk space. There was barely room to turn around in the small office. She just hoped she hit it off with her office mate, she couldn't imagine being stuck in such close quarters with someone she didn't get along with.

"Sorry about the accommodations, office space is at a premium around here." Allen apologetically explained.

Riley smiled remembering her first look at Jess and Kim's office; she'd seen larger broom closets.

"No problem, I just use it to do my paperwork. There is an on-call room…right?" Riley asked looking around trying figure out how she could cram a couch into the tiny office.

"There sure is and a nice one too." Allen assured her smiling at her look of relief. "Come on I'll show you, then we can stop by and see who's around in the surgeon's lounge. I want to introduce you to some of your fellow staff.

*****

Riley breathed a sigh of relief as she gazed around the on-call rooms; they were really nice. There were actually three rooms all connecting off a central area that sported a desk with a computer, a small refrigerator, a large table, and several comfortable chairs. Along one wall was a sink with cabinets above it containing dishes. The three rooms off the center hub each contained a sink, bedside table and a fairly comfortable looking single bed.

"Let's head for the main surgical lounge." Allen suggested after giving Riley a chance to look around. "Later I'll take you up to meet the Chief of Staff." Allen chuckled at the quick grimace that crossed Riley's face before she could hide it. "Ah… I see Jess filled you in about our Dr. Rodman."

Riley blushed but didn't respond. Allen snickered, heading out the door to the surgical floor with Riley in tow.

*****

Going down to the third floor they entered the surgical wing, which housed all the surgical suites as well as the surgeon's locker room and the recovery room. Allen led them to the lounge that connected to the locker room.

Stepping into the room Riley noticed a burly dark haired man wearing scrubs sitting at the large table.

"Hey Craig…" Allen greeted the man.

"Hi Allen. What's up?" Craig asked glancing over at Riley.

"I wanted to introduce you to our newest trauma surgeon. Craig Peterson this is Riley Connolly." Allen introduced. "Craig is a fellow trauma surgeon." He explained to Riley.

Craig stood up to greet Riley and smiled at the look on her face. Craig was a big man and built like a line backer, at 6' 6" he dwarfed Riley. He reached out to shake hands. Riley small hand was gently engulfed in his much larger one. Riley looked up into gentle brown eyes and smiled; she somehow knew instantly that they'd be friends.

"Nice to meet you Riley." Craig greeted.

"You too Craig." She said smiling at the big man.

Craig looked over at Allen and grinned. "So how did a nice lady like you end up working in a place like this?" He asked teasingly.

"Hey watch it!" Allen warned.

Sam and Riley had talked about how they were going to answer questions about their private life. Jess had told Riley there would be no hiding their relationship. It was bound to get out that Riley was related to Jess and Kim. They'd decided to tell the truth if asked directly but not volunteer any information unless asked. Riley opened her mouth to respond but Allen beat her to it.

"She moved here to be closer to her family; Jess McKenna's her sister-in-law." Allen provided.

Craig looked Riley over speculatively then a big smile broke out over his face. He seemed to notice her wedding ring for the first time and his eyebrow arched.

Turning to look Riley directly in the eye he asked. "So what does your wife do?"

Riley's jaw dropped and she knew she was doing a great impression of a fish. How does he know I'm married to Jess's sister and not her brother?

Craig threw his head back and roared with laughter. "You didn't tell her did you?" He chided Allen.

Allen just laughed and shook his head no.

Craig turned back to Riley with a grin. My gaydar is never wrong. I don't have any on me," he continued as he patted his scrub pockets, "but remind me later and I'll show you a picture of my partner Dennis. We've been together for almost 10 years. He's a lawyer."

Riley's head was spinning trying to take in everything she'd just been told. She looked into Craig's twinkling brown eyes and smiled. "My wife's name is Sam. She's an instructor at the LA Police Academy. We moved up here from San Diego to be closer to Kim, Jess and their little girl."

Oh… a cop, there's just something about a person in uniform." Craig teased waggling his eyebrows.

Riley blushed hotly making both men laugh.

"Well I need to head back to my office for a meeting. I'll leave you with Craig; he can introduce you to everyone and show you around. Come back by my office later and we'll go over your schedule and I'll take you to meet Dr. Rodman."

"Great. Thanks Dr. Freeman." Riley responded.

"I told you it's Allen. If you go around calling me Dr. Freeman I'll keep looking for my father."

Riley smiled shyly. Allen was so different from her last boss. He demanded everyone use his title and even surgeons who'd been on staff for years didn't address him by his first name.

"Thanks…Allen. I'll see you later."

As Allen turned to go the lounge door swung open. Riley's companion's expressions immediately turned sour. She glanced at the short, slim built, balding man who'd just entered and it suddenly clicked just who this was. Riley forced her expression to remain neutral. Kim had described Dr. Rodman to a tee right down to the arrogant sneer on his face.

"Who do we have here?" Dr. Rodman asked as he leered at Riley, his eyes blatantly surveying her body. Riley felt her temper start to flare at his outrageous behavior.

"We were going to stop by your office later Dr. Rodman." Riley noticed the formal way Allen addressed the Chief of Staff. "This is our newest trauma surgeon, Dr. Riley Connolly." Allen introduced.

"Well… hello Riley. Welcome to our staff." Rodman stepped closer to Riley his eyes locked on her breasts. He held out his hand in greeting finally meeting her eyes. He smirked when he saw the sparks in Riley's eyes; he liked them feisty.

Riley took the offered hand and tried to release it as quickly as possible. Rodman held on much longer than necessary. Riley resisted the urge to wipe her hand on her pants when he finally released her.

"How about I show you around the hospital, you know all the in's and out's?" Dr. Rodman suggested. His expression and tone of voice conveyed just what he'd really like to show Riley.

Craig knew what Rodman was like and took a protective step toward Riley.

Rodman glared at the much larger man. "Don't you have some surgery to perform or something?" Rodman snarled at Craig.

Craig just smirked, "Nope I'm covering the ER today."

Rodman sneered at Craig before turning his attention back to Riley. "What do you say? I'll show you around the hospital then I know this great place, we can have lunch and discuss your future." The whole time he was speaking his eyes never left Riley's body.

Riley shuddered at the oily tone of Rodman's voice. Kim hadn't exaggerated about what a slime this guy was.

Craig and Allen watch with interest wondering how Riley would handle Rodman.

"No thank you Dr. Rodman. Dr. Freeman has already showed me everything I need to see." Riley responded forcing her tone to remain polite. Her tone changed becoming harder and she stared Rodman directly in the eye. "As for lunch, I already have a lunch date…with my wife."

Craig fought to keep a straight face. He wanted to cheer the little redhead for standing up to Rodman and outing herself. He knew there was a reason he'd liked her immediately.

"Wife!" Rodman hissed his eyes narrowing.

Riley raised her left hand and waggled her wedding ring at him just to emphasis the point.

Rodman's face turned red and the vein on his forehead started to pulse. What ever he was going to say was interrupted by Craig's pager beeping shrilly. Rodman turned and glared at him.

Craig pulled the pager off his belt and glanced at it. "It's the ER, I have to go." He told Riley apologetically. He felt bad abandoning her. He caught Allen's eyes and he nodded acknowledging to Craig he'd stay with Riley.

Dr. Rodman's face took on a calculating look. "Well I think our new surgeon should handle it. I'm sure she won't mind. Right Dr. Connolly?" He smirked.

"Richard, she hasn't even seen the OR's yet; today's her first day. She just got here." Allen protested.

"Oh I'm sure that won't be a problem for Dr. Connolly." He stared at Riley challenging her to back down.

Craig's pager shrilled again.

Riley met Rodman's stare head on. "Let's go." She said heading for the door. She didn't see the scowl Rodman sent her way. Craig smirked at him and followed Riley out.

"I'm late for my meeting. Come to my office when you're done." Allen called to Riley retreating back.

She waved over her shoulder acknowledging that she'd heard him but never slowed her headlong pace toward the stairs. Craig and Rodman followed Riley's rapid descent down the stairs. Rodman was breathing hard by the time they reached the ground floor. Riley couldn't resist sending a grin over at Craig when she spied Rodman's flushed face. He winked at her in response. Rodman caught the quick exchange and glared at them.

This one's sure feisty, Craig chuckled to himself, and I can't wait to meet her wife. He instantly went into professional mode when he entered the ER. "What room?" he asked Penny when he reached the front desk.

"Trauma Two, Dr. Peterson." Penny replied immediately. She watched as Dr. Rodman and the new surgeon Dr. Connolly headed down the hall trailing Dr. Peterson. Dr. Rodman looked angry. Her curiosity was peaked.

Craig pushed open the doors to the trauma room; Riley and Rodman right on his heels.

"What've we got?" He asked Jess as soon as he spotted her.

Jess looked up from the patient to Craig blinking in surprise when she noticed Rodman and Riley. She couldn't help wondering what was going on. Rodman looked pissed and Riley's face was carefully blank. Uh Oh… Jess forced her attention back to Craig.

"We've got a 53 year old male, involved in a single vehicle accident. He was restrained. Vitals were stable on arrival but pulse ox is dropping. I suspect a possible seatbelt injury. We were just getting ready to ultrasound his belly. All the labs have already been drawn." Jess reeled off.

Craig started to step forward to access the patient when Dr. Rodman stopped him.

"Dr. Connolly is going to take this one." His tone made it clear it wasn't a request.

Riley met Jess's eyes briefly before she stepped up to the side of the gurney.

Oh… she's pissed. Jess stepped back to watch Riley work.

Riley turned to the one of the nurses and requested the man's latest stats before speaking to the patient. She glanced up at Jess questioningly. "Collins," Jess mouthed to Riley.

"Mr. Collins, I'm Dr. Connolly. Are you in any pain?"

He nodded. "Yeah my belly hurts and it's getting hard to breath."

Riley could see he appeared to be going into shock. "Okay, I'm going to check you over."

Riley completely ignored Rodman who was watching her every move. She held out her hand to Jess, and without a word Jess handed over her stethoscope. Riley quickly and thoroughly examined Mr. Collins. When she got to his left side she frowned and listened again. As she straightened up alarms started to shrill.

"Damn it!" Riley growled as her patient started to crash.

"Problem Dr. Connolly?" Rodman asked condescendingly.

Riley ignored him and quickly took control of the situation. "Craig put in a central line. Jess where are the chest tube kits? Where's that ultrasound machine?" Riley demanded of the nurse standing next to her. The woman scurried out of the room to get it.

Jess got the kit and brought it over to Riley. She smirked over at Rodman. Riley deftly inserted the chest tube while Craig put in the central line. The nurse Riley had sent for the ultrasound machine arrived. Riley glanced up at the monitor.

"I need to intubate him. Get me a number eight ET tube." Riley ordered of one of the nurses. She quickly intubated the patient. Checking tube placement she again turned to the ER nurse. "Call Radiology and get a chest film for tube placement STAT."

She grabbed the ultrasound machine and scanned the patient abdomen. "There it is." Riley pointed out the liver laceration to Craig and Jess. "Looks like he also may have some damage to his spleen." She added.

Turning again to one of the ER nurses she instructed him. "Call up to the OR and tell them to get an OR ready, we need to get this guy up there now." She felt bad she didn't know any of their names. "Want to assist?" she asked a grinning Craig.

"Sure."

Once they finished up in the in the ER and were ready to head for the OR Riley seemed to remember Dr. Rodman.

"Coming Dr. Rodman?" Riley asked sweetly. She knew what a long surgery this was going to be.

"I've got things to do." He snarled and slammed out of the trauma room.

Riley's head jerked up when the room erupted in applause and laughter. She looked at the nurses and techs grinning at her. She met Jess's eyes seeing them sparkling with humor.

"Welcome to LA Metro." Jess deadpanned making everyone laugh.

Riley grinned and took a bow. She wouldn't realize until later what an impression she'd made on the ER staff by standing up to Rodman on her first day.

"Come on Craig, guess you better show me those OR's." Riley said grabbing the patient's gurney and heading for the elevators. It was going to be a long day.

*****

Riley and Craig stepped out of the OR hours later. Both were covered in sweat and were exhausted.

"You did great work in there." Craig praised. "I don't think I could've gotten a spleen that shredded out in one piece."

Riley blushed at the praise. "Thanks Craig you were pretty impressive yourself. We make a good team."

Craig just grinned. "Come on I'll buy you something to eat, you deserve it plus we missed lunch." Craig immediately noticed the stricken look on Riley face at the mention of lunch. "What's wrong?"

"I forgot all about it, I was supposed to meet Sam for lunch. With running into Rodman and then the patient crashing I totally forgot."

"Where were you supposed to meet?" Craig questioned.

"Down in the ER in Jess's office."

"Well I'm sure Jess would've told her you got stuck in surgery. She wouldn't be angry over something you had no control over would she?" Craig asked in concern misinterpreting Riley distress over missing her lunch date.

Riley looked relieved then surprised when she realized what Craig was asking. "Oh no she wouldn't be angry just worried about me. My boss in San Diego wasn't very happy with me when I came out and made my life miserable. It's one of the reasons why it was so easy to make the decision to move up here, the work environment at Mercy was bad. But you're right Jess would've told her I got tied up in surgery."

"Did you get issued a pager yet?"

"I'm supposed to pick it up this afternoon, why?"

"We have a service here at the hospital that's great. If you know your going into surgery and can't answer pages instead of having to depend on the surgical nurses you just dial a number and your pages will get forwarded to an answering service and they let the caller know you can't answer and take a message. Then when you're done is surgery you just call the service and they give you all your missed pages with messages. That way Sam would know you're not ignoring her." Craig teased with a grin.

"That's great I'll let Sam know about it when I get my pager. I'm going to pop down to the ER and see if there's any chance she's still there. Then I'll be back to write up Mr. Collins post-op orders. I don't know what my schedule is going to be but I'm sure I'll see you tomorrow."

"Don't worry about it I'll take care of Mr. Collins. Why don't you change and head home." Craig offered.

"Oh no that's okay. I'm the physician of record and I need to check out the SICU anyway. Want to walk downstairs with me, if Sam's still around I'd like to introduce you two."

"Lead on." Craig said with a sweep of his arm and a smile on his face.

*****

Riley glanced around the ER and didn't see Jess. She headed down the hall toward Jess's office with Craig in tow. Riley opened the door to Jess's office, smiling widely at the woman sitting at the desk. Craig stepped into the room right behind Riley. He noticed Jess at her desk and was just about to call a greeting when she rose from her seat and Riley rushed across the room to greet her. Craig's eyes widened and his mouth dropped open is shock when Riley rushed into Jess's arm and was engulfed in a hug then kissed soundly. Craig couldn't believe his eyes.

Riley turned in Sam's embrace intent on introducing them when she noticed the shocked look on Craig's face and the fact that his mouth was hanging open. She briefly wondered what was wrong, and then began to laugh when she realized what had happened. Sam looked at her questioningly.

"Craig, I'd like you to meet my wife Sam." She introduced still chucking.

"Sam this is Craig Peterson, one of my fellow trauma surgeons."

Craig stepped up to Sam and shook hands. Now that he was closer he could see the differences. Sam's hair was quite a bit shorter than her sister's and she was slightly more muscular than Jess. But all in all the resemblance was striking.

"Nice to meet you Sam." Craig greeted still getting over his shock.

"You too Craig." Sam responded wondering at the shell-shocked look on the man's face.

Riley couldn't resist tweaking Craig. "He thought you were Jess." She explained to Sam.

Craig looked flustered when Sam turned to stare at him; then she laughed relieving the tension. Craig looked relieved and joined in the laughter.

"I haven't seen Jess but one of the nurses said you got corralled into doing a surgery huh?" Sam glanced sharply over at Craig wondering if he had anything to do with it, sort of an initiation of the new surgeon kind of thing.

"Yeah there was no way around it. The Chief of Staff insisted but luckily Craig assisted or I'd still be in surgery." Riley explained turning to smile at Craig.

Sam gazed over at Craig rapidly reassessing her opinion of the man. She had to remember this wasn't Mercy and to give Riley's fellow staff the benefit of the doubt. She smiled at Craig wanting to show her appreciation of him helping Riley.

"Well I should head back upstairs; I've got some paperwork to finish up from earlier. Are you sure you don't want me to take care of the post-op order for you?"

"Thanks Craig but I'll take care of it."

Turning to Sam she asked. "You want to stay here while I change and take care of my patient's orders or do you want to come up and see my new office and wait there? I do need to stop by Dr. Freeman's office on my way out and pick up my pager and schedule. I guess if you want I could grab a ride later with Jess and I'll meet you at home. I'm really sorry about lunch." Riley disappointment at messing up their plans was obvious.

Sam smiled and pulled Riley in for a quick hug. "I'll wait for you, let's see this office."

Riley beamed in pleasure. "Okay but I better warn you, it's kind of small and I'll be sharing it with another surgeon. Come on I'll show you. You too Craig, we'll head up together."

Craig smiled and joined the two women for the trek up to the surgical offices.

*****

They entered the elevator in the ER to take it up to the fourth floor where the surgical offices where located. A lab tech joined them in the elevator.

"Hi Dr. Peterson." The tech greeted then turned toward Riley with a big grin. "Hi Dr. Connolly, welcome to LA Metro." He offered with a smirk.

Riley returned the greeting but looked slightly puzzled wondering how the tech knew who she was and what he found so amusing. The tech exited on the second floor. Riley looked over at Craig and he shrugged his shoulders. They rode the rest of the way in silence.

The three exited on the fourth floor and headed for Riley's office. Several people stopped them in the hall and welcomed Riley to the hospital. Every one of them seemed to either be grinning happily or smirking at Riley when they offered their greeting. She was starting to get irritated. Craig for the life of him couldn't figure out why everyone was acting so strangely.

They stopped outside the door to Riley's office. "So where's your office?" she asked Craig.

He grinned and pointed to the door they were standing in front of.

Riley laughed happily as she opened the door. "Well I guess I don't have to worry about getting along with my office mate." She stopped suddenly reminding herself that they had just met a few hours before and he might not appreciate having an office mate. "You don't mind sharing an office with me…do you?" she asked Craig just a little nervously

Craig reached out and gently squeezed Riley's shoulder. "We gotta stick together you know, can't have things rub off on other people in such close quarters."

Sam looked confused wondering what he was referring to. Riley knew exactly what he was talking about.

"I'm sorry Craig. Everyone here has been so great I'd hoped not to have to deal with that." Riley sadly replied.

Craig sighed. "Don't get me wrong LA Metro is much better than most, they even offer domestic partner benefits but some of our fellow surgeon's aren't so open minded."

It finally dawned on Sam what they were discussing. She was really going to have to figure out how to get her gaydar fixed the thing just didn't seem to work worth a damn.

"So we going to stand out here in the hall all day or are you going to show me your office?" Sam asked hoping to lighten the suddenly somber mood.

Craig made a 'you first' gesture and the two women entered the office with Craig bringing up the rear.

Sam looked around in amazement, small was an understatement, this office was miniscule. There was barely room for the three of them.

"Man I thought Kim and Jess's office was dinky. Are they all like this?" She asked suspiciously wondering if Craig and Riley had been relegated to such a small office because they were gay.

"Yeah they sure are." Craig assured her, reading the real question in her tone. "Office space is at a real premium around here. I work on charts in here and change my clothes but that's about it. The surgical lounge and the lounge off the on-call rooms get a lot of use because of the office space problem. I use the computers in those areas whenever possible."

"Hey I need to get down to the SICU. You want to stay here Sam or go back to the ER?" Riley asked.

"I'll stay here, you take care of whatever you need to. I'll be waiting." Sam assured Riley.

"Yeah go ahead Riley, I'll keep Sam company and take good care of her." Craig said with a wink over at Sam.

Riley glanced between the two of them; they were both grinning. "Somehow I don't find that reassuring." She informed the two of them.

They both just laughed. Riley walked over to Sam and gave her a quick peck on the lips and a quick pinch on the ass.

"Hey!" Sam yelped.

"Behave." She warned Sam. "You too." She added for Craig's benefit before sweeping out of the room.

Craig roared with laughter. Yeah she's a feisty one all right…. He had a funny feeling LA Metro was never going to be the same.

*****

Riley strolled back into her office with a happy smile on her face. She greeted Sam with a passionate kiss leaving her a little stunned. Riley released Sam leaning back a bit to look up into her face. Her eyes were shining and she was almost glowing.

"Not that I'm complaining but what was that for?" Sam asked when she recovered.

"I'm just happy!"

"Any particular reason?" Sam asked. She knew from Riley's expression that something was up.

"Oh maybe just the fact that not only don't I have to be on-call on Thanksgiving I'm not even working!"

"That's great Babe!" Sam enthused. "How did that happen? I thought you said you'd have to work being the newest surgeon."

"That's what I thought too but I just got finished going over my schedule with Allen Freeman. He said the holiday schedule was set up over a month ago and he saw no reason to change it now."

"What about Christmas?" Sam asked hesitantly. She knew how much Riley had wanted to spend the holiday with her new family and didn't want to upset her again.

Riley's smile never faltered. "I'm on-call Christmas day but according to Allen if you live within thirty minutes of the hospital you don't have to remain in-house. I'll only have to come in if it's something that the senior fellow can't handle. And that goes for all my call; I can take it from home. According to Allen almost all the major traumas go to the local major trauma center which has 24 hr. in-house staff so no more in-house call!" She told Sam excitedly.

Sam was just as excited as Riley. She hated the nights she had to sleep alone because Riley had in-house call. She hugged Riley tightly sharing her happiness.

"So are you ready to get out of here? You had a pretty exciting first day from what Craig told me."

"He told you what happened?" Riley asked nervously. She had worried how Sam would react to finding out about her confrontation with Rodman. She breathed a sigh of relief when Sam just laughed at her worried look.

"Yeah I admit I was pretty hot when he started telling me. But then he told me what you did…" Sam started laughing again. "I realized that was better than anything I could've done to him. I talked to Jess while I was waiting for you. Seems you're the hero of every gay in the hospital. According to Jess someone was in the locker room when you had your little confrontation with Rodman in the lounge and overheard you not only 'out' yourself but put Rodman in his place at the same time. That along with your performance down in the ER…well let's just say you my love are the talk of the hospital." Sam informed Riley with a smirk.

Riley blushed hotly then groaned covering her face. "Oh great just what I need."

*****

Sam and Riley made their way back down to the ER to see if Jess had left yet. They ran into several more people who greeted Riley and welcomed her to the hospital. Each time she blushed fiercely as she returned the greetings.

Jess had already left for the night so the two women headed home as well.

Chapter Seven

Sam woke to an empty bed. She reached over to Riley's side finding the sheets cold; Riley had obviously been up a while. She glanced at the clock on the bedside table, it was after 1am; she'd been in bed just over 2 hrs. Throwing back the covers and sighing heavily she went in search of Riley. Sam found her in the kitchen pacing back and forth muttering to herself.

"Do you know what time it is?" Sam demanded from the doorway.

Riley jumped at the sound of Sam's voice. "God Sam… you scared me."

"What are you doing Riley?" Sam asked exasperatedly.

"I just got to thinking; maybe everyone doesn't like turkey. I should make a ham too. Don't you think I should make a ham?" Riley asked earnestly seeming totally oblivious to the fact that it was the middle of the night when most people would be sleeping.

Sam groaned in frustration. This had been going on every night since Monday when Riley found out she wouldn't be working on Thanksgiving. Riley spoke to Kim and Jess and it was agreed that Sam and Riley would host Thanksgiving dinner. Riley had been driving Sam to distraction ever since with these middle of the night anxiety attacks. First it was concern about the guest bedroom furniture not being nice enough and the room needing to be repainted then it was their towels weren't good enough. From there she'd moved onto the menu and obsessed about that. Sam was sorry they had even agreed to host the dinner.

"Everyone coming likes turkey." Sam assured Riley. "Now come back to bed." Sam requested walking over to stand in front of Riley to stop her pacing.

"But what about…"

Sam put her hand over Riley's mouth stopping whatever she was about to say.

"Everything is perfect. You've been up every night this week. I'm exhausted even if you're not." Sam could see Riley was about to protest, so she pulled out the big guns. Giving Riley her best forlorn look she added. "You know I can't sleep without you next to me, please come back to bed."

Riley sighed in surrender. Sam leaned down to place a soft kiss on Riley's temple.

"Everything will be great, I promise." Sam assured Riley again.

Riley burrowed into Sam's arms and felt all her tension fade away. Sam sighed in relief as she led a willing Riley back to bed.

*****

Sam awoke a second time to find Riley's side of the bed empty again. A quick glance at the clock confirmed it as just before 7am. "Damn it Riley," she muttered climbing out of bed and going in search of her wife again. She found her in the family room curled up on the couch staring into space with a pensive look on her face.

"Hey Babe," Sam called softly not wanting to startle her.

Riley looked up meeting Sam's warm blue eyes; she smiled lovingly at her then raised her hand beckoning her over to the couch. Sam happily accepted the invitation. Sam urged Riley to sit forward so she could slip in behind her then reached out and pulled Riley between her spread legs, wrapping her arms around Riley's chest and pressing her back against her. It was a favorite position of both of them.

Sam leaned down placing a soft kiss on Riley's temple. "What'cha thinking about?"

"Are you sure Frank and Cheryl weren't upset I wasn't here when they arrived last night and that's why they stayed at Kim and Jess's instead of here?"

"No they weren't upset, I told you that. They understood you got tied up at the hospital. Like I said last night, Cheryl has been having quite a few problems with her pregnancy and wanted to be near Jess. That's perfectly understandable Babe, she knows Jess a lot better than she does you. Please don't take this the wrong way. Cheryl wasn't even sure they were going to be able to come; her doctor okayed it because of the fact that they'd have a physician so close by. I talked to her last night and I promised her that you'd understand and wouldn't be upset. She was worried you were going to be hurt. Please don't make more out of this than there is."

Riley sighed leaning heavily into Sam. "She was worried that I'd be upset." Riley shook her head in amazement. "You're right, I'm being silly. It doesn't matter where they stay just that all of us are together for Thanksgiving. It's just this is my first Thanksgiving dinner and I want everything to be perfect."

"I know this has been very stressful for you; maybe we should've waited 'til next year." Sam felt Riley's body stiffen at her words and knew she needed to make amends quickly. "Don't worry everything is perfect. You've got me what could be more perfect than that." Sam teased trying to lighten the mood.

Riley turned in Sam's arms and straddled her lap. "Having you is the most perfect thing that's ever happened to me and I'm very thankful for it." Riley responded seriously leaning down and cupping Sam's face in her palms before lovingly kissing her lips.

Sam swallowed hard against the lump that had formed in her throat at Riley's heartfelt words. "I love you Riley," Sam said ardently before drawing her down into a deeper kiss.

When the kiss broke they remained wrapped in each other arms enjoying the closeness. They stayed that way for several long minutes. Riley's body pressed to Sam's through the thin tee shirts they were both wearing was starting to light the fires of Sam's libido. Finally unable to resist the urge she ran her hands down Riley's back to her butt and cupped the two globes in her hands. Riley moaned and pressed closer when Sam began to knead the soft flesh under her hands. Riley took Sam's lips in a passionate kiss pressing her tongue into Sam's mouth. It was Sam's turn to moan as the kiss deepened and Riley's hands came up to stroke her breasts. Sam shifted position pressing Riley back on the couch and stretching out on top of her. Riley's legs opened and Sam pressed her hips between them rocking into Riley. Sam lifted up enough to grasp the bottom of Riley's tee shirt and pull it up. She immediately latched onto the tight pink nipple presented to her. Riley groaned her hips arching up into Sam as she continued to suckle her nipple. Riley slid her hands down and inside the back of Sam's boxers squeezing Sam's butt in rhythm with her thrusting hips. The ringing of the phone interrupted them. It took several moments for either of them to notice it. It continued to ring insistently causing Riley to reluctantly push Sam away.

"We should answer that Honey, it might be important." Riley said trying to get her breathing back under control.

Sam growled, the last thing on her mind was the phone; she had been so close when it started ringing. She heaved herself off Riley and snatched up the portable phone resting on the table.

"What!" Sam snarled into the phone, figuring it was Kim or Jess. Who else would have the nerve to call this early?

Sam's mouth dropped open in shock and her face paled as she recognized the voice on the line. Sam listed intently for several long moments. "No I wasn't hiding it from you I swear…" Riley's interest was peaked when Sam's voice took on a childish whining tone. "I was going to tell you I've just been really busy. But I…no… I mean yes… but no... we haven't..."

Riley was staring openly at Sam avidly listening to Sam's side of the conversation or at least her attempts to get in a word edgewise. She couldn't for the life of her figure out who Sam would be talking to in such a defensive yet whiney tone of voice. Her eyes widened when Sam suddenly raised her voice realizing just whom Sam was talking to.

"No Mother I will not put her on the phone! She's still asleep." Sam glanced at Riley apologetically. Riley was shocked by Sam's blatant lie but relieved at the same time. She had absolutely no wish to speak to Sam's mother. "No! … Absolutely not! … No don't do that! … We are not coming to Clayton for Christmas; besides Riley has to work. Okay I'll tell her…Yes I promise. I will…yes… I won't forget. Happy Thanksgiving to you too…Give Dad my love."

Sam toggled off the phone and turned to Riley. Riley could see the fire in her eyes.

"I'm going to kill her." Sam declared.

"Calm down Sam, let's talk about this. I'm sure your mother didn't mean any harm." Riley said trying to calm Sam though she didn't believe it herself for a second. She had a bad feeling about what Doris had been badgering Sam about.

Sam ignored Riley and began to dial the phone.

"Hello, Happy Thanksgiving," greeted the voice on the other end of the line.

"Kimberly Marie McKenna, you're a dead woman!"

Riley gasped at Sam's greeting, and then realized quickly what must've happened and just how Sam's mother had gotten their phone number.

"It wasn't my fault, I swear! You know your mother, she's relentless." Kim tried to explain.

Riley suspicions were confirmed by Sam's next words. "I can't believe you told her! I just got a very irate phone call. She wanted to know when the marriage ceremony was and why she hadn't been invited cause she knew we wouldn't be buying a house together and living in sin. She said she's starting the plans for our ceremony in Clayton immediately." Sam heard Riley gasp but refused to look at her. She continued to glare at the phone.

Kim couldn't help it she burst out laughing.

"It's not funny." Sam growled.

"Yes it is!" Kim snickered.

"What am I going to tell Riley?" Sam whined, still refusing to make eye contact with Riley.

"The truth, you're having a commitment ceremony in Clayton." Kim advised.

"NO, NO, NO." Sam repeated sounding like a small child having a tantrum. "I remember your ceremony it was a circus."

"Tell me about it." Kim agreed. "Get used to it." She suggested unsympathetically.

Sam sighed heavily in defeat. "We'll talk about this later. What time are you coming over for pancakes?"

"Jess is due back from the airport any minute. Patrick took the red eye hoping to avoid some of the holiday traffic. We'll be over as soon as they arrive. Erin's already up as are Frank and Cheryl."

Okay, we'll see you in a few and I'm still mad at you." Sam added.

"I'm sorry I didn't call and warn you, she caught me off guard this morning but you know it was inevitable. She had to find out eventually. See you in a bit."

Sam hung up the phone and turned to face Riley. She could see the panic in her eyes. She reached out and pulled her into her embrace.

"Don't worry, I'll think of something." Sam tried to reassure Riley.

Riley could only nod in agreement. The idea of meeting Sam's parents terrified her much less the thought of going to their home in Clayton for a commitment ceremony. She didn't have anything against a commitment ceremony per say but saw no reason for it. She had pledged herself to Sam heart and soul the night they had exchanged rings. It would be different if they could be legally married but at this point in time that wasn't an option.

*****

Jess knocked on Sam and Riley's front door. Normally she'd open it and let herself in but since she had other people with her some of them strangers to Riley she thought it best to wait for them to open the door. Sam opened the door and Jess couldn't resist tweaking her.

"So when's the commitment ceremony?" she asked with a smirk.

Sam growled at Jess then turned to glare at Kim, causing everyone to laugh. Ignoring her sister she invited everyone in. Her eye widened in surprise; there was one more person than she expected.

"Hi Sam," Kim's brother Mike greeted. "Hope you don't mind I tagged along with Patrick. Our folks decided to head to Florida for the holiday and I had some time off."

"Hey Mike it's good to see you, you too Patrick. Welcome to our home." Sam greeted both men warmly. She'd met them both several times before. Patrick was a cancer researcher for a drug company in Chicago and Mike was a paramedic for a suburban Detroit Fire Department.

Sam greeted Frank and Cheryl affectionately before ushering everyone into the living room. She glanced around wondering why Riley hadn't come out of the kitchen yet. They'd been putting the last touches on breakfast when Jess knocked. Kim was also looking around for Riley but she had a good idea why she hadn't showed yet.

Kim walked over to Sam and handed her Erin. Erin squealed in delight at the sight of one of her favorite aunts. Everyone was still talking and looking around. She leaned close to Sam so as not to be over heard. "Where's Riley?" she asked softly.

"She was in the kitchen I don't know why she hasn't come out yet." Sam said taking a step in that direction.

Kim reached out putting a restraining hand on her arm. "Why don't you take everyone downstairs to the family room and turn on the parade I'll check on Riley and breakfast." Kim loved Sam to death but sometimes she could be so clueless. Kim was willing to bet Riley was hiding in the kitchen too nervous to come out. Kim shook her head, Riley's lack of confidence in personal situations was so different than the take charge commanding persona she presented at work; sometimes it was hard to remember they were the same person. The first time Kim had seen Riley charge into a trauma room and take command of the life and death situation without a moments hesitation she'd been truly shocked. Jess had reminded her that Riley hadn't made it as a successful trauma surgeon by being indecisive or timid.

Kim stepped into the kitchen and as she suspected there stood Riley looking scared to death. Kim walked over to her giving her a reassuring hug.

"Happy Thanksgiving." Kim greeted.

"Happy Thanksgiving to you too. I guess everyone's here huh?" Riley asked nervously.

"Yeah, everyone's here, that's what happens when you invite people over they show up." Kim told Riley teasingly. She was happy to see the panic look recede slightly and Riley smile.

"Stupid huh, I can hold someone's life in my hand and be perfectly calm but invite over family and I panic."

"No it's not stupid. This is only your second Thanksgiving with the family and the first one you've ever hosted. Frankly I'd be surprised if you weren't nervous. The first Thanksgiving I spent in Clayton I felt like I was going to throw up for the first several hours." Kim told Riley. It was funny now but at the time had been anything but.

Riley glared at Kim. "Speaking of Clayton, thanks a lot! I can't believe you gave Doris our new phone number and told her about the house."

Riley growled when Kim burst out laughing. "I can't believe you two moved and didn't tell her. Come on how long do you think you could've pulled that off? Jess and I at least stayed in the same city. It was inevitable. At least I didn't tell her about the rings. I left that one to you and Sam." Kim snickered.

"Oh great, thanks." Riley grimaced. "I know we would've had to tell her eventually. I was just hoping to put it off a little longer."

"What like maybe when your first child was born?" Kim teased.

Riley stuck her tongue out at Kim. She whirled around at the sound of someone clearing their throat loudly behind her back.

"What are you two up to in here? Everyone's wondering where you are." Sam informed them.

Riley walked over and into Sam's arms pressing her face into her chest.

"What's wrong Babe?" Sam asked looking over at Kim and raising an eyebrow in question. It suddenly seemed to dawn on Sam what the problem was.

"Come on now, there's no need to be nervous. You know Frank and Cheryl and Kim's brother's are really nice guys."

"Brothers as in plural?" Riley asked nervously.

"Yeah, Mike decided to fly out with Patrick. My folks went to Florida this year to be with my other brother Shawn and his wife. Their little girl Heather will be 3 this year and they have another one on the way. I didn't even know he was coming 'til Jess got back from the airport. I guess it was a last minute decision. I told him you and Sam wouldn't mind. I hope that was okay?" Kim asked worriedly.

Riley mentally shook herself. She had wanted to host this dinner and invited these people; they were her family now. It was time to lay her insecurities to rest and enjoy her family.

"It's more than okay there's always room for more family. Just let me grab the pancakes from the oven. They're already made and everything else is set up downstairs. We're missing the parade." Riley said smiling brilliantly at Kim and Sam.

Sam smiled in relief hugging Riley before heading back to the family room.

*****

Riley looked around the room in pleasure. Breakfast had gone off without a hitch and everyone was enjoying watching the football game. Kim had taken Erin into the living room to nurse her and Cheryl had accompanied her. It had been wonderful to see Frank and Cheryl again though she was worried about Cheryl; she looked so tired and pale. Sam and her siblings as well as Kim's brothers were avidly cheering on their favorite teams. Sam had been right; both of Kim's brothers were really nice guys. Mike had the same blond hair and sky blue eyes as Kim while Patrick's hair was red and his eyes were more the violet color of her own. When she'd asked Kim about it she had explained that she and Mike had the same coloration as their mother while Patrick as well as Shawn who Riley had yet to meet took after their father. Riley was startled from her thoughts by a voice close by.

"Mind if I join you? I see I'm not the only one who's not a big sports fan."

Riley smiled up at Patrick and patted the couch cushion next to her. "Have a seat. You're right I'm not a big sports fan but I do find watching the action on this side of the screen amusing."

Patrick laughed in agreement and they watched as Mike and Frank did an instant replay in the middle of the floor of the last touchdown dance by their favorite player. Riley just shook her head; last year she's been totally amazed at the sibling's antics having been an only child herself but this year took them in stride. Being with Sam's sibling was always an adventure and it seemed to be the case with Kim's as well.

Riley turned her attention back to Patrick. "You mentioned earlier that you're a cancer researcher. That must be fascinating work. What line of research are you pursuing?"

*****

Sam glanced up from a break in the action and looked for Riley. She spotted her sitting on the couch engrossed in conversation with Patrick. Whatever the subject was they seemed to have found some common ground. Riley was smiling and talking animatedly; earlier she'd been very quiet hardly saying two words. Sam felt her own tension ease knowing that Riley was enjoying herself. Sam took a second closer look over at Riley and Patrick. She hadn't notice before how similar their hair color and coloring was; with them sitting so close together it was readily apparent. Now that she thought about it Patrick's eyes were almost the same shade of violet as Riley's; they could easily be mistaken for siblings. Sam smiled at Kim when she spotted her in the doorway she was watching Riley and Patrick as well. She was surprised to see a still wide-awake Erin. Sam left her compatriots to the game and walked over to take Erin from Kim; no football game could compete with the little girl. Kim joined the group at the TV and Sam went over to join Riley and Patrick after Riley spotted Sam holding Erin and beckoned them over. Cheryl had chosen to stay in the living room and rest quietly.

*****

Riley sighed happily snuggling deeper into Sam's arms. Dinner had been a rousing success if the bodies sprawled all over the living room were any indication. After the huge meal everyone had taken an impromptu nap. As had been the case the previous year the siblings had teased and taunted each other through out the meal. The addition of Kim's brothers had just enhanced the mix. Riley had heard some outlandish stories about Kim in her younger years that she wasn't about to let her forget any time soon. She couldn't have been happier about the success of the first Thanksgiving she ever hosted. She looked forward to doing it again next year. Riley was drawn out of her thoughts by a soft cry from the other room. Erin must have awakened from her nap and was ready for her dinner. Riley tried to ease out of Sam's embrace without waking her. Sam's eyes fluttered open as soon as she registered the loss of warmth against her side.

"Where're you going?" she asked sleepily.

"Erin's awake I was just going to get her. Go back to sleep."

Sam stood up and stretched smiling at the sight of the bodies spread out across the couches and the floor. "I'll come with you."

The two women tended to the little girl then brought her back into the living room where everyone was awakening. Erin settled down and was happy to snuggle in Sam's arms in the rocking chair Sam and Riley had purchase especially for her. Once they saw how much she enjoyed being rocked they decided to get a rocking chair for their living room as well. Plus as Sam had reminded Riley they could use it for their own child some day.

Kim walked over to Sam and kissed her little daughter on the forehead. "Hey Little One, ready for your dinner?" Kim questioned softly. Erin gurgled in pleasure on hearing her mom's voice but seemed in no hurry to leave Sam's arms.

"Not yet, she just got up and I've only gotten to hold her for a minute." Sam pleaded.

Kim smiled at Sam. "Either you or Riley have held her all day. She's going to be spoiled rotten and have a fit when I go to work on Monday." Kim teasingly complained.

Sam stuck out her lower lip in a pout but offered Erin to Kim. "Go ahead and hold her believe me she'll let you know when she's ready to eat." Kim said before going back to the couch and cuddling with Jess.

"I think I'll head back to the house." Cheryl spoke up. "My back is killing me and I'm really beat." She'd been quiet most of the day and hadn't eaten much at dinner.

"You can lay down here." Riley quickly suggested.

"I appreciate it Riley but I think I'm just gonna call it a night. I promise next year to be better company. This little one has just been sapping all my reserves these days."

"Don't worry about it. I'm just glad you guys were able to come. You need to take care of yourself and the little one." Riley assured her as she reached out to lightly hug Cheryl then unable to resist ran a hand over her bulging abdomen."

Kim decided to head back as well hoping to feed Erin and get her down for the night. That pretty much broke up the evening and the guests got ready to head back to Kim and Jess's. Just as they were leaving Jess turned to Sam.

"Can we borrow your cot and sleeping bag? We need another place for one of the guys to sleep. One will fit on the couch but neither Patrick nor Mike will fit on the love seat."

"There's no need for that, one of them can stay here. We have a perfectly good guest room." Riley offered.

Sam was a little surprised as well as Kim and Jess from the looks on their faces. Sam was pleased Riley felt comfortable enough to have one of Kim's brothers stay with them.

"Great! I'll take you up on that. Mike you can have the couch." Patrick quickly accepted.

"Hey why do I get the couch?" Mike whined. "I'll stay with Sam and Riley and you take the couch." Mike said smiling winningly over at Sam and Riley.

"Age hath its privileges little brother." Patrick informed his brother making everyone laugh.

With that settled everyone said goodnight and Patrick went to retrieve his luggage before settling into Sam and Riley's guest room.

*****

Patrick, Sam and Riley gathered in the living room after getting Patrick settled into the guest bedroom. They talked about all sorts of things with a surprisingly easy rapport.

"You guys are both really great with Erin." Patrick praised.

"Thanks we hope to have one of our own some day soon." Sam smiled the longing obvious on her face.

"Frank going to help out?" Patrick asked with a smile. He and Kim were very close and she'd told him who'd been the donor for Erin.

"Yeah we've already talked to him about being the donor for me. Though some day I'd like to see Sam pregnant." Riley teased expecting a loud protest from Sam. Jess had made it abundantly clear she had no interest in being pregnant; Riley assumed Sam felt the same way. Riley glanced over at Sam when the expected explosion didn't occur. "Sam…" Riley couldn't quite read the look on Sam's face.

"I'd like to experience it." Sam finally responded somewhat shyly, it wasn't something she'd ever admitted before even to Riley. "But I don't think I'd be comfortable with an anonymous donor." She looked over at Patrick speculatively noting again how much he resembled her wife. "Want to donate to the cause?" she asked teasingly figuring it would be fun to watch him squirm. Riley was still trying to pick her jaw up off the floor after Sam's little revelation and almost missed what she said. She knew Sam was teasing but was just floored when Patrick didn't immediately protest.

Patrick looked at Riley then Sam. "I'd be happy to help you out. I think I'm a good uncle to Erin and I could be to your child as well." He replied seriously. He laughed when he saw the stunned expressions on both women's faces. "Don't think I'm offering off the cuff. I've given it a lot of thought. Kim and Jess approached me about donating for them when Jess was still considering becoming pregnant. She as you know decided against it. But I see no reason not to help out her sister." He concluded smiling over at Sam.

"Wow Patrick, I guess I've never gone beyond the fantasy stage with it because of the donor problem. You've sure given us a lot to think about." She gazed over at a still shocked Riley and squeezed her hand.

The conversation turned to other subjects but Patrick's offer was forefront in both Sam and Riley's thoughts.

*****

Sam was concerned as she lay in bed waiting for Riley. After her revelation about wanting to become pregnant Riley had been strangely subdued for the rest of the evening. It wasn't anything Patrick noticed or anyone else would've that didn't know Riley extremely well. Sam looked up and smiled loving at Riley as she made her way across the room. She climbed under the covers and immediately curled up in Sam's arms. They lay quietly lost in their own thoughts.

Riley finally broke the silence. "Did you mean it…what you told Patrick about fantasizing about being pregnant?"

Sam wasn't sure what answer Riley wanted; she was worried that Riley was upset she hadn't mentioned it to her but decided on the truth. "Yeah I thought about it occasionally while Kim was pregnant then it just became stronger once Erin was born. I never said anything because I knew you wanted to get pregnant and of course the problem with not having a donor I felt comfortable with." Sam became anxious when quite some time passed and Riley didn't say anything else. She pulled away when she felt her shirt becoming damp.

"Hey what's this all about?" Sam asked assuming Riley was upset thinking she wanted to get pregnant first. "I haven't forgotten my promise to get you pregnant. This is just something for the future; another option for later."

Sam was totally confused when Riley started to cry harder. "Come on now Baby, you know we can talk about anything. Remember what we promised each other? That we would always be honest even if we thought it was something the other one didn't want to hear. Tell me what's wrong." Sam's heart clenched at a sudden thought. "You haven't changed your mind about wanting us to start a family have you?"

Riley could hear the fear in Sam's voice. It was time to be honest. She took a deep breath and pressed closer to Sam refusing to look her in the eye.

"No I haven't changed my mind about wanting a family but…" Riley couldn't get any more words out past her tight throat.

"But what Baby, please tell me." Sam urged.

"I just don't see how I can do it Sam, getting pregnant I mean. Please don't get me wrong I do want to have your child but I'm just getting started in a new job. It's very demanding and I just can't figure out how I can do that job and be pregnant at the same time. I really feel like I'm needed here. I've done more trauma surgery on children this first week at LA Metro than I did in a month at Mercy. I…" Riley's voice again trailed off as she was choked by tears. She sat up pulling out of Sam's embrace. "I'm so sorry… I feel horrible and know I've let you down. I just don't know what to do."

Sam pulled a sobbing Riley back into her arms. "Why didn't you tell me? There's no reason this has to happen now or ever if you don't want it to."

"But I do want it to!" Riley insisted, "and I didn't want you to disappoint you."

"Babe you haven't disappointed me. This is something that has to be right for both of us not something just one of us is comfortable with or wants. I still don't understand why Patrick's offer seemed to upset you so much."

"I guess I just felt guilty. I mean here you were dreaming about being pregnant and didn't think you could while I was looking for a way to tell you I wanted to wait before becoming pregnant."

"There's nothing to feel guilty about. The important thing is we both want children…right?

"Right." Riley adamantly assured Sam.

"Then it doesn't matter who actually carries them; either way he or she will be OUR child. That's the important thing" Sam assured Riley. She tipped Riley's head up until their eyes met. Sam leaned down and kissed Riley lovingly. "I love you Riley, you could never disappoint me. We'll talk to Patrick in the morning. You know there's an added advantage to using Patrick as a donor."

"What's that?"

"Well besides being incredibly intelligent…like you. He also has your coloring right down to the eye color. Gives us a good chance of having a miniature version of you. I can just see it now, a sweet little girl with copper red hair and striking violet eyes." Sam said dreamily.

Riley looked deep into Sam's eyes, her heart over flowing with the love she felt for the incredible woman. "Samantha McKenna you are the most amazing woman I've ever met. I love you so much!" Riley exclaimed hugging Sam as tightly as she could.

There's just one thing I want to know." Sam asked when the embrace broke.

Riley gazed lovingly up at Sam. "What's that Love?"

"Want to practice getting me pregnant?" Sam asked with that little half smirk that Riley loved so much.

Sam gasped in surprise when Riley pushed her onto her back and straddled her hips. She hadn't expected Riley to accept with Patrick in the house.

"You bet." She assured Sam with a leer.

Any further thoughts were driven from Sam's mind when Riley took her lips in a searing kiss.

*****

Kim stood with Erin and watched as Jess and the guys loaded up the last of the bags. Jess was taking Frank and Cheryl as well as her brothers to the airport to catch their respective flights. She glanced over at Sam and Riley where they stood slightly away from the others talking to her brother Patrick. The conversation looked serious and Kim's eyes widened when Patrick leaned over and hugged first Sam then Riley. She didn't realize the three had bonded so closely when Patrick stayed with them. Once everything was loaded up goodbyes were exchanged all around.

As Patrick was getting into the Durango he turned back "See you at Christmas." He called.

Before Kim could respond the truck door swung shut. She turned to Sam and Riley eyeing both women. Her curiosity grew when neither woman would meet her eyes.

"Do you know anything about that?" Kim asked suspiciously.

"About what?" Sam responded innocently.

"Patrick coming back at Christmas. We rarely see him more than once a year."

"Maybe now that Erin's here he'll be around more. He did say he missed not getting to see her more often." Sam said lifting Erin out of Kim's arms and heading for the house before Kim could question her further. Riley followed hot on her heels not wanting to answer any of Kim's questions either; at least not yet.

Chapter Eight

Sam stopped outside the main entrance to the Academy. She'd just finished up checking in with personnel and finalizing all the necessary paperwork. Pulling off her cap she ran her hand nervously through her short hair; she was in uniform but felt naked without her utility belt and sidearm. Squaring her shoulders she headed into the building for her meeting with her new boss and to learn about her job as self-defense instructor.

"Good Morning." Sam greeted the receptionist outside the Captain's office. "I'm Officer Samantha McKenna. I have an appointment with Captain Clark."

"Please have a seat." The woman said gesturing to several chairs against the wall. "I'll let the Captain know you're here."

The woman spoke quietly into the phone and almost immediately the inner office door open and a tall lanky man stepped out of the office. He had a deeply tanned weather beaten completion with silver hair and light gray eyes.

"Good morning Officer McKenna, welcome to the Academy." He greeted with a smile. "Come on in," He said moving back into the office and behind his desk. Sam stopped in front of his desk.

"I'm Captain Clark, it's a pleasure to meet you Officer McKenna. Have a seat." Clark said offering his hand in greeting. Sam shook hands with the Captain before sitting down. "I've heard good things about you from Captain Daniels, I'm sure you'll make a good addition to our staff."

"Thank you Sir." Sam responded politely.

"Have you checked in with personnel yet?"

"Yes Sir."

"Great. Come on and let me show you around then we'll head over to the classrooms and I'll introduce you to your co-instructor. "

Sam raised her eyebrow in question. They think I need help? A quick flash of anger crossed her face at the thought.

Captain Clark noted the angry grimace before Sam's face became an impassive mask and quickly spoke up.

"In several of the more physical classes we use two instructors working together. We've found it works better. Take Self-Defense and Subduing a Suspect classes that you'll be teaching. One instructor is able to explain while the other demonstrates. It also gives you the option to demonstrate on each other in the beginning of class and not have the risk of injuring one of the cadets. We realize training accidents happen but in the last few years have done everything we can to minimize them. I'm sure you'll find things very different than when you attended the Academy." Captain Clark explained with a smile remembering his own Academy days long ago.

Sam shared a smile of remembrance with the Captain.

*****

After a tour of the grounds and a brief explanation of what her duties would be they headed to the class rooms stopping outside one of the doors. The Captain peered inside.

"Oh good, Skip's still here." He remarked opening the door and leading Sam inside.

"Hey Captain. What can I do for you?" The dark haired man sitting at the desk greeted.

"I brought your new co-instructor for you to meet."

The man stood and stepped around the desk toward Sam and the Captain. His appearance was very unassuming. Her new co-instructor was short with a slim wiry build; his black hair cut close to the scalp. His deep brown eyes met Sam's vivid blue one's directly. He appeared to be in his late 30's to early 40's. He certainly wasn't what she was expecting in a self-defense instructor. She fought to not let her surprise at her new partner's appearance show on her face.

The Captain watched in amusement as the two officers sized each other up. He broke the standoff by making the introductions.

"Skip Carlucci, meet Sam McKenna."

Skip held out his hand in greeting; Sam's eyes widened in surprise when her much larger hand was taken in a powerful grip. She glanced into Skip's eyes and saw them sparkling with mischief. She had her first inclination that her new partner wasn't all he seemed. She grinned at him in response but still didn't see him as much of a threat. The Captain looked on in confusion when his two officers suddenly grinned at each other. Shaking his head he addressed both officers.

"Well I'll leave you two to get acquainted. Good luck Sam. If you need anything just let my secretary know and she'll pass on the message to me."

"Thanks Captain." Sam acknowledged shaking his hand a final time.

Captain Clark glanced back as he exited the room to see the two still standing staring at each other in an apparent standoff. He shook his head at the antics of the two and hoped they'd work things out.

As the Captain walked away Skip continued to eye his new partner speculatively taking in her height and muscular build. With his just over 5'6" height she had a good six inches on him as well as he would guess 30+ pounds. He'd been quite aware of her appraisal; it wasn't the first time someone had dismissed him because of his size. It was a mistake they didn't make twice. If they had any hope of working together it was time to take Officer McKenna down a notch.

Allowing his gaze to run disparagingly over Sam he grinned to himself before addressing her. "So Officer McKenna what do you say we head for the gym and you can show me what you've got." Skip challenged in an arrogant tone hoping to get a rise out of her.

Sam gazed down at Skip and smirked. "Sure, let's go." She replied cockily. She had no doubt she could wipe the floor with the arrogant little man.

*****

Several other instructors were in the gym working out when they arrived. Skip made no effort to introduce Sam just asked one of the officers to lend her some clothes. One of them provided Sam with a tee shirt and sweat pants. She returned from the locker room dressed in the borrowed clothes and barefoot. Skip grinned and removed his socks and tennis shoes and they both stepped onto the mats.

"Ready?" Skip asked with a cocky smirk.

Had Sam been less aggravated by the man's cocky attitude and paying closer attention she might have noticed the grins on the faces of the gathered instructors.

Skip bounced on the balls of his feet as they squared off. "Okay, rush me and try to take me down." He instructed Sam.

Sam suddenly moved forward, much quicker than Skip expect for someone her size but he was ready for her. She pressed her weight advantage pushing Skip backward slightly before grasping the front of his shirt and attempting a leg sweep. Sam's eyes widened in surprise when she hit the floor with a resounding thump and found herself on her back with Skip's arm across her throat. She had no idea how the man had not only evaded her but taken her down as well. Laughter erupted around the gym. Sam glared up at Skip then slapped the mat in surrender and he let her up. She jumped to her feet determined to not let him get the best of her again. For the next 25 minutes Sam tried every move she knew and all it got her was numerous hard landings on the mat. Only once had she even come close to pinning the smaller man but he'd somehow managed to slip her grip at the last second. She lay on her back on the mat panting and winded where Skip had once again thrown her and looked up at him with new respect.

"Truce?" He offered holding out his hand to help her up.

"Truce." Sam readily agreed accepting his hand and letting him pull her to her feet.

Several of the other officer's who'd been watching came up to congratulate Skip. Skip introduced Sam to all their fellow instructors. Sam was embarrassed at how badly Skip had shown her up but greeted all of them with her head held high.

"Good job Sam." One of the men complimented.

Sam looked at him suspiciously figuring he was making fun of her. When she met his eyes all she saw was sincerity.

"He wiped the floor with me." Sam snorted in disgust.

"You came closer to pinning him than any of us ever have." He assured motioning toward his fellow officers. Several of them spoke up confirming the man's words.

Sam's jaw dropped in amazement. Skip was definitely a force to be reckoned with; some of these guys made her look small. She had obviously severely underestimated the man. As the group stood around laughing and joking they included Sam in the banter. She'd thought she would never live down the humiliation of her bout with Skip and here her fellow officers were going out of their way to make her feel part of the team. Sam smiled broadly. This is going to be a great place to work!

They agreed to meet back in the classroom after getting showered and changed. Sam headed for the locker room her body aching from the pounding Skip had given her but her spirit light from the welcoming camaraderie of her fellow officers.

*****

Sam had a chance to think while showering and realized she'd done to Skip what she hated most having done to her, being judged on appearance alone. Skip was waiting for Sam when she arrived back in the classroom. She immediately approached him and looked him directly in the eyes.

"I owe you an apology. I'm sorry." She offered sincerely.

"No harm, no foul." Skip assured her. "It's not the first time someone has dismissed me because of my size. But they usually don't make that mistake twice." He added with a grin. "I don't want it to affect our working relationship. It's over and done with as far as I'm concerned."

"I should've listened to my own advice." Sam admitted sheepishly. She went on to tell him about Davidson and him being taken down by a woman half his size.

Skip laughed heartily then turned serious. "Let's try this again. Hi I'm Skip your new partner. Nice to meet you." Skip said offering his hand.

Sam took it readily. "Hi I'm Sam, nice to meet you too."

With that settled the two sat down to go over class curriculum and cadet schedules.

*****

Sam stretched out her tight back; they'd been bent over the desk working for quite some time. Her stomach growled loudly reminding her she hadn't eaten much that morning.

Skip glanced at his watch seeing was after 1pm. "Cafeteria isn't open when the cadets are on break but I know a great sub shop not far from here. What do you say to some lunch?"

Sam eagerly agreed.

*****

They sat enjoying their lunch while Skip filled Sam in on everyone at the Academy and what to expect. The newest group of cadets wouldn't start until after the 1st of January so her duties would be light until then. Skip had noticed Sam wedding ring while they were eating. As the meal concluded he decided to try and get to know his new partner a little better.

"So what does your husband do?" Skip inquired.

Sam stared at Skip momentarily shocked at the question wondering where that came from. She glanced down at her plate and caught sight of her wedding ring. It was the first time anyone had asked about it. She'd never had to deal with anything like this before. Sam hadn't planned on her sexuality becoming a topic of conversation quite this soon in their working relationship. This could change everything but she would never lie about Riley.

Skip noticed her hesitation. "It's okay, it's none of my business anyway." He said offering Sam an out.

"No it's fine." Sam watched Skip face intently as she made her declaration. "My wife is a trauma surgeon."

Skip's face showed only a moments surprise then he smiled widely. "Really at what hospital? My wife Carly is a scrub nurse at LA Metro.

"That's where Riley, my wife works!" Sam exclaimed. "She just started last week."

"Well then we'll have to get together for a BBQ and introduce them if they haven't already met." Skip suggested.

Sam smiled happily at Skip's accepting attitude. It would make her working relationship with him much easier and hopefully in time they could become friends.

They talked for a while longer before deciding it was time to head back to work. Sam groaned as she stood up. She had stiffened up after sitting at the booth for over an hour. She glared over at Skip when he laughed.

"Maybe you should call it a day and go home and soak in a hot tub. You're gonna be sore tomorrow." Skip suggested.

"Don't remind me, my muscles are already killing me. How the hell do you do it? You don't seem the least bit stiff or sore." Sam groused.

"You'll get used to it. Remember I spend my days working out with men and women at their peak and in their 20's it takes a lot of work for an old guy like me to be able to show them up."

"Yeah, I saw what an old guy you were earlier today. Sam grumbled good-naturedly. "You really have to teach me how you did all that."

"No problem, we have 'til the first of January to get you in shape. We'll work out a couple of hours every day then go over class materials and what we want to teach the cadets. Our classes Self Defense and Subduing a Suspect are by nature very physical. I'll get you in shape in no time." Skip assured her.

Sam groaned. She'd thought she was in pretty good shape to start with, but 30 minutes on the mats with Skip had taught her the fallacy of that idea.

"Okay." Sam replied. "But you explain to my wife about my bruised and battered body." Sam said with a grimace as she tried to stretch out her sore muscles.

Skip just laughed slapping Sam on the back and leading the way back to the Academy.

*****

"Sam I'm home." Riley called as she headed up the stairs into the living room. It was just after 5pm and she was happy to be home early and excited to hear about Sam's first day at work. "Sam." She called again when she didn't receive a response.

She walked into the living room and stopped dead in her tracks when she spotted Sam laying face down on the couch. It was very unlike her to nap during the day so Riley hurried over to her side in concern.

"Hey Honey, I'm home. You okay?"

Sam groaned pitifully as she turned her head to face Riley. She tried to get up but moaned and fell back into the couch.

"What's wrong?" Riley asked her concern skyrocketing.

"Just tired and sore."

"Sore? Why are you sore?"

Sam didn't want to admit to the pounding she'd taken from Skip but knew Riley would know if she lied. "I um… worked out with my new partner; it's not big deal I'm just a little stiff." She explained refusing to make eye contact with Riley.

"What the hell kind of workout did you do? I've seen you work out a lot and you're never this miserable."

"Some self-defense stuff." Sam hesitantly explained. She could see Riley was getting upset and that's the last thing she wanted. With supreme effort she managed to lever herself into a sitting position. "I'm fine…really."

Riley frowned she could see the effort it had required for Sam to sit up. "You stay right here. I'm going to go run you a hot bath. Don't move." She commanded.

"Like I could even if I wanted to." Sam muttered as Riley walked away.

Riley came back for Sam once she had everything set up. She became very concerned when Sam needed her help getting off the couch. If this was the condition her job was going to leave her maybe the move to the Academy wasn't such a good idea. She led Sam into the master bath; the tub was filled and waiting. Riley watched Sam struggle with her clothes before stepping in and pushing her hands away. She quickly stripped her of her clothes then motioned for her to get in the tub.

"Oh My God Sam… who did this to you!" Riley cried.

Sam stopped confused and turned to face Riley. She immediately stepped out of the tub and took Riley into her arms upon seeing the stricken look on her face.

"What are you talking about Babe?" Sam questioned a distraught Riley.

Riley pulled out of Sam's arms and turned her so her back was to the mirror. Sam looked over her shoulder at her back and realized what had so upset Riley. Her back was a series of bruises from her shoulder blades down to her butt. She had several large bruises on the backs of her arms as well as her thighs.

Riley was clearly horrified. "Who did this to you?" She demanded.

"It's not big deal Babe, just a few bruises. I told you I had a workout with my new partner on some self-defense techniques."

"It's not okay Sam. Look at you! What the hell is the matter with the big gorilla that he would do this to you? You need to go to your boss and get another partner."

Sam sighed; she was going to have to tell Riley the whole story. "Let me get in the tub and I'll explain everything." Sam settled in the hot water with a sigh closing her eyes. She finally opened them to face a very tense Riley. "Why don't you join me Babe and I'll tell you all about it."

Riley looked hesitant but finally acquiesced. Once they were both relaxed Sam began her story of the days events. When Sam reached the end of her story Riley couldn't hold it in any longer and began to howl with laugh. Sam just growled at her.

"So let me see if I understand this. You basically dismissed this Skip as a self-defense instructor because of the way he looked and then acted like a big, bad butch. So he took you to the gym and kicked your ass. Does that about sum it up?"

Sam blushed knowing just how accurate that assessment was. "Yeah pretty much." She finally admitted.

"My poor baby." Riley laughed rising from the tub. "Come on my big bad butch let's get you in bed and I'll give you a massage. Then you can rest while I make us some dinner."

Sam happily submitted to Riley's pampering for the rest of the night.

*****

"Sam…you home?" Riley called as she stepped in the door.

Sam's Jeep was in the garage but the house was dark. Riley breathed a sigh of relief at finding the house empty. She hurried into the guest bedroom to wrap Sam's Christmas present before she got home. She'd been agonizing for weeks on what to get Sam. They had exchanged small tokens last year before Sam left for Clayton but this would be their first official Christmas together. Riley looked down at Sam's gift and grinned; she couldn't wait to see her face when she opened it. Sam had only been working at the Academy a week and had already found out just how much paperwork was involved with the training of the cadets. Trying to bring home the files she needed was a problem and the Academy computers weren't hooked up to the outside world. Thus Riley's gift; a new laptop with built in networking capabilities. She quickly finished her wrap job and put the now wrapped gift under the bed in the guest bedroom. As she was cleaning up the wrapping paper she heard the front door close and Sam calling to her. She quickly hurried out of the room.

"Hey Babe, how was work?" Sam greeted on spotting her coming down the hall.

Riley closed the distance between them wrapping her arms around Sam's waist and lifting her head for a kiss. Her eyes fluttered open slowly after the kiss having forgotten was Sam asked.

"Work?" Sam reminded with a smile.

"Um… work…it was pretty quiet. Two routine surgeries and no emergencies." Riley responded. "So you were at Kim and Jess's?"

"Yeah, Kim didn't work today and I got in early so thought it would give me some time to spend with Erin. I watched her while Kim went out grocery shopping. I can't believe she can sit up already. You should've seen her when I came in. Kim had her in her bouncy chair; she started squealing and babbling like crazy when she saw me. She recognized me before I even said anything!" Sam explained excitedly. "We played with her activity set; she's even starting to pick up stuff by herself."

Riley smiled happily. It was so wonderful to get to see Erin develop and change it seemed everyday. Once again she acknowledged what a right decision it'd been to move to LA.

"Sounds like you two had a fun afternoon."

"Yeah we did." Sam agreed with a bright smile. "Enough about that. You and I have a very important assignment this afternoon."

Riley looked up at Sam quizzically.

"We need to go buy decorations for a tree and then find the perfect Christmas tree. Can't have Christmas without a tree."

Sam laughed when Riley began to bounce excitedly. "Can we get a big tree, with lots of ornaments and tinsel and lights, lots of lights? And not the foo foo bows and fruit stuff either. I want real old fashion glass ornaments with Santa and bells and snowmen and…"

Sam put her hand over Riley's mouth to stop her babbling. "We can get anything you want. Let's go." She was determined that Riley was going to have the best Christmas ever. Sam knew she couldn't make up for all those miserable years with her aunt and uncle but she could make sure Riley had a Christmas like she should've had as a child. She laughed when Riley grabbed her hand and practically dragged her out the door.

*****

Riley stared at the tree strapped on top of her truck worriedly. It hadn't looked quite so big at the tree lot. She could hear Sam grumbling as she untied it. The back of the truck was filled with bags of decorations they'd purchased before heading to the tree lot.

Riley eyed the tree again before approaching Sam. "Um… maybe we should go get Jess to help?" She suggested.

Sam turned to glare at Riley then looked back at the tree. It covered the top to Riley's SUV and hung down over the windshield. There was no way Riley could help lift it down she was too short to reach that high. It had taken two burly guys at the lot where they bought it to get it up there. Sam knew they should've had it delivered. She sighed heavily; too late for that now. She turned back and saw Riley's worried look. She had been so excited picking out the decorations and then the tree the last thing Sam wanted was to ruin it for her now.

"Yeah, I guess you're right; but you get to go ask her since you picked this monster out. Just get ready to be razed."

Riley looked up into Sam's eyes and saw the teasing light and breathed a sigh of relief.

"No problem I'll be right back with reinforcements."

"I'll go move set the stand up and move everything around."

*****

Sam was drawn back outside by her sister's laughter. Jess was standing next to Riley SUV with Kim and Erin laughing hysterically at the huge tree.

"Think you could've found anything bigger?" She teasingly questioned Riley. "I think you guys might need a bigger house to fit that thing."

Kim saw the slight tremor pass over Riley's face and poked Jess in the ribs. She knew how much this Christmas meant to Riley.

Jess glanced over at Riley and felt bad. She'd just been teasing her; she reminded herself what Riley's past Christmases had been like.

"Come on Sam," Jess called to her sister, "let's get this thing inside. It's going to be beautiful when it's all decorated."

In the end it took all four of them to wrestle the huge tree into the house and set up. It was a good thing the ceilings in their living room were nine feet high. Otherwise they would've had to cut off some of the tree for the star to fit on top. Once it was in the stand and secured Jess had to admit it was a fantastic tree and would only be better decorated.

Hugs were exchanged all around and Kim and Jess headed home leaving the decorating to Sam and Riley.

*****

Sam and Riley were exhausted but the tree was indeed beautiful. Yesterday by the time they finished their shopping and got the tree set up it was too late to try and decorate the monster. They'd spent the evening stringing lights and decorating the tree. Lying cuddled together on the couch they admired the fully decorated tree. Sam had turned off the lights in the room and the only illumination was coming from the lights on the tree and the shining lighted star on top. The tinsels glistened in the blinking colored lights covering the tree.

Sam looked down at Riley in concern when she felt her shoulders begin to shake.

"What's wrong Baby…don't you like it?"

"I love it… it's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen." Riley replied through her tears.

"Then why the tears?"

"I never thought I'd experience anything like this again. When my parents died it was as if all that died with them. You know what my Christmases were like with my aunt and uncle. But now I have you and we have our own home with our very own Christmas tree. I have a family that loves me and I'm going to celebrate a real Christmas with for the first time in twenty-five years… It's just overwhelming." Riley tried to explain.

Sam tightened her arms around her wife. "This is just the first of many Christmases you'll spend with your family. Maybe next year we'll even have a little one of our own to share it with."

Riley looked up at Sam, the lights from the tree making her face glow. Her eyes radiated happiness despite the tears tracking down her checks.

"I love you." She said simply before leaning up to kiss Sam lovingly.

They spent the rest of their evening basking in their love and the glow of their very first Christmas tree.

Chapter Nine

After finding the house empty Riley headed outside and opened the gate between the two properties. She heard Thor coming before she saw him.

"Hi Boy," she greeted stopping to rub the big dog's ears as he leaned against her. "Is everyone at your house?" she questioned.

Thor made his classic woo woo sound as if in answer. Riley laughed and hugged the big dog before setting off down the hill to Kim and Jess's. She let herself in the patio door to the family room; Thor followed her in and headed for the kitchen. She spotted Sam sitting in the rocking chair with Erin in her arms. Sam looked up when the door slid open and smiled brilliantly over at Riley.

"Hi Honey." Riley greeted softly when she reached Sam's side, mindful of a peacefully sleeping Erin. Sam looked so comfortable and content with Erin in her arms. She leaned down to kiss her gently on the lips then pulled back to stare into her eyes; they seemed to be glowing. Riley cocked her head to the side taking in Sam's demeanor. "What's going on?" she questioned softly.

Sam's smile light up her whole face. "The line turned dark blue when I tested a little while ago."

Riley felt her heart slam in her chest at the news. They were really going to do this. "Where's Patrick… is he here yet?" Riley asked excitedly. "We need to go home." Riley said reaching anxiously for Sam's hand then remembered Erin. "We should try more than once while he's here." She knelt down next to Sam almost vibrating in excitement.

Sam chuckled at Riley enthusiasm. "Calm down Babe, he's not even here yet. Jess went to pick him up at the airport. Plus remember the test means I'll ovulate in the next twenty four to thirty six hours so we have time yet. We can't just drag the poor guy home when he gets here and expect him to produce so to speak." Sam teased.

"Well I was going to give him one of your Playboy's first." Riley countered with a grin then turned serious. "When I talked to him last week and told him we'd decided to go ahead with it if your cycle cooperated he seemed a little nervous, but agreed."

"We still need an excuse to have him stay with us; unless you want to tell Kim and Jess what we're doing."

Riley shook her head adamantly. "No, not 'til I get you pregnant."

"We could go home and practice." Sam offered with a sly grin.

Just as Riley moved to kiss Sam Kim strolled into the room. "Hi Riley, I didn't hear you come in. How was work?"

Riley's mentally shook her head her mind still on Sam's offer. She lovingly caressed her face before standing and turning to face Kim.

"It was very quiet even for Christmas eve. The Fellow finished his rounds early so since he was available I was able to leave. I'm just on-call now, don't have to go back unless there's a problem 'til the 26th." The whole time Riley was speaking to Kim she continued to gently stroke Sam's arm needing the contact with her.

Kim came over and hugged Riley. "I'm glad you were able to get away. Jess should be back with Patrick pretty soon." At the mention of Patrick both Sam and Riley grinned at each other. Kim looked at both of them questioningly. Sam stood with Erin before Kim had a chance to question either of them.

"Why don't I put Erin in her bed then Riley and I'll give you a hand finishing up dinner preparations." Sam offered. "It's really a shame Frank and Cheryl can't be here for Erin's first Christmas." She added before walking away.

"Have you heard anything more from them?" Riley inquired of Kim.

"Cheryl's doctor wants her to remain on bed rest since she's still spotting heavily. She had an ultrasound and the biometric data gave them an estimated fetal weight of 3500 grams. Jess talked to the Radiologist who did the ultrasound and he said at 34 weeks gestation that weight put the baby in the 90th percentile for size. Since everything else was normal he attributed the size of the baby to Frank being such a big man. So optimistically the baby's lungs will be mature in case she ends up delivering early. Her doctor's concerned she won't make it to her February 10th due date."

"Want to translate that into English?"

Kim and Riley turned to find Sam leaning against the doorway. Riley walked over slipping into Sam's arms.

"It means the baby weights a little over 7 ¾ lbs which translates into a big baby considering how far along Cheryl is. The baby's already the size of the average full term infant at delivery. The major concern is the baby's lungs not being developed enough if they're born too early which could be a serious problem but with the baby's large size hopefully that won't be the case." Riley explained.

Sam looked relieved at the news. She hugged Riley tightly and turned her thoughts to happier things. "Ready for Christmas eve?" she questioned Riley.

A brilliant smile spread across Riley's face. "I sure am… I've been a good girl this year. Can't wait to see what Santa's brought me." She teasingly told Sam.

"Oh yes you certainly have." Sam responded with a leer her eyes traveling the length of Riley's body before locking on her breasts.

Riley pulled Sam's head down and bestowed a searing kiss on her lips. "Oh yeah..." Sam murmured when the kiss broke, "A very good girl." She leaned down to capture Riley's lips again.

"Enough of that you two," Kim said breaking the moment.

Both women turned looking over at Kim sheepishly. "Sorry." They both muttered.

Kim just grinned at them before dragging them both off to the kitchen to help with dinner.

*****

Patrick and Jess finally arrived from the airport. A Christmas Eve flight turned out not to have been a particularly good idea; the airport had been packed. Kim had been watching Sam and Riley interact with Patrick all evening. She couldn't for the life of her figure out just what was going on between the three of them. She planned on cornering Riley and grilling her the first chance she got. They'd had dinner and exchanged gifts and were just relaxing in the family room. Erin had participated in the gift opening though it was obvious she had no idea what was going on. She was down for the night and now it was just the adults. They were all gathered around Sam's new laptop taking turns playing Riley's new Tomb Raider game. A scream was heard as Lara once again bit the dust.

"It's my turn, you killed her twice already," complained Sam.

"Did not that last one was the controller's fault, she didn't jump when I said to," countered Jess.

"Was not, you just suck at this, let me show you how it's done." Sam said reaching for the controller that Jess was holding out of her reach.

"Alright you two, I'm going to take it away if you can't play nice with each other." Kim threatened.

Riley snickered when Sam and Jess both stuck their tongues out at Kim.

"Are they always like this?" Patrick asked.

"YES!" Kim and Riley answered in stereo making everyone laugh.

They all decided on a movie and settled down to watch. Kim and Jess claimed the sofa while Sam and Riley settled with some pillows in front of it leaving the recliner for Patrick. "A Miracle on 34th Street" had just ended and they were getting ready to call it a night when the doorbell rang. Thor immediately jumped up from his bed where he'd been peacefully sleeping and started barking.

"Who the hell would be here at…" Jess glanced at her watch, "10 o'clock on Christmas Eve?" Jess grumbled getting up from where she'd been snuggled behind Kim; before she reached her feet the doorbell rang again. Thor's booming bark echoed through the house.

"I don't know but I'm going to kill whoever it is if they wake up Erin." Kim exclaimed.

Jess quickly headed for the door while Kim quieted Thor down. They could hear voices from the foyer but couldn't make out what was being said. Jess came back into the room with a stunned look on her face. Riley glanced at Sam when she heard her groan. She look up to see two people had followed Jess back into the room and felt her stomach drop as she recognized them from the pictures she'd seen.

Kim rose from the couch and greeted the new arrivals. "Doris, Frank what a surprise." She hugged her in-laws. "I thought you were spending the holiday with your sister Dolores in Florida?"

"Well since I've only seen my granddaughter once since she was born I wasn't about to miss her first Christmas." Doris stated glancing pointedly at Kim as if it were somehow her fault. "Where is my little angel?"

"She's already in bed Mother, it's after ten." Jess spoke up her teeth grinding together in frustration. Her parents showing up on Christmas Eve was the last thing she needed. She'd promised Kim a nice quiet stress free holiday.

That subject apparently settled in Doris's mind she turned her attention to Sam and Riley who were still stretched out on the floor seemingly frozen in place.

"Well Samantha aren't you even going to greet your parents after we came all this way to see you?"

Sam and Riley both stood. Sam hugged her Mother first then moved over to her father.

"I'm sorry I didn't have time to warn you." Frank whispered to Sam as he wrapped her in a loving embrace. "She didn't tell me she'd changed the flights 'til we were at the airport."

Doris eyed Riley the whole time Sam was greeting her father. Sam stepped back to Riley and wrapped a protective arm around her waist.

"Mom, Dad, I'd like you to meet Riley Connolly. Riley these are my parents, Doris and Frank McKenna." Sam introduced.

Sam's father was an older version of Frank Jr., tall with broad shoulders and the same classically handsome features he'd passed on to his children; his once black hair now turned to a striking salt and pepper. Doris looked exactly like her picture, a small trim woman with blond hair gone gray and the same piercing blue eyes that were her legacy to her children.

"It's nice to meet you both." Riley greeted in a subdued voice.

"Well don't just stand there, let me have a look at you." Doris ordered reaching out to pull Riley out from under Sam's arm. Doris circled Riley looking her up and down. Riley felt like a prized cow undergoing inspection.

Sam ground her teeth but made no move to intervene. It would've been a wasted effort there was no stopping her mother.

"Very nice Samantha, you've done well for yourself and a doctor to boot." Doris complimented. "Do you love my little girl?" Doris inquired of Riley.

Sam wished the floor would just open up and swallow her. She knew by the look in Riley's eyes she was going to pay dearly for this later.

"Mother, please you're embarrassing me." Sam whined before Riley had a chance to answer.

Kim and Jess watched the drama unfold with barely hidden smirks. Kim had already endured the same thing when she met Doris for the first time. Patrick just sat quietly; no one seemed to even remember he was there.

"Nonsense, I just want you to be happy and be with someone who loves you and is good to you. Is there something wrong with that? Doris asked tearfully.

Sam groaned again. Here we go. "I assure you Riley and I are very happy together and we love each other very much. Or at least we were happy… now Riley going to kill me for this.

Doris's turned back to Riley and her gaze turned steely when she noticed the ring on Riley's left hand. She reached over and grabbed Sam's left hand and huffed when she spotted her matching ring. "Do you think these make a difference? They don't, you're not married," She claimed sharply. "Just how much longer do you plan on living in sin with my daughter before you make an honest woman of her?"

"Mother!" Sam whined pitifully.

"A mother has a right to know these things. I'm not a young woman any more. The doctor says I need to have less stress in my life it's not good for my heart. I just want my little girl to be married so I can relax knowing she's happy and secure. Is that too much to ask?" Doris asked making a show of trying to hold back her tears.

Kim and Jess both rolled their eyes behind Doris's back; Frank turned away faking a cough to hide his grin. He knew what his wife was like but hadn't survived almost 40 years of marriage to her by not knowing when to keep his mouth shut.

Riley knew when to accept defeat. Everything she'd been told about Doris by Kim and Sam was true. Riley had hoped some of it was an exaggeration but apparently not. She'd been giving this very subject a lot of thought since Doris's Thanksgiving phone call. She sighed deeply before facing Sam's mother.

"In answer to your earlier question; Yes, I love your daughter with all my heart." Riley turned to smile lovingly at Sam. "It would be my fondest dream come true if I was able to legally marry her but unfortunately that's not an option. However…" Riley continued before Doris could interrupt. "We'd be pleased if you would host our commitment ceremony in Clayton. I have some time off in April if that would be good for you."

Riley looked around at the stunned faces in the room and grinned. It was a toss up who was more shocked, Sam or her mother. Doris had obviously had her arguments all ready and didn't know what to say when Riley had so suddenly capitulated.

Riley gulped in surprise when Doris engulfed her in a tight hug. "Thank you." She whispered in Riley ear.

Riley smiled; maybe it wouldn't be so bad. Sam pulled Riley into her arms wrapping her up a warm embrace when her mother released her. "Thank you." She whispered in Riley ear unknowingly echoing her mother.

With that shocker out of the way conversation turned to the rest of the family. Doris and Frank finally greeted Patrick; he'd met them both at Kim and Jess's commitment ceremony. He thanked his lucky stars that Doris wasn't his mother-in-law. He wondered if she had any idea about Riley and Sam's plans. He shuttered to think what the woman would subject him to if she ever found out he was going to be the donor for Sam and Riley's child.

*****

Patrick tried to stifle a yawn and glanced at his watch it was almost midnight. He was still on east coast time so it was even later for him. Doris was still going strong she'd taken a break from Kim and Jess and her interrogation on how they were raising Erin and had returned to grilling Riley. Patrick was sure the woman would know Riley's underwear size and her and Sam favorite sex position by the time she was through with her. Riley looked about ready to explode and he could hear Sam's teeth grinding together from where he was sitting several feet away. Patrick stood and stretched; all eyes turned to him.

"I'm going to call it a night. It's late." He said blatantly looking at this watch.

Sam and Riley both jumped up before he could say anything else. "We're going too. Riley worked today and we're both tired." Sam claimed. She turned to Patrick with a sly grin. "Why don't you stay with Riley and me? I'm sure my folks want to stay with Kim and Jess so they can be here when Erin wakes up." Sam smirked at the sudden frowns on both Jess and Kim's face. She just knew they'd planned on using Patrick as an excuse for Doris and Frank to stay with her and Riley. She mentally patted herself on the back for beating them to the punch. She only hoped it was enough to save her from Riley's wrath.

Patrick accepted readily and exited the room with alacrity to get his suitcase from the guest bedroom. He returned quickly and the three of them made their escape leaving Kim and Jess to their fate.

*****

Sam made small talk with Patrick as they headed up the hill. Riley never said a word all the way home. Once inside the house Riley turned to Patrick.

"I set everything up for you in the guest bathroom and bedroom. Have a good night and I'll see you in the morning." Riley told him before turning and walking away.

Sam sighed heavily; she was in so much trouble. She followed Patrick to the guest bedroom. "I'm really sorry about all this."

"There's nothing to be sorry for. You obviously didn't know your parents were going to show up. I enjoyed myself up 'til then." He added with a teasing smile. "Ah…do you need me to um…for tonight? Patrick stuttered obviously not sure quite how to ask if they needed him to donate tonight.

Sam smiled at him reassuringly. "No I've been using an ovulation tester. It just showed the surge today so tomorrow would be better. I want you to know how much we appreciate you doing this for us. That is if we're even still going to do this. I don't think Riley's very happy with me right now." Sam explained with another heavy sigh.

Patrick patted Sam consolingly on the back. "I'm more than happy to help you out and I'm sure once Riley calms down she'll realize this wasn't your fault. She wouldn't change her mind just because of your mother. She might make you grovel a little but she won't change her mind." Patrick tried to assure Sam. "I must say my sister didn't look too happy either when we headed out."

Sam blanched thinking about what Kim would do to get back at her for leaving her to deal with Doris. Between her and Riley she wasn't sure she'd survive the encounter.

They said their goodnights and Sam headed off down the hall to face Riley.

*****

Sam's shoulders slumped as she stepped into their bedroom. Riley was already in the bed with the covers pulled up close around her neck with her back to Sam's side of the bed. Her eyes were tightly closed but Sam didn't believe she was asleep. She went about her nightly routine getting changed and brushing her teeth. Climbing into the bed next to Riley she slid over pressing her body against Riley's back while sliding her arm around Riley's waist and resting her hand on her stomach. Riley stiffened but didn't pull away.

"I'm so sorry Baby. It wasn't my fault. I had no idea they were just going to show up like that. If I'd known we would've gone away for Christmas…far away." Sam vowed. She felt a little hope when some of the tension left Riley's body and she relaxed slightly. "Now you understand why I've been so hesitant to tell my folks just how serious we were. I saw first hand what she subjected Kim to and wanted to spare you. I'm truly sorry Babe…please." Sam pleaded.

Riley let out a big sigh and relaxed back into Sam's embrace. "I'm not really mad at you. It's just that woman is unbelievable. She asked me if we practiced safe sex!" Riley exclaimed.

Sam groaned; she believed it, she wouldn't put anything past her mother. "When did she ask you that?" Sam had spent most of her evening trying to deflect her mother's questions.

"While you were in the bathroom. Oh and she wanted to know how many other women I'd been with and if I'd been tested." Riley added in an irate voice.

Sam grimaced as she stroked Riley's belly trying to calm her down. "I don't know what else to say but I'm sorry. My mother has always been like that and there's just no telling her no, believe me I've tried. She used to embarrass the hell out of us as kids. My Dad always said she just wanted the best for us and got carried away sometimes." Sam tried to explain. "Just remember they're leaving for Florida tomorrow afternoon." Sam added hoping to appease Riley.

"They better!" Riley grumped. "Is the commitment ceremony going to be as bad as I think it is?"

Sam considered lying but decided in the long run it would just get her in more trouble. "Yes," she answered simply.

Riley buried her head in her pillow with a loud groan. They lay in silence for several long minutes. Sam nuzzled Riley's hair and gently stroked her belly trying to relax her. She leaned down and dropped several light kisses on Riley's temple then worked her way down to her neck. Sam smiled when Riley pressed back against her and started to respond. Sam slid her hand up and cupped Riley's breast and began to knead it softly. Riley's hand came up and covered Sam's pulling it off her breast and back onto her stomach.

"You don't actually think you're going to get lucky after what your Mother just put me through do you?" Riley asked incredulously.

"But Babe…"

"Go to sleep Sam." Riley ordered.

Sam groaned in frustration knowing from Riley's tone she wasn't going to change her mind. Riley fell asleep almost immediately; it was some time before Sam calmed enough to join her.

*****

Jess growled in frustration. Why the hell did her parents have to show up unannounced? Kim had gone to bed right after Sam and Riley left with Patrick leaving her to get her parents settled in the guest room. She stepped softly into Erin's room. The sight of her little daughter never failed to stir her heart. She covered her up and leaned down to gently kiss her forehead. After one last check of the baby monitor she slipped out into the hall and into her own bedroom.

She took several steps into the room and stopped dead in her tracks. There were unlit candles placed all over the room as well as a bottle of wine and two glasses on a tray on the dresser. Kim was already in bed and obviously asleep. Laying on the foot of the bed on Jess's side was Kim's red silk teddy. Jess groaned when she realized just what type of plans Kim had for tonight that her parent's arrival had ruined. Hoping she could salvage at least a little of their night she quickly undressed and got washed up. She slipped naked into the bed and slid over to Kim's side of the bed. Reaching out to stroke Kim's shoulder she cringed when her hand encountered flannel. Deciding not to let that deter her she urged Kim over onto her back. Kim's eyes fluttered open and she smiled up at Jess. Jess leaned down taking Kim's lips in a kiss that started soft and quickly escalated as Jess pushed her tongue into Kim's mouth. When Kim didn't protest Jess shifted her weight and slid on top of Kim. When she felt Jess's naked body settle on top of her Kim's eyes popped open and she broke the kiss staring at Jess incredulously.

"You can't be serious." Kim scoffed staring at Jess in disbelief.

Jess didn't answer she just rocked her hips into Kim and reached for the buttons of her pajamas.

Kim stopped Jess's hand then pushed against Jess's shoulders as she wiggled out from under her. Jess tried to draw Kim back but she refused.

"Do you honestly believe there's even the slightest chance of you getting lucky tonight?" Kim questioned rhetorically.

Jess was tempted to answer yes but knew better. Instead she took a different tack. "I'm really sorry." She apologized reaching out to stroke Kim's arm soothingly. "It's not my fault I didn't know they were just going to show up like that. My dad said they were going to Florida. He said she changed the tickets at the last minute to include an overnight stop here. They're leaving tomorrow afternoon for Florida."

"Well you better hope they do cause you're not getting lucky 'til their gone." Kim stated before turning back onto her side and presenting her back to Jess.

Jess sighed and climbed out of bed to get her pajamas. She lay on her back staring at the ceiling for quite some time after getting back into the bed. Finally Kim rolled over and snuggled against her side. Jess wrapped her arm around her wife's back and drifted off to sleep.

*****

Sam and Riley were having a leisurely cup of coffee with Patrick when the phone rang. Neither woman had been in a hurry to return to Kim and Jess's; so they'd spent the morning visiting with Patrick and talking over their plans for the next few days. Sam got up to answer the phone, already knowing who it was.

"Get your ass down here!" Demanded the voice on the line.

Sam smirked. "Merry Christmas to you too Jess. Having a nice Christmas morning?" Sam laughed at the answering growl she received.

"You have five minutes to get down here if you ever hope to see your niece again in this lifetime." Jess threatened.

Sam jerked her head back from the receiver the resounding slam of her sister hanging up on her echoing in her ear. She turned to face Riley

"That was Jess; she said we have five minutes to get down there if we ever want to see Erin again."

Riley's shoulders slumped; she didn't know if she could take another day of Sam's mother. Sam came over and wrapped her arms around Riley from behind.

Patrick felt bad for the two women. It was obvious neither one of them was looking forward to facing Doris again nor could he blame them.

"Cheer up; they're leaving in just…" He glanced at his watch, "seven hours." He offered only partly teasingly hoping to lighten the suddenly glum mood.

Both women groaned at his attempted humor. Knowing their five minutes was almost up the three trooped down the hill to face the ordeal of Doris.

*****

Sam slid open the patio door and stepped inside followed reluctantly by Riley and Patrick. Thor jumped up and raced over to greet them.

"I still don't think you should have such a huge animal like that around Erin. What if he hurt her?" Doris complained loudly.

"Mother we've been over this already. We are not getting rid of Thor; this is his home too. He would never hurt Erin." Jess replied in a strained voice.

Sam winced under the glare Jess shot her obviously things weren't going well.

"Good Morning Mother, Merry Christmas." Sam greeted as she broke away from Thor. She sat down on the couch next to her mother even though she really wanted to go see Erin who was playing happily in her playpen near by. Riley felt no such constraint and headed directly for the playpen. Erin squealed with delight when she spotted Riley and began to babble excitedly as she crawled over to the side of the playpen and tried to pull herself up. Riley leaned down and picked up the little girl. Sam was puzzled by the loud harrumph from her mother and the look she gave Riley and Erin. Sam glanced over at Jess questioningly and saw her trying to suppress a smirk.

Riley came over with Erin; who was at the moment planting sloppy kisses all over Riley's face. Doris looked on with an expression Sam couldn't quite read. When Erin spotted Sam she began to bounce in Riley's arms. "Sa Sa…Sa Sa…" she repeated. Sam smiled brightly and reached up for the little one. Erin leaned out of Riley's arms toward Sam's outstretched hands then suddenly pulled back laying her head on Riley shoulder and tightening her grip around her neck. Sam felt a flash of hurt at Erin's rejection then noticed that Erin wasn't even looking at her but was eyeing her grandmother suspiciously. That's when the light bulb went off for Sam and she tried to suppress her own smirk. Erin had recently come into the phase all children go through where she was afraid of strangers and her grandmother was a stranger to her. She'd reacted the same way the previous day toward Patrick. Sam stood up distancing herself from her mother. Erin immediately came to her wrapping her little arms around her neck and giving her a sloppy kiss. She reached out patting Sam's face. "Sa Sa… Sa Sa…" she repeated as she had earlier. Sam glanced down at her mother to see how she was taking all this. This time Sam had no trouble reading the expression on her mother's face; she was green with envy. Sam knew how much Erin's rejection probably hurt and she knew she should feel bad for her but after what she'd put all of them through she was having a hard time generating much sympathy for her mother. Patrick sat quietly watching the action unfold. Sam suddenly noticed not everyone was present.

"Where're Kim and Dad?" Sam questioned Jess.

"Kim went into work; she had a patient she needed to check up on. Dad's out for his morning constitutional."

Sam was surprised Kim rarely got called back into the hospital and Sam had been sure she wasn't on-call for the holiday. Then it dawned on her that Jess didn't say she got called in just that she went to check on a patient. Obviously she'd figured out a way to escape Doris if only for a little while. With Kim gone and their Dad out who knew where it was no wonder Jess had called and ordered her and Riley down here. She'd been stuck alone with their mother. Sam looked over at Jess who raised an eyebrow in answer to her unasked question confirming her thoughts. Sam peered over at Riley's pager clipped to her belt and hoped she wouldn't decide to try the same thing. Sam turned her attention back Erin.

"I still can't get over how much Erin looks like you and Jessica when you were babies." Doris commented as she stared at Erin in Sam's arms. "The donor you found must've really looked like you Jessica. I still don't like the idea of some strange man being Erin's father though."

Sam's mouth dropped open in shock. She thought her mother knew who'd fathered Erin. Jess shot her a warning look.

"Yes, we were given a list of physical characteristics and did pick someone who resembled me physically." Jess placidly replied refusing to rise to the bait about Erin's father. She'd already had this conversation with her mother when they'd told her Kim was pregnant. She and Kim along with Frank and Cheryl had made the decision not to tell either set of parents who the father was. They claimed they'd used an anonymous donor from a sperm bank.

"Well I still don't think…" Doris started.

Here we go, thought both Sam and Jess.

*****

Frank and Patrick had moved to the living room some time ago they seemed to have discovered some common ground though Sam suspected that ground consisted of their joint wish to escape Doris.

Doris had cornered her and Riley once Erin fell asleep wanting to discuss their commitment ceremony. Both women had unashamedly been using the little girl as a buffer against Doris. They loved their time with Erin and the fact that she began to cry every time Doris got too close was just an added bonus. Kim eventually arrived back home and quickly disappeared into the kitchen taking a very willing Riley with her. Now it was just her and Jess with their mother. Sam glanced at the clock hoping dinner would be ready soon; it couldn't be four o'clock soon enough for her. She was pulled out of her thoughts by her mother's voice.

"So Samantha since we have some time before dinner why don't you show me your new place." Doris suggested. "I still can't believe you moved and didn't tell your mother. What were you thinking!" she asked accusingly.

Sam groaned knowing there was no way out. "Sure, let me go get Dad and we'll go up. Maybe Riley can take a break and go with us." Sam said hopefully.

Sam stopped by the kitchen before telling her father what they were up to. Riley claimed to be too busy helping Kim to join the tour. The happy smirk on both women's faces belied the truth of that statement. Sam went into the living room and got her father then took both parents up to the house to show them around. She'd tried to get Jess to go with her but she'd claimed someone needed to stay incase Erin woke up.

The tour of Sam and Riley's house had been painful. Doris had a suggestion on how every room could be set up better. Sam had baulked when her mother flat out asked how much they'd paid and whose name the house was in. Doris had acted all hurt and offended when Sam refused to answer. Sam had finally given in as she always did and told her mother what she wanted to know. The atmosphere had been very tense by the time they got back to Kim and Jess's.

*****

Dinner hadn't been as bad as Sam had expected. Her father had insisted on her mother taking a short walk with him before dinner. When they came back in Doris was on her best behavior. Sam didn't know what her father had said to her mother but whatever it was she was eternally grateful. Riley had taken up looking at her pager every few minutes as the day progressed obviously hoping it would go off.

Frank and Doris had just left for the airport leaving four weary but relieved adults in their wake. Erin had spent most of the day happily playing with her aunts or in her playpen totally oblivious to all the tension for which everyone was grateful. Doris had finally managed to coax the little girl to her at one point. She'd beamed proudly as she stood holding Erin in her arms.

"Well Riley you survived your first Doris encounter." Kim teased breaking the silence that had surrounded the room since Frank and Doris's departure.

"Barely!" Riley grumped.

Kim and Riley turned simultaneously to glare at their wives.

"I'm sorry." Echoed two voices immediately.

Everyone laughed easing the last of the tension that had been a part of their day so far.

"So what do you say to a movie?" Kim asked everyone.

"We could watch the new Tomb Raider DVD Sam got me." Riley offered.

"Oh ya Angelina Jolie…" Sam joked waggling her eyebrows and earned herself a poke in the ribs from Riley.

"Then after the movie we should call it an early night. It's been a hectic day." Jess suggested with a sly grin at Kim. Now that her parents were gone she had every intention of unwrapping her favorite present.

That fit in perfectly with Sam and Riley's plans for the evening and everyone readily agreed. Jess's grin widened when Patrick commented that he'd just stay with Sam and Riley again since his stuff was already there. Everyone settled down to watch the movie and relax for the first time since Christmas Eve.

*****

Sam lay naked in the bed covered by a light sheet. Riley was wearing a robe but had nothing on underneath. She lay next to Sam as they waited for Patrick. Riley lifted up and slid over until she was chest to chest with Sam her weight resting on her arms. She gazed down at Sam her eyes glowing with the love she felt for this amazing woman.

"I love you so much." She said before leaning down to gently kiss Sam. The kiss quickly turned passionate when Sam moaned and opened her mouth to Riley. Riley pressed her tongue inside exploring all the surfaces of Sam's mouth. Sam's arm came up and tightened across her back. Both women were breathing heavily by the time the kiss broke. They both jumped at the quiet knock on their door.

Riley placed a soft kiss on Sam's lips. "That was just a warm up. Don't go away, I'll be right back." She promised.

Standing up she straightened her robe and tightened the belt before heading for the door. She slipped out into the hallway to find Patrick waiting for her. He smiled shyly at her before handing over the container in his hand. Riley took it readily before stepping forward for a quick one-armed hug.

"Thank you. You don't know how much this means to us." Riley sincerely told Patrick looking up into eyes so like her own.

"I'm glad I could help. I hope it works."

"So do I… So do I." Riley replied fervently. She motioned for Patrick to lean down and bestowed a soft kiss on his cheek when he did. "Thank you." She offered again before turning to slip back into the bedroom.

Sam watched Riley approach her eyes glued to the container in her hand. Riley set the container on the bedside table before leaning over to kiss Sam.

"Ready?" she asked wiggling her eyebrows.

Sam laughed lightly. "You're the one doing all the work." She reminded Riley with a grin.

Riley reached out pulling the sheet down and off Sam's body. Her eyes roamed down Sam's body her fingers trailing down the centerline of her body following the path of her heated gaze. Riley unconsciously licked her lips. Sam shivered and goose bumps broke out on her skin in the wake of Riley's fingers. She moaned loudly and instinctively spread her legs when Riley reached her mound.

"Then I guess I better get to work." Riley husked her gaze finally making back up to Sam's eyes. Sam gulped at the burning flame in Riley's eyes.

Riley forced her attention away from Sam's body and back to her preparations. Sam's eyes widened when she saw the size of the syringe Riley was going to use.

"Um… isn't that thing a little big Babe?" Sam questioned nervously.

Riley's eyes once again swept Sam's body locking on the apex of her thighs. "No…" she murmured huskily, "not for the way I'm going to use it its not."

Sam groaned as a surge of arousal flashed through her body.

*****

Riley brushed the sweat dampened hair off Sam's face before leaning over to place soft butterfly kisses on her eyelids, down her face and finally landing lightly on her mouth.

"You okay?" Riley questioned softly.

Sam's eyes fluttered open and Riley's heart clenched at Sam's love filled gaze. "I'm good," she murmured, "but I'll never look at a syringe quite the same way again." She added her lips turning up into a silly grin.

Riley chuckled as she ran her hands gently through Sam hair. After what they'd just experienced she didn't think she could love this woman more than she did at this moment.

"That good huh?" Riley asked puffing up her chest in pride.

Sam laughed reaching out to pull Riley down against her chest. "The best." She assured her. "So how long do I need to stay like this?" Sam questioned.

Riley looked down at the two pillows resting under Sam's hips tipping her pelvis up and back. "At least a half an hour though longer wouldn't hurt. We want to give those little swimmers every chance we can." Riley explained.

"Little swimmers?" Sam cracked up laughing.

"You know what I meant." Riley said with an embarrassed blush.

Sam laughed harder. "How can you possibly blush after what you just did to me?"

Riley grinned though her color remained high. "That's true."

"So when are we gonna do this again?" Sam inquired.

"Can't get enough of me huh?" Riley responded cockily.

"Never." Sam replied before pulling Riley down into a steaming kiss.

Chapter Ten

"That good huh?" A husky voice whispered in her ear.

Riley yelped jumping straight up in the air barely managing to keep the coffee she'd just poured from hitting the floor. She whirled around to glare at a grinning Jess.

"You scared the hell out of me. I didn't hear you come in." Riley complained.

Jess laughed she'd come into the ER lounge and found Riley staring into space with a blissful expression on her face. She'd called a greeting and gotten no response. She couldn't resist tweaking her.

"That's pretty obvious and from the look on your face you'd gone off to a very happy place. My sister that good huh?" Jess questioned teasingly wiggling her eyebrows.

Riley blushed fiercely, she had been daydreaming about last night. She wanted so badly to just blurt out what they'd done.

Jess snickered. "I guess she is."

"Who is what?" Kim asked as she strolled into the lounge. Both she and Jess had offered to work today so some of the Staff who'd worked Christmas Day could be off. Sam and Patrick had offered to stay with Erin since the Daycare center was closed.

Jess stepped over and placed a quick kiss on Kim's lips then gestured over at Riley. "Riley was in here when I came in staring blissfully off into space, I was asking her if my sister was that good. Obviously she and Sam had a good night too." Jess replied grinning as she remembered some of their night after they'd gotten Erin settled. From the rosy blush the quickly graced Kim's face she was remembering as well.

"Kim glanced over at Riley. "Speaking of last night what's up with you guys and Patrick?"

Jess's interest was peaked when Riley choked on the sip of coffee she'd just taken. She wondered what was going on. Riley glanced up with a look of panic on her face then quickly looked down refusing to meet either woman's eyes.

"Well...?" Kim queried.

The door to the lounge suddenly burst open and Karen Armstrong one of Jess's residents rushed in. "Dr. Connolly I need you in trauma four."

"Sure thing let's go." Riley happily acquiesced following the resident quickly out the door without a glance at either Kim or Jess.

Jess turned to Kim. "So what'd you mean what's going on with Patrick, Riley and my sister?" She asked her wife.

"Haven't you noticed how Riley's been acting? You found her in here just staring off into space and she's been walking around all day with a huge smile on her face. I swear her feet haven't touched the ground all day she's been so happy. Plus you should've seen Sam this morning when she came down to stay with Erin. Her grin was so big it about split her face in two. She was just about strutting around the kitchen this morning."

Jess grinned as it all came together. "So you think they got Patrick to donate and Sam did the deed and got Riley pregnant?" Jess laughed. "Way to go Sam! Just wait 'til I see my sister. I wonder why they didn't ask Frank?"

"Who knows maybe they didn't want to wait. We can't let them know we figured it out. They obviously don't want us to know."

"Well I can understand that. We didn't want anyone to know 'til we were sure and you'd gotten past the first trimester." Jess acknowledged.

"But we should keep a discreet eye on Riley now that we know she might be pregnant. Just to make sure she doesn't lift any patients or that type of thing. Remember we can't let them know that we know." Kim reminded.

"Not a problem." Jess assured Kim. They both heard the sound of approaching sirens. "We better get out there." Jess said before heading out the door with Kim in tow.

*****

Kim let herself into the house and followed the sounds of laughter into the family room. Kim smiled widely when she spotted Patrick on his hands and knees on the floor with Erin astride his back. Sam was holding her in place as Patrick bucked and neighed like a horse much to Erin's delight. Obviously sometime during the day Patrick had managed to win Erin over. Kim couldn't remember the last time she'd seen her brother laugh so freely and appear so relaxed.

"Hey guys having a good time?" Kim asked making her presence known.

"Ma Ma…Ma Ma…Ma Ma…" Erin began to holler when she spotted her mother. She began to buck on Patrick's back trying to reach her mother.

Sam plucked her off Patrick's back and stood with her. She tightened her hold when Erin tried to fling herself out of her arms and into Kim's. She grunted in frustration and leaned as far as she could out of Sam's arms.

Kim quickly put down her briefcase and coat hurrying over to take her daughter from Sam. Erin got her in a strangle hold while planting sloppy kisses all over her face.

"Did you have good day Little One?" Kim questioned after Erin's exuberant greeting had subsided. Kim laughed when Erin began to babble excitedly giving her version of the days events. Kim listened attentively to the unintelligible baby talk; throwing in an occasional "Is that so," which just encouraged Erin further. Kim made her way over to the couch and sank down tiredly with a still babbling Erin in her arms.

"Long day?" Sam asked.

"Yeah, around the holidays and right after are a bad time. I saw two attempted suicides today… and one unfortunately successful one. It's always such a waste. If we could just get people to seek help sooner." Kim sighed in frustration. She shook away the depressing thoughts and concentrated on the very alive, very vibrant little girl in her arms. No matter how bad her day was at work just a few minutes in her daughter's presence was a huge pick me up. "Enough of that. Just give me a few minutes to relax and I'll get some dinner started. Jess was finishing up with a trauma and Riley was in the recovery room writing up her surgical notes so they shouldn't be too far behind me. I told them I'd come on ahead so I could start dinner. Riley is going to give Jess a lift home." Kim explained.

"Why don't you go change and just relax. Sam and I have dinner under control." Patrick suggested.

"You do? So what kind of take-out did you order?" Kim teasingly asked the two. Sam was a pretty good cook but one of Patrick's hobbies was gourmet cooking. He was an excellent chef and Kim knew he'd be outraged at the thought of take-out.

"Just for that I'll order you a pizza while the rest of us enjoy the beef stroganoff I made." Patrick threatened.

Kim was instantly contrite. Patrick's beef stroganoff was incredible, better than any restaurant version she'd ever eaten. "I was just teasing, I'm sorry, you're a wonderful chef." Kim apologized while batting her lashes at Patrick.

Patrick snickered at his sister's blatant attempt to get back in his good graces. "Go get changed I made a big batch." He walked over and held out his arms to Erin.

Erin laid her head on her mother's shoulder and tightened her arms around her neck giving as little grunt of rejection. Patrick laughed accepting the rejection good-naturedly.

"Okay I guess you don't want a horsey ride huh?"

Erin's head popped up at the word horsey and she began to bounce in Kim's arms. "Or…or…," she called as Patrick turned away. He turned back with a big grin and again held his arms out for Erin. This time she went readily to him babbling about the or...or.

"I guess even Mommy's can't compete with horsey rides." Kim laughed. "I'll be right back."

She stood in the door way for several moments watching Erin get her ride with a little help from Sam before finally turning and heading to the bedroom to get changed.

*****

"That was fantastic Patrick." Jess praised as she pushed aside her empty plate. Her dinner companions quickly spoke up in agreement. Kim laughed squeezing her brother's arm when he blushed.

"I had a good helper." Patrick said smiling shyly over at Sam.

"I didn't do anything but mix up ingredients as instructed. You're the chef." Sam countered.

Jess had been watching her sister since she'd gotten home. Kim was right Sam's grin couldn't have been bigger and Riley still looked like she was floating on air. Not that she could blame them; she remembered vividly what a rush it'd been knowing she was the one getting Kim pregnant. Even though she'd promised Kim she wouldn't let her sister know they knew what was going on it didn't mean she couldn't have a little fun with her. Kim saw Jess's little half smirk appear and was immediately suspicious wondering what she was up to. She didn't have long to wait to find out.

"So Patrick why don't you spend the next two nights with us before you have to head back to Chicago. I'm sure Sam and Riley would appreciate their privacy back." Jess suggested innocently. She had to bite her tongue to keep from laughing at the panicked looks on three faces at the table.

Riley recovered first. "It's no problem, we've enjoyed having him, and he's more than welcome. No need to move his stuff just for two nights. He's all settled in the guest room." She babbled.

"Well I'm sure Kim would like to have HER brother stay with us as planned." Jess couldn't resist adding then winced when Kim kicked her under the table. Jess looked over to find Kim glaring at her. Jess tried to smile innocently but her eyes were sparkling with mischief.

The other three occupants of the table looked even more flustered. Patrick and Sam both opened their mouths to protest but Jess cut them off.

"But I guess Riley's right. No sense having to pack and unpack since you're just up the drive from us." Jess grinned at the relieved looks on everyone's faces. Their reactions just confirmed Kim suspicions about them using Patrick as a donor to try and get Riley pregnant.

*****

Sam flinched as she once again hit the mat. Skip was standing above her looking at her questioningly.

"What's wrong Sam? You've never been this tentative in our workouts before." Truth was they'd been working out since early December and in just a few weeks Sam had given him more of a challenge than anyone had in a long time. This was their first workout since they'd come back from the Christmas - New Years break. Sam hadn't been this cautious even in their first workouts. "What's going on?" He asked when Sam refused to meet his eyes.

Sam was reluctant to tell him the truth. Not only didn't she know what his reaction would be, they weren't even sure she was pregnant yet. But just the chance of harming the baby if there was one scared her and she cringed every time she'd hit the mat. They hadn't even told Kim and Jess yet that they were trying. She looked up into Skip's concerned face and knew under the circumstances she had to tell him. The students would be showing up next week. She motioned for him to have a seat on the mat then straightened her shoulders and looked him right in the eyes.

"Riley and I are trying to start a family."

Skip's quizzical expression showed his confusion. "And?" he questioned. "What does Riley trying to get pregnant have to do with our workouts? Afraid we might bruise something you need?" He teased. "I don't think you have to worry about that." He added laughing.

Sam blushed making Skip laugh harder. She cleared her throat several times before she got her voice to work; this was harder than she thought. "I'm the one who might be pregnant." She almost whispered.

Skip's eyebrows shot up in shock and his mouth dropped open. "You?" he finally gasped.

Sam's blush deepened and she nodded. She was shocked when Skip pulled her off the floor and into a hug.

"That's great!" He enthused then stiffened. "Oh Christ, I didn't hurt you did I? Why didn't you say something sooner?" Skip growled.

"We really don't know yet if it took and no one knows yet; not even our family. I just figured this was kind of a special situation. I'm sorry I know this going to mess up things for class." She said gesturing around at the mats. "Please don't say anything to the Captain." Sam requested suddenly concerned.

"Don't worry Sam, I wouldn't do that. I'm glad you told me. We'll work out something as far as class is concerned."

"You're not upset?" I mean since I can't do everything for class." Sam asked worriedly.

"Of course not. I'm really excited for you and there's plenty you can do for as long as you want. Don't worry about it." Skip assured her.

Sam let out a sigh of relief at Skip's accepting attitude.

*****

"Hey Honey, how you doing?" Riley greeted. "How was work?" She asked going over to the couch where Sam lay stretched out and leaned down to kiss her gently on the lips. Sam smiled brightly when Riley reached out and rubbed her belly.

"Do you think it worked?" Sam asked wishfully.

"I sure hope so Honey, I sure hope so." Riley responded fervently.

"I told Skip today." Sam said hesitantly unsure of Riley's reaction. She looked momentarily shocked but quickly recovered. "We were working out and he questioned why I was so hesitant after a take down." She explained.

Riley immediately panicked. "Oh God! He didn't hurt you did he?" She knelt next to Sam and began to run her hands frantically over her body. She remembered quite well the bruises Sam had sported after her first workout with Skip.

Sam sat up drawing Riley into her lap. "Calm down Babe, I'm fine, he didn't hurt me. That's why I told him; I didn't want to take a chance." Sam assured her.

Riley seemed to suddenly realize where she was sitting and tried to pull away from Sam and get off her lap.

"What's wrong?" Sam questioned.

"I don't want to hurt you." Riley said worriedly.

Sam chuckled. "Come back here, you're not going to hurt me." Sam wondered what had brought this on.

Riley remained tense trying to keep her weight off Sam's legs. Sam pulled her down tightly and began to kiss her neck with wet opened mouth kisses. Riley groaned and slumped against Sam, groaning when Sam's lips reached her cleavage.

"Are you sure?" Riley questioned huskily as her ardor rose.

"Very sure." Sam assured as her hands rose taking Riley's shirt and her bra with her.

They hadn't made love in over a week since the last insemination attempt. Riley moaned when Sam leaned down placing kisses and licks across her chest before taking an already hard nipple into her mouth. Riley's hands came up holding Sam's head in place against her breast. She murmured in protest when Sam pulled away and tried to press her back into the couch.

"Let's take this to bed." Riley purred sexily.

Sam shook her head no and reached out to remove Riley's shoes then her slacks along with her panties. Sam knelt on the floor next to the couch. Riley's heart slammed in her chest at the fire burning brightly in Sam's eyes. She didn't protest when Sam pulled her into a sitting position and urged her to slid forward and sit on the edge of the couch. Riley shivered with arousal when Sam placed her hands on the inside of her knees and slowly spread her legs open. Sam gazed into Riley's eyes then down at the display before her and felt her mouth water. She licked her lips at the sight of the glistening moisture coating Riley's hair. Riley's back arched and she cried out when Sam's warm wet tongue began to lap between her legs. She quickly spiraled up letting out a strangled gasp when Sam pressed two fingers deep inside and began to pump in and out.

"Sam!" Riley called out as her inner walls clamped down on Sam's fingers.

Sam held Riley tightly as the aftershocks rippled through her. Riley shuddered when Sam gently withdrew. Sam waited patiently softly stroking Riley's thighs until her eyes fluttered open. She found herself drowning in pool of liquid heather. "I love you so much." Sam husked her eyes filling with tears.

Riley reached out too overcome with emotion to speak. She cupped Sam's face between her hands and kissed her passionately pouring out all her feelings. Riley grinned and pulled back from the kiss when she felt Sam's hips pressing into the couch.

"Come on." She encouraged rising up and drawing Sam to her feet.

She led Sam down the hall to their bedroom; stopping along the way to kiss her deeply and remove another piece of Sam's clothing. Sam was nude by the time they reached the bed. Riley pressed Sam back into it moving to hover over her while kissing her passionately. Sam tried to pull Riley down on top of her but she refused to budge remaining on her hands and knees above Sam. Riley moved down taking one of Sam's rock hard nipples into her mouth and began to suckle her. Sam groaned arching her back trying to force more of her breast into Riley's hot mouth. Riley's hand slid down Sam's abdomen and she couldn't help but groan deeply when her fingers slipped into the sopping wetness between Sam's thighs.

"Oh God you're soaked." Riley whispered huskily.

Sam was beyond words at this point as Riley expertly stroked her. Riley slipped down further adding her mouth to where her fingers where causing Sam to let out a loud undulation moan at the sensation. Sam was so close to the brink her thighs were trembling and her hands clutched the sheets convulsively. She groaned in relief when Riley's fingers slid down to just outside her entrance. Sam knew it wouldn't take much; she thrust her hips forward against Riley's fingers only to have her withdraw just enough to keep her fingers from slipping inside.

"Go inside…please." Sam begged but still Riley hesitated. Sam forced her eyes open and tried to get her breathing under control so she could speak. She found Riley staring at her anxiously.

"What's wrong?" Sam questioned.

"What if I hurt you?" Riley responded nervously.

"Huh?" Sam looked confused her acute arousal slowing down her thought process.

She groaned in comprehension as it all came together. Riley's hesitancy in entering her, why she'd resisted laying on top of her like she loved, and insisting on hovering over her instead. Sam reached down and pulled Riley up then down on top of her refusing to let go when Riley stiffened and tried to pull away.

"Relax." Sam commanded in a hoarse whisper. Sam smiled when Riley relaxed against her reaching out to tip up Riley's face until their eyes met. "We don't even know if I'm pregnant yet." Riley took a breath to interrupt but Sam stopped her placing a finger over her lips. "But even if I am, you're not going to hurt me or the baby by making love to me. You're a doctor for God sake you know that. If you think I can go nine months and not have you make love to me you're seriously deluded." Sam sternly admonished Riley; the impish sparkle in her eyes belying her serious tone.

Riley laughed and finally fully relaxed against Sam, which was what she'd intended. "I'm sorry I know it's silly, it's just…" Riley's voice trailed off her emotions getting the best of her.

"I understand and I appreciate your concern but I'm dying here." Sam insisted pressing Riley's hand between her thighs reminding her of just how close she'd been when Riley stopped.

Riley lifted back up and took Sam's lips in a deep kiss pouring into it all the love she felt for this wonderful woman. Using her hands and mouth she quickly brought Sam back up to the edge. She slipped her fingers down but again hesitated outside Sam's entrance.

"You're killing me here." Sam growled.

Riley shook her head forcing her irrational fears away and pressed her fingers deep inside. Sam's back arched and she cried out as Riley took up the hard, fast rhythm she knew Sam needed.

"Riley!" Sam cried out as her body shuddered with the force of her release.

Riley held her gently riding out Sam's climax with her. "You okay?" She asked worriedly when it was over.

"Never better." Sam assured her wrapping her arms tightly around Riley.

*****

Sam groaned and rolled over tying to unwrap herself from Riley as the phone continued to ring insistently. She glanced at the bedside clock wondering who would be calling at 6am on a Saturday morning then cursed when she remembered Riley was on call.

"Hello." She snarled into the receiver.

"Good Morning to you too Sunshine," teased a familiar voice.

Sam growled in response drawing a laugh from the caller. "What do you want Kim?"

"Is that any way to talk to your favorite sister-in-law?"

"It's six o'clock in morning." Sam complained turning onto her back when she felt Riley awaken behind her. "And you just woke up Riley too. So what's up?" Sam questioned knowing Kim wouldn't have called this early without a good reason.

"Can you give Jess and me a ride to the airport? Our flight goes out at eight."

Kim sounded too happy for something to be wrong but still Sam was concerned. "What's going on Kim, where are you guys running off to in such a hurry?"

"Frank called an hour ago; Cheryl went into labor about midnight."

"All right!" Sam shouted drawing a glare from a still sleepy Riley. "Oh wait it's too soon isn't it? She's not due for another four weeks." Sam asked worriedly.

Riley sat up rubbing her sleep filled eyes suddenly realizing what this conversation was about.

"Frank said the doctors aren't really too concerned because the baby's so big. They decided not to try and stop the delivery and are happy she held on this long. Do you and Riley want to go with us? I'm sure we could get two more tickets."

"I wish we could but Riley's on-call this weekend. You'll just have to give them our best from us. Give me about 15 minutes and I'll be down to take you to the airport."

"Thanks Sam, you're the best." Kim said before hanging up.

"Cheryl's in labor?" Riley asked as soon as Sam hung up the phone.

"Yeah, since about midnight according to Kim. They think the baby's big enough to go ahead with the delivery." Sam explained knowing Riley had only heard her side of the conversation.

"Why don't you go with them? I know you want to be there."

"No I'm not going to leave you here alone. They'll call when the baby's born."

"I think you should go Sam. If you are pregnant you might not feel up to traveling later. Go with them, I'll be fine. I've got lots of reading to catch up on and I could just as easily end up getting called into the hospital then you'd be here alone. Go with them." Riley urged Sam.

"Are you really sure?" Sam asked anxiously, she really did want to go.

Riley mock glared at her. "Get out of here and grab a shower. I'll pack some clothes for you." Sam still hesitated. "Go!" Riley commanded.

Sam leaped excitedly out of the bed then leaned down to kiss Riley deeply. "I love you." She exclaimed when she pulled away.

*****

Riley had dropped the gang off at the airport early that morning. It was late afternoon and she'd yet to hear anything from Sam. She hoped everything was alright. She'd spent a quiet day catching up on journals and puttering around the house. She was just heading into the kitchen to see which take out place she wanted to order her dinner from when the phone rang.

"Hello."

"Hey Babe," greeted Sam.

"Is everything okay? Is Cheryl alright? Was the flight alright? Are you feeling okay? What about the baby?" Riley questioned rapid fire not giving Sam time to respond.

Sam laughed when Riley finally ran out of breath. "Let's see. Everyone's fine, flight was fine, I feel great. Oh and you have a new nephew; his name is Thomas Arron McKenna. He was born about an hour ago and weighed in at 7 lbs 14 oz and 23 inches long. He's as health and happy as can be."

"That's wonderful! Give Frank and Cheryl my love. I bet they are so thrilled."

"That's an understatement." Sam chuckled. "I don't think we're gonna be able to stand Frank he thinks he's such a stud."

Riley laughed happy for the couple but saddened she hadn't been able to be there to experience it with them. Her mood turned suddenly serious.

"I miss you Honey." She said longingly.

Sam noticed the change in Riley's tone. "I miss you too Babe. We'll be back tomorrow evening. I'll give you a call in the morning. I love you."

"I love you too Sam. See you tomorrow."

Neither woman seemed to want to be the first to hang up. Finally Riley said a final goodbye and pressed the off button. She'd missed Sam today and talking to her had made it more acute instead of less. You're being ridiculous, it's only one night, she berated herself. Sighing heavily she headed into the kitchen to order herself some dinner.

Chapter Eleven

Riley let herself into the house happy to be home at a decent hour. She hurried up the stairs and stopped dead in her tracks when she reached the top. Sam was pacing back and forth in front of the fireplace muttering angrily to herself.

"Sam?" Riley quickly made her way over to Sam stepping in front of her. "What's wrong?"

Sam turned on her heels and walked to the coffee table picking up an envelope and handing it to Riley. "This was delivered to my Captain today."

Riley frowned as she pulled the pictures from the envelope; there were several. They were all of her and Sam, most taken at a local park where they'd gone one afternoon with Kim, Jess and Erin. They all showed them together, their arms around each other and in one Riley sitting between Sam's legs. The last picture taken on their own porch showed Sam in uniform and them locked in a passionate kiss.

"I don't understand, who would do this and why?"

Sam grabbed the pictures out of Riley's hand and tossed them on the table before resuming her pacing. "Isn't it obvious, it's meant to out me at my new job." She growled. "Luckily I've never made a secret of my orientation but just the fact that someone would try to pull something like this. Do you know what this means? It means someone's been watching us!" She snarled.

Riley couldn't believe this was happening. "What did your Captain say?"

"He called me into his office first thing this morning and showed me the pictures. They arrived with no return address or letter but they were mailed from an LA post office. He wanted to know if I could think of anyone who'd have a grudge against me. I told him that I didn't. Thankfully he's not a homophobe and didn't seem bothered in the least by the pictures. He was more concerned by the fact that someone's been following us."

"What are we going to do?" Riley questioned tearfully.

Sam felt her anger fade at Riley's scared look. She pulled her into her arms and held her close.

"Don't worry Babe, now that we know well just keep an eye out. It's obviously someone who doesn't know me very well or they'd know I was out at work. Maybe it's just someone who wanted the Academy job and thought they'd cause trouble for me." Sam tried to reassure Riley. "Honestly it's probably nothing I shouldn't even have told you it just pissed me off." Sam realized immediately she'd said something wrong when she felt Riley stiffen in her arms. She looked down into angry violet eyes.

"Oh course you should've told me! What did I tell you about keeping important things from me?" She reached behind Sam and pinched her just to enforce her warning.

Sam yelped and rubbed her butt then laughed relieving some of the tension her revelations had caused. "Point taken."

The two women hugged each other tightly in support.

*****

Riley rolled over and groggily reached out for Sam. Her eyes popped open when she encountered empty space. Sam had been restless at night ever since the anonymous delivery of pictures of the two of them to her boss. She'd used some of her contacts at the police station but so far they'd been unable to come up with anyone who might have sent the photos. They'd also been on the lookout whenever they went out but hadn't seen anyone suspicious. The whole thing was incredibly frustrating. Riley got up to see where Sam had disappeared to; that's when she noticed the light streaming out from under the bathroom door.

"Sam?" she called rapping lightly on the door. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, go back to bed." Sam finally replied from behind the closed door sounding anything but fine.

Riley never hesitated; she pushed the door open and found Sam sitting in her pajamas on the closed lid of the commode. Her head jerked up at Riley's entrance. The sight of Sam's tear streaked face caused Riley's heart to race. She rushed across the room to Sam and knelt down at her feet placing a comforting hand on her thigh.

"What's wrong Honey?" Riley questioned anxiously.

"I have cramps." Sam replied miserably as tears once again started to flow.

Riley didn't immediately grasp the significance of Sam's statement and couldn't help wondering why having cramps would make Sam cry; they never had before. Then it hit her and she felt as if a tight band was squeezing her heart as the full implication struck her.

"I'm so sorry Sweetheart. Your cycle started huh?" Riley asked sympathetically. She swallowed down her own disappointment determined not to let it show and hurt Sam any more than she already was.

"Not yet, but I have all my normal symptoms; my breasts are tender and I feel bloated plus now I'm having cramps." She tearfully explained.

"I'm sorry…" Riley repeated. Neither spoke for several long minutes each lost in their own thoughts. Riley's head came up and a hopeful smile covered her face, she went back over in her head again just what Sam had said.

"Your cycle was due two days ago right?" Riley questioned. "So you are late." There had been so much going on she'd forgotten.

"Yeah, I just figured with all the stress that was affecting it. I've had my regular pre-menstrual stuff for the last few days. I didn't want to say thing and I was hoping I was wrong. I'm sorry Babe." Sam cried her emotions getting the better of her again.

Riley wrapped her arms around Sam when she started to sob. She racked her brains trying to remember everything she could from her OB-GYN training and rotations.

"Hey it's okay; you don't have anything to be sorry for." Riley tried to assure Sam as she continued to cry. "Hey, listen to me, you might still be pregnant." Riley said trying to calm Sam. It was breaking her heart to hear Sam crying so pitifully she'd never seen her like this.

Sam lifted up her eyes meeting Riley's for the first time. They were filled with equal parts sadness and hope.

"How?" Sam asked the hope winning out.

Riley smiled reassuringly at Sam. "All the symptoms you describe are also early signs of pregnancy. I remember when I did my OB-GYN rotations in medical school and as an intern. We'd see women all the time that didn't know they were pregnant cause they'd had all their normal PMS symptoms. Your period could still start." Riley reluctantly admitted. "But since you're rarely late you could also very likely be pregnant. Don't lose hope just yet, give it a few more days, okay?"

"Really?" Sam asked smiling for the first time.

"Really, now come back to bed." Riley prayed she wasn't giving Sam false hope only to have them dashed later and she admitted to herself she didn't want to give up on the hope that Sam was pregnant.

She led Sam back to their bed stopping on Sam's side of the bed. She reached up and put her hand behind Sam's neck pulling her down in to a gentle loving kiss. "No matter which way it turns out, I love you with all my heart." She huskily assured Sam when the kiss broke. Sam immediately started to cry again. "Come on now, get into bed." Riley instructed. After helping Sam get settled under the covers Riley quickly crossed to her own side and climbed in. She leaned over Sam and kissed her softly. "Turn over onto your side facing away from me." Once Sam had complied Riley scooted up behind her spooning against her. She slid her hand under Sam's tee shirt and brought it to rest against her belly. Sam sighed pressing back into Riley's warmth.

"I love you." Riley breathed in Sam's ear.

Sam turned her head to accept another sweet kiss. "I love you too Baby."

Riley's hand slid further down and into Sam's boxers stopping on her lower abdomen. She began to gently rub the area in a soft circular motion helping to sooth away Sam's cramps. Riley smiled and kissed Sam's shoulder as she felt her breathing even out and her body relax into sleep. She lay for quite some time after Sam drifted off gently rubbing her abdomen praying that there was a life growing under her hand.

*****

Riley stared intently at the package in her hand. She'd stopped by the drugstore on the way to work. Sam was officially one week late and they'd made the decision last night to do the test today. She'd been anxious all day counting the hours until she could get home to Sam. Riley was admittedly nervous knowing the results of the test in her hand could change their lives forever. She never heard the door of her office open and Kim walk in.

Kim stopped just in front of Riley desk surprised that Riley hadn't even looked up and appeared to be seriously studying a box in her hands. Her greeting died on her lips when she got a good look at the box in Riley's hands. A big grin broke out on her face. She forced the grin away and schooled her features into a placid expression before greeting Riley.

"Hi Riley, what'cha doing?"

Riley yelped in surprise fumbling the box in her hands before quickly thrusting it into a desk drawer. Kim tried not to laugh when Riley jerked over a chart and tried to appear nonchalant.

"Umm… Hi Kim." Riley greeted finally looking up from her desk. "I was just working on Mr…umm… Mr…Douglas's chart. What brings you up here?"

Kim bit the inside of her cheek trying hard not to snicker. She debated whether to ask about the test and admit she'd seen it or ignore it, as Riley appeared to want her to do. Deciding not to push the issue she focused on why she'd originally sought Riley out.

"Jess and I were wondering if you and Sam would watch Erin tonight? Sam's been offering and we really would enjoy a night out."

"Can she spend the night?" Riley asked hopefully. She and Sam had offered several times to have Erin spend the night but Kim had always balked insisting she was too young.

Kim smiled at Riley's enthusiasm. Jess had been working on her since they'd not had a full night together since Erin's birth. She had finally convinced her to let Erin stay overnight with Sam and Riley. Kim was still a little nervous; after all Erin was only 8 months old.

"Yeah she can stay the night. It'll be good practice for you and Sam." She added glancing mischievously at the drawer where Riley had stashed the pregnancy test.

"Great…" Riley's voice trailed off and she looked down in panic at the drawer where the test was. "What?" she squeaked when it sunk in what Kim had said. She wondered frantically if she'd let the cat out of the bag and just how angry Sam was going to be.

"Yeah you know, good practice for when you and Sam decide to start a family." Kim calmly replied though it was all she could do to hold in her mirth at Riley's panicked expression.

Riley sighed in relief, obviously Kim didn't know. Riley rose from her chair coming over to hug her sister-in-law. "Thank you. I promise we'll take great care of her and if there are any questions I'll call you immediately." Riley tried to assure Kim knowing this was a huge step leaving your child with someone for the first time overnight. "What do you and Jess have planned?"

Kim shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know Jess won't tell me. I saw her deep in conversation with Sam this morning but they clammed up when I walked in." She found the whole thing frustrating. Kim was a big fan of surprises but only if she was the one doing the surprising.

Riley grinned knowing how much Kim hated not knowing what was going on. "Whatever it is just relax and enjoy yourself." Riley urged Kim.

"What time do you think you'll be in?" Kim asked.

"Depends on what comes in over the next…" Riley glanced at her watch, "hour. But there's no need to wait for me. Sam will be home by 4:30 and you guys can go ahead and take off."

"Okay if I don't see you tonight I'll see you first thing in the morning." Kim told Riley.

"There's no need for you to rush over first thing in the morning. Tomorrow's Saturday and I'm not on-call and Sam's off as usual. Enjoy your time with your wife Kim you both need time together as a couple. Sam and I will take wonderful care of Erin. Now go, have a great time." Riley encouraged.

Kim hugged Riley and placed a soft kiss on her cheek. "Thanks you guys are the best." Smiling she headed out the door and back to the ER.

*****

Sam stopped as she stepped out of the kitchen and looked into the living room where Riley was sitting in the rocking chair with Erin. The lights had been dimmed and Riley was singing softly to Erin as she rocked her. Sam quietly made her way across the room and set down the two cups of tea she was carrying.

"Is she asleep?" She asked quietly.

"Yes, she finally drifted off. I just didn't want to put her in bed yet." Riley admitted. There was just something about holding Erin in her arms that gave her the most incredible sense of inner peace she'd ever known. She felt safe and at peace in Sam's arms but this was a something totally different. To hold a child in your arms and know they trusted and depended on you totally was just an incredible feeling.

Sam smiled indulgently. "I know, she just kind of grabs your heart and won't let go. She's not even ours and I worry about her all the time. I feel sick at the thought of something happening to her. I don't know why Kim and Jess aren't total wrecks."

"Must be those maternal instincts popping up already." Riley teased.

Sam's hand unconsciously went to her abdomen covering it almost protectively. "Do you really think it worked?" Sam asked hesitantly. Her emotions had been all over the place this past last week. She'd alternated between being despondent and euphoric.

"Only one way to know for sure." Riley responded her eyes going to the small bag on the coffee table.

Sam gulped nervously, "maybe we should wait a while longer, just to be sure."

Riley smiled reassuringly trying hard to hid her own nervousness. They both wanted this so badly. "It's up to you Honey. The tests are 97% accurate one week after your missed period."

"You looked it up?" Sam asked with a grin.

"Riley blushed embarrassed. "I just didn't want to rush using the test too soon and get a false negative so I checked out which one was the most sensitive and when you'd get the highest accuracy rate." She admitted sheepishly. "I didn't want you upset for no reason."

Sam walked over to Riley and leaned down softly kissing her lips. "I love you."

"I love you too. Why don't I put this little one to bed then I'll come back and we can drink our tea and then go find out if we're going to have one of our own. What do you say?" Riley asked sweetly smiling up at Sam.

"I'll take our tea into the bedroom and meet you there." Sam countered.

*****

Riley stood staring down at a peacefully sleeping Erin. They'd set up a playpen in the guest bedroom for her to sleep in. Unable to resist Riley bent down and stroked Erin's thick black hair; Kim was right she looked more like Jess and Sam every day.

"Sleep well Little One," Riley whispered. She checked the baby monitor one last time then quietly made her way out of the room.

Her stomach fluttered nervously as she made her way down the hall to their bedroom. She sent up a silent prayer to whoever might be listening that she and Sam would be blessed with a child of their own. Riley stopped just inside their bedroom door and smiled; Sam was curled up on their bed sound asleep. She grabbed her pajamas and slipped quietly into the bathroom not wanting to wake Sam. On her way back out of the bathroom she picked up Sam's pajamas and made her way over to the side of the bed.

Leaning over she brushed Sam's hair off her face and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. Sam's eyes slowly fluttered open but Riley could see she was out of it.

"Come on Honey, let's get you into your pj's, you can't sleep in your clothes." Riley said urging Sam into a sitting position.

She quickly stripped her of her clothes and got her into her pajamas with very little assistance from Sam. Sam was asleep again before Riley got her completely under the covers. Riley switched off the light and climbed into bed next to Sam. She smiled into the darkness as Sam instinctively reached out for her; cuddling close she quickly drifted off to sleep.

*****

Sam awoke slightly disoriented. The last thing she remembered was bringing two cups of tea to the bedroom and stretching out to wait Riley's return. Riley was snuggled against her and they were both in their pajamas. She glanced over at the clock and grimaced; it read 5:20 am, she'd obviously fallen asleep on Riley. After carefully untangling herself from Riley she made her way into the bathroom. The first thing she spotted was the pregnancy test sitting on the counter. Sam debated with herself; glancing back into the bedroom she made her decision.

Sam stood staring at the plastic test strip in her hand. The box said wait fifteen minutes, it had been exactly three; sighing with frustration Sam placed the test on the sink and made her way quietly out of the room. She found herself standing in the guest bedroom doorway; stepping softly she approached the playpen and gazed down at Erin. Sam was amazed at how deeply she'd bonded with the little girl. She'd never really had any exposure to children. Frank was only three years younger so they'd pretty much grown up together. She tried to imagine how much deeper the bond must be with your own child and couldn't imagine loving a child any more than she did Erin. Unconsciously her hand went to her belly and she prayed that she'd get the chance to find out what it was like to have a child of her own. Her stomach fluttered nervously when she realized the fifteen minutes was up. She turned and headed back down the hall.

*****

Riley had awoken when Sam left the bed. She'd watched her sleepily knowing she was going to check on Erin. She'd just started to drift back to sleep when she saw Sam hurriedly enter the room and head directly for the bathroom. Riley sat up but Sam disappeared before she could call out to her. Sighing she started to lay back down when a sound from the bathroom caused her to freeze in place. She strained her ears and heard it again, a sob coming from the bathroom. Tossing back the covers she rushed into the bathroom not even stopping to knock. Sam was standing at the counter with tears pouring down her face.

"What's wrong?" Riley asked in a panic, then she saw it, Sam was holding the pregnancy test stick in her hand and staring down at it. Riley's heart clenched as she stepped closer and took the strip from Sam's hand turning it so she could see the results.

The tears were immediate. Finally Riley looked up meeting Sam's watery gaze. She reached out cupping Sam's face. "We did it; you're going to be a Mom." Riley suddenly grinned as it all hit her. "I did it, I got you pregnant. I'm going to be a Mom." She crowed puffing out her chest in pride before pulling Sam into her arms and hugging her tightly. The moment was broken by a loud cry from the baby monitor. "Guess we should get used to that huh?" Riley chuckled. They headed together for the guest bedroom to get Erin.

*****

"Anybody home?" Kim called from the foyer. She turned to Jess when they hear laughter coming from upstairs and Erin's unmistakable squeal. "Sounds like they're doing okay."

"I told you she'd be fine." Jess told Kim not wanting to admit just how much she'd worried as well.

They headed upstairs toward the continuing sounds of merriment. Stopping in the doorway of the kitchen they both grinned at the sight before them. Erin was sitting in the high chair Sam has insisted on buying for her with Sam on one side of her and Riley on the other. Kim wasn't quite sure who of the three was wearing the most scrabbled egg and the kitchen looked like a small bomb had gone off. Erin screeched with delight as she fed Sam then Riley another piece of smashed egg before eating some herself.

"Good Morning." Kim called brightly startling the two adults. They'd been so engrossed in Erin they hadn't heard her and Jess arrive.

Erin screamed at the top of her lungs at the sight of her mothers. She immediately began to yell slapping her tray with her palms demanding in her own way to be released from her chair. Kim quickly headed for her daughter before she had a total melt down. Erin wrapped her arms around Kim covering her face in kisses smearing her with eggs and what appeared to be the remains of toast and jelly. Jess was greeted next and got to wear her fair share of Erin's breakfast.

"Well looks like you three had a good time." Kim teased.

Sam looked up at Kim meeting her eyes for the first time. Kim did a double take; something was different. She glanced over at Riley and watched in amusement as she almost strutted over to Sam placing her hands on her shoulders.

"Yeah she was just an angel and we had a great time." Riley assured Kim.

Kim looked back and forth between the two women then she remembered. She tried hard to smother her grin and was only partly successful. Jess looked at her questioningly. "Tell you later." She whispered to Jess. It was all she could do not to blurt out to Sam and Riley that she knew Riley was pregnant.

"Oh I almost forgot there was a package on your doorstep." Kim told Sam and Riley. Jess went back into the hall and picked it up bringing it into the kitchen.

Sam and Riley looked at each other neither was expecting a package. Sam got up when Jess set the package on the counter. She groaned when she saw the return address. Riley stepped over and glanced at the label. Riley reached for a knife and opened the box. She growled when she glanced inside.

"What is it?" Kim asked trying to look over Riley's shoulder. She burst out laughing when she got a glimpse of the contents of the box.

"There must be over a hundred of them." Riley muttered as she rifled through the box.

Sam couldn't stand it anymore; she reached over Riley and pulled one of the envelopes from the box. She knew immediately what they were. Pulling one from the envelope she quickly glanced over it before passing it over to a curious Jess. Sam glared at her sister when she too burst out laughing.

"Wedding invitations huh? I wonder why she sent them to you." Jess questioned.

"We're not getting married." Riley whined.

Kim and Jess just roared earning a glare from both Sam and Riley.

"Don't let Doris hear you say that." Kim suggested snidely.

Riley flipped through the addressed envelopes with Sam looking over her shoulder. "Who the hell are all these people?" She asked Sam exasperatingly.

"I recognized some aunts and uncles but I don't have a clue about most of them. Jess do you know who these people are?"

Jess looked through the box then shrugged her shoulders. "I know some of them but if it's anything like what she had for Kim and me then I have no clue who most of these people are. I had no idea we had that many relatives."

"Great just great," Riley growled, "why did I agree to this again?"

"Cause Doris would torture you daily 'til you did." Kim snickered.

"Oh yeah there is that." Riley admitted in defeat.

"Hey look there's a letter from Doris." Kim said holding out the envelope to Sam.

Sam backed away making the sign of the cross making Kim and Jess both laugh. Riley glared at her wife then snatched the letter from Kim's hands. Erin's happy babbling was the only sound in the room while Riley read the letter. She lifted up her head and found everyone staring at her.

"It seems Doris has decided the invitations should have a LA postmark and come from Sam and me since it's 'our' wedding." She glared when she heard the snickers. "She also graciously enclosed 25 blank invitations so we could invite our friends. Oh and she wants to know what color my dress is going to be so the flowers will match." Riley added with a growl. She and Sam had already had this discussion with Doris; there was no way she was wearing a dress.

Sam stepped over and wrapped Riley in her arms. "I love you Babe." She said placing soft kisses on Riley's face. Kim and Jess both smirked at Sam's blatant attempt to placate Riley.

"I love you too but I'm going to kill your mother." Riley replied.

"I think that's our cue." Kim laughingly told Jess. "We'll see you guys later. Thanks again for taking care of Erin."

"Our pleasure." They both assured Kim.

*****

Jess watched in amusement as Kim did a happy dance with Erin in the middle of Sam and Riley's driveway.

"I missed her too." She told Kim.

Kim laughed, "Oh I did too but that's not what I'm so happy about." Kim explained as they headed home. "I didn't get a chance to tell you last night. I kind of had my mind on other things." Kim's voice trailed off as her eyes glazed over.

Jess smirked at the sudden flush on Kim's cheeks as she was assaulted with memories of the previous night. She blew on her nails then buffed them on her shirt making Kim laugh.

Kim shook her head forcing away the distracting thoughts. "Anyway, when I went to ask Riley yesterday about keeping Erin I caught her in her office with a pregnancy test in her hands. She tried to stuff it in a drawer before I saw it."

Jess let out a whoop of joy. "So you think Riley's pregnant of sure?"

Kim smirked, "Did you get a look at them this morning. Riley was just about strutting and Sam just glowed. I defiantly think the test was positive."

"Think we should say anything?"

"No, definitely not," Kim counseled, "we need to let them tell us when they're ready.

*****

Riley woke to the sound of retching. She headed into the bathroom and found Sam on her knees before the commode.

"Hey Baby." She greeted softly.

Sam let out a groan as her stomach heaved again. Riley reached over and wet a washcloth placing it against the back of Sam's neck and began rubbing her back consolingly. Sam looked up at Riley with watery eyes when her stomach finally stopped revolting.

"You don't have to stay with me, I'm okay."

"I know I don't but I want to. I hate to see you suffering like this. Think its stopped for the time being?"

"I think so."

"Come back into the bedroom and I'll make you some tea. There're crackers already on the bedside." Riley encouraged helping Sam to her feet.

"Yeah I tried them earlier but they didn't help."

Riley got Sam tucked back into bed. "How long does this last again?" Sam groaned pitifully.

"It usually stops by the end of the first trimester." Riley tried to reassure Sam. She didn't want to be the one to tell her some woman had 'morning sickness' well into the second trimester. "Only a month more to go." Riley said trying to sound encouraging. The last month had been hard on Sam with the constant battle with her nausea. Riley was getting a little worried because of the severity of Sam's symptoms. It was worse in the morning but could strike at any time. Skip had been great about covering for her when she had to make a quick exit from class. So far they'd managed to keep Sam's condition a secret from Kim and Jess. Though she wasn't sure how much longer they were going to buy the story of Sam working long hours and having picked up a virus to account for her being under the weather.

Sam moaned and pulled the pillow over her head. Riley reached out and pulled it away leaning down to kiss Sam. Sam pulled away turning her head.

"I haven't brushed my teeth." She complained.

"I don't care." Riley told her turning her face back to her and gently brushing her lips against Sam's. "I'll be right back with your tea."

*****

Sam sat sipping her tea waiting for Riley to get out of the shower. She sighed with relief the nausea seemed to have subsided at least for the time being. The bathroom door opened and Sam watch with appreciative eyes as Riley walked to the dresser clad only in a towel. She was surprised to feel her libido rise when Riley dropped the towel and reached for her underclothes. She'd been so tired and nauseous for the last four weeks she couldn't remember that last time they'd made love.

Riley turned and smiled when she caught the look in Sam's eyes. It had been a while since she'd seen it.

She pulled on a polo shirt and chinos before stepping over to the bed. "Feeling better?" Sam pulled Riley's head down and bestowed a searing kiss on her lips. Riley was panting when Sam finally released her. "Wow I guess so."

"Come back to bed." Sam requested huskily her hands going to Riley's belt.

Riley pulled away reluctantly. "I'm sorry Honey, I have to be at the hospital at 8am."

"Be late." Sam husked her hands drifting up to cup Riley's breast through her shirt and gently knead them.

Riley groaned her own libido kicking into overdrive. She forced herself away from the bed drawing a protest from Sam.

"I'm really sorry Sweetheart, you don't know how sorry." Riley apologized. "I have a surgery scheduled at 8am."

Sam turned away trying to hide the tears that suddenly appeared.

Riley sat down on the bed drawing Sam into her arms. "Don't cry…please."

"I'm sorry I don't know what happened. One minute I was ready to rip your clothes off and the next…" Sam brushed angrily at the tears leaking from her eyes.

"You're pregnant Honey, your emotions are going to be all over the place. I'm sorry I can't stay. There's nothing I'd like more than to come back to bed and make love with you."

"I know I'm just being stupid."

"No you're not." Riley assured her.

Sam smiled at Riley; she'd been so wonderful and supportive of her in the last few weeks. Sam never knew how she was going to react these days and Riley just seemed to take it all in stride.

"What time is your doctor appointment…2pm right?" Riley asked. Today was Sam's first doctor's appointment and Riley wanted to be there.

"Yeah at two, do you think you'll be able to make it?"

"I promise, I've already talked to Craig about covering for me." Seeing the look on Sam's face she quickly added. "I didn't tell him what for just that I had an appointment."

Riley glanced at the clock and groaned. "I have to go Sweetheart. I'll meet you at Dr. Mitchell's office at two." She told Sam before leaning down to bestow one last kiss on her lips.

Chapter Twelve

"Are you sure about this?" Riley asked Sam quietly. They were in the back of Jess's Durango on the way to the tux shop.

"Yeah, the ceremony is only six weeks away. I want to get this over with and ordered."

"You sure you wouldn't rather just rent something when we get to Clayton?"

"God no I'd end up with some blue frilled nightmare if we did that." Sam prophesied. She glared at her sister when she caught her eyes in the rear view mirror. "It's not funny Jess."

"Sure it is, cause it's your turn. You thought it was great fun when it was Kim and me… well paybacks are a bitch!"

Sam grumbled crossing her arms over her chest and growling at her sister.

"Have you decided yet what you're going to wear?" Kim asked Riley from the front seat. She'd gotten a friend to watch Erin so she could go with them to the tux shop.

Riley shrugged her shoulders. "A tux or a suit or…" Her voice trailed off. "No I haven't decided." She finally admitted in frustration.

"Don't sweat it we'll go out and find you something." Kim promised.

*****

Jess had decided on a new tux and was sharing a dressing room with her sister.

"Hey Kiddo, looks like married life agrees with you but you better start watching that waist. It's getting kind of thick." Jess teased reaching out to poke her sister.

Sam glowered at Jess then down at the pants she was struggling to fasten. She jerked up her clothes and stomped out of the dressing room and into the one next door slamming the door behind her. Jess stared after her in amazement.

Riley's head jerked up when she heard a door slam. Jess walked out dressed in the tux she'd chosen.

Kim and Riley both whistled in appreciation. Jess looked great.

"Thank you ladies." Jess acknowledged with a bow.

Riley looked toward the dressing room Jess had just left. She'd seen Sam go in with her sister. "Where's Sam?" She questioned Jess.

Jess jerked her thumb over her shoulder at the dressing room next door to the one Riley was looking at. "What's up with her anyway, she PMSing or something."

"What did you say to her?" Riley demanded angrily.

Kim and Jess both looked at Riley surprised at her angry tone.

"Nothing, I was just teasing her about getting pudgy around the middle."

"Shit!" Riley muttered before cautiously entering the dressing room Sam was in.

Kim and Jess looked at each other in confusion wondering what was going on.

"Hey Sweetheart." Riley found Sam sitting on the bench in the dressing room her pants hanging open and her head resting in her hands. Riley wanted to strangle Jess when Sam lifted her tear-streaked face from her hands. She dropped to her knees next to Sam. "Don't cry Honey, she was just teasing you. She has no idea you're pregnant remember?"

Sam jumped up and tried to pace in the small space. "Look at this!" she whispered harshly, "I can't even close my pants!"

Riley stepped in front of Sam and drew her into her arms. "You're two months pregnant Sam it's to be expected." She tried to explain rationally.

Sam glared at Riley for a minute then slumped down onto the bench. "Would you get me a bigger pair please?" She asked in a quiet voice.

Riley stepped out of the dressing room to get Sam a larger pair of pants.

"Is everything okay?" Kim questioned.

Riley signed resisting the urge to take out her frustration on Kim or Jess. They didn't know what was going on and it wasn't fair to them. "Yeah it's fine, she's just tired."

"Maybe she should see some one this bug has been hanging on for too long." Jess suggested in concern.

"Yeah I'll mention that to her." Riley hedged.

*****

Kim worriedly glanced into the back seat. They'd finally found a tux that Sam liked and one for Jess as well. She'd insisted Jess be on her best behavior and not torment her sister. Kim was worried Sam had fallen asleep in the backseat and that wasn't like her. Her gaze turned to Riley and she couldn't help being a little envious. According to Kim's calculations Riley was two months pregnant and she'd so far not seen any signs that she'd been plagued with morning sickness. It was turning out to be a good thing with Sam being sick that would have been a lot to deal with in addition to Riley's pregnancy. Kim like Jess was really starting to worry about Sam she'd never seen her ill for such a long period of time. She tried to accept Riley's assurances that she was looking after Sam and that she'd be fine.

"How about we stop for dinner?" Kim suggested.

Riley glanced over at Sam seeing she'd dosed off. "I think we'll pass I'm really beat it was a long day and Sam mentioned she needed to be in early tomorrow."

Kim's brow furrowed in concern. Sam and Riley had turned down quite a few dinner invitations lately. Kim turned in her seat so she could see Riley's eyes.

"Are you sure she's alright?" Kim asked indicating Sam.

Riley met Kim's eyes squarely. "Yes I'm sure."

Kim sighed hoping Riley really was a sure as she seemed.

*****

Riley rushed down the hall to Dr. Mitchell's office. Sam had an appointment at 4pm and she didn't want to miss it. She had continued to be plagued with horrible morning sickness for the last month. Their commitment ceremony was only two and a half weeks away and Riley wasn't sure Sam was going to be up to the flight. That was one of the things they needed to talk to Dr. Mitchell about today. Riley was hoping with Sam's first trimester coming to an end so would the morning or in Sam's case all day sickness as well.

Riley signed in relief when she saw Sam still seated in the waiting room. "Hey Honey." She greeted before leaning down to kiss Sam lightly on the lips. "How are you feeling?"

"Okay I haven't thrown up in…" Sam glanced at her watch, "a little over an hour."

Riley groaned in sympathy reaching over to gently rub Sam's back.

The receptionist called Sam's name and they headed into the exam room together.

*****

Sam had finished dressing and they were waiting for Dr. Mitchell to come back into the room. She'd already examined Sam and told her everything appeared normal. A light tap on the door preceded the doctor's entrance. Dr. Dianne Mitchell was in her mid 50's with dark brown hair cut short in a decidedly masculine style and sparkling brown eyes. She was of average height with a slim lithe build. She smiled reassuringly as she entered the room

Dr. Mitchell pulled up a stool and sat down facing Sam and Riley. "As I told you already physically everything appears perfectly normal. I am concerned about the continuing severity of your morning sickness." She told Sam. "Have you been eating the small frequent meals?"

"Yeah but mostly it just means I always have something in my stomach to throw up." Sam complained.

The doctor smiled in sympathy. "Just to be on the safe side I'm going to send you for an ultrasound."

Riley tensed beside Sam. "She's only 12 weeks, isn't that a little early. I thought most routine exams were done between 18 and 20 weeks. What's wrong?"

The doctor was quite aware of Riley's profession and took her questions in stride. She was used to dealing with physician's spouses and physician patients. "I assure you it's only a precaution. I don't believe there's anything wrong. I just think Sam is one of those unfortunate women who have very severe morning sickness but I prefer to be cautious."

Riley breathed a sigh of relief. Dr. Mitchell had been Kim's obstetrician and she'd had nothing but praise for the woman.

"They should be able to get you in tomorrow or the next day at the latest." Dr. Mitchell continued. "Any other questions?"

Sam and Riley looked at each other. Sam motioned for Riley to go ahead and ask for them, she was feeling nauseous again.

"We're due to fly to northern California in a little over two weeks from now. We're having a commitment ceremony that my wife's family is hosting."

Dr. Mitchell smiled broadly. "Congratulations. I don't think the flight will be a problem but let's see what the ultrasound has to say."

Riley again felt her anxiety skyrocket. Dr. Mitchell held up her hand to cut off whatever it was Riley was about to say. "It's just a precaution as of right now I see no reason not to go ahead with the trip."

Sam and Riley thanked the doctor for her time.

"The receptionist will set you up with Radiology. I'll call with the results of the ultrasound the same day you have it done." Dr. Mitchell assured them before heading out to see her next patient.

*****

Kim looked up just in time to see Sam and Riley stumble into the ER both women looked like they were in shock. Kim rushed over to them.

"What's wrong?" She questioned anxiously.

Sam and Riley stared at her seemingly uncomprehendingly.

Kim started to truly panic. She turned to Penny who was watching curiously from the front desk. "Go get Dr. McKenna, right now!" She demanded of the clerk. Penny scurried away to find Jess.

Jess came down the hall at a run. "What's wrong?" She demanded of Kim as she skidded to a halt at the front desk. Jess's eyes landed on her sister and Riley worry immediately marring her features at the blank expressions on their faces.

What's going on Kim?" she asked again.

"I don't know, they just stumbled in here and haven't said a word." Kim explained fear evident in her voice.

"Let's get them in a room." Jess ordered reaching out to take Sam's arm.

Riley seemed to pull herself out of her stupor. "Wait, we're okay. Let's go into your office."

"I want to know what's wrong." Jess demanded looking over at her still silent sister.

Standing at the front desk in the ER was not how Riley intended to tell Kim and Jess about Sam's pregnancy. She realized now she and Sam should've waited 'til the shock wore off before coming to the ER. They'd just finished talking to Dr. Mitchell; the ultrasound tech had called her down after she'd gotten her first scan of Sam. Seeing Kim and Jess's stubborn expressions she knew there was no way out. She cleared her throat and glanced over at Sam for support. Sam still looked dazed from the information they'd received upstairs but nodded at Riley to go ahead.

"We had an ultrasound done today we're going to have babies." She said quietly.

Kim squealed and rushed over to hug Riley. "We're so happy for you." She gushed hugging Riley repeatedly. Jess punched her sister in the arm and was a little surprised when she didn't react but then thought maybe the shock of confirming Riley's pregnancy accounted for her silence. Jess pulled Riley out of Kim's arms and hugged her tightly.

"Congratulations, you'll make a great mom." She put her big hand on Riley belly rubbing it softly. "How far along are you?" She wasn't prepared for Riley's look of shock and started in surprise when Riley burst into laughter.

"Not me… Sam." She told Kim and Jess.

Jess and Kim whirled to look at Sam in shock. Her blush confirmed everything. Jess turned back to Riley her expression incredulous.

"You knocked up my sister!" She fairly shouted.

Riley cringed and glanced around the ER to see they had an audience. "Do you think you could yell it louder Jess, I don't think they heard you in the treatment rooms." She complained. "Could we go into your office now?" she asked sarcastically.

Jess had the grace to look embarrassed and led the way down the hall to her office. She couldn't believe what Riley had told them. Never in her wildest dreams had she considered that Sam would be the one to get pregnant. She suddenly remembered a month ago when they'd gone out to get a tux and she'd teased Sam about her thickening waist. She mentally smacked herself on the forehead as it all came together. Why Riley had shown no signs of morning sickness or pregnancy or why Sam had a supposed bug for so long.

Jess stepped over to Sam as soon as the door closed behind them. She hesitantly reached out a hand toward Sam's abdomen. Sam smiled and pressed Jess's hand against her belly.

"I'm twelve weeks along." Sam told her still stunned sister.

Kim stepped over to Sam's other side and slipped an arm around her waist. Her hand came out to rest on Sam's belly along with Jess's. She shook her head in amazement.

"So you just found out for sure today?" Jess questioned thinking that was the reason they'd both seemed so dazed. That didn't quite make sense but she was so shocked by the news that fact didn't register. She did remember the day she and Kim saw their first ultrasound of Erin and how dazed they'd been actually seeing their child for the first time.

"Umm… no we've known for a while. We didn't want to tell anyone 'til Sam made it through the first trimester." Riley admitted. She was pleased when Kim and Jess nodded in understanding.

"Is something wrong?" Jess asked concerned, "twelve weeks is kind of early for a first ultrasound. Who's your OB?"

Riley smiled over at the three women across from her. Kim and Jess stood with their arms wrapped around Sam each with a hand resting on her belly.

"Dr. Mitchell is our OB. The ultrasound was purely cautionary. Sam has been having really severe morning sickness and she just wanted to be careful."

"And…" Jess prompted impatiently, "what were the results?"

Riley grinned at Sam; she was still pretty dazed about the ultrasound results. Riley reached into her pocket and pulled out the print out they'd given them in ultrasound. She glanced down at it again before passing it over to Jess.

Jess looked closely at the picture in her hand. She looked up meeting Sam's eyes then back at the print. "Oh my God." She muttered.

Kim had had enough; she grabbed the print out of Jess's hand. Her jaw dropped open when she got a good look at it.

"Twins!" she gasped totally floored.

"Twins!" Sam and Riley confirmed in unison.

The shouts of surprise and joy could be heard all the way out at the front desk.

*****

"I still just can't get over it." Kim said gazing over at the couch were Sam slept peacefully. After their surprise announcement in the ER Sam and Riley had come back to Kim and Jess's for dinner. Sam had eaten lightly and managed to keep it down, but she'd fallen asleep minutes after eating.

"Yeah tell me about it, when the tech turned around the screen and I saw two babies I just about fell out of my chair." Riley chuckled.

"Oh not about that," Kim responded, "I just never imagined that it would be Sam who got pregnant." Now that she knew Sam was pregnant she felt pretty foolish for not having put it all together sooner.

"No kidding," Jess muttered looking toward her sister and shaking her head. "I can't believe she's really pregnant. Was that your idea?" she asked Riley curiously.

"No it wasn't, the original plan was for me to get pregnant first then Sam some time in the future. Once I started the job here I just couldn't figure out how I was going to pull it off. Don't get me wrong I really want a child. I just felt so needed here and I knew once I was pregnant I wouldn't be able to work for long my job is just too time consuming and stressful. Plus I don't think my patients would appreciate me running out of the room to throw up in the middle of their surgery." Riley explained. "Turns out Sam had been thinking of becoming pregnant for quite a while but couldn't figure out a donor since I don't have any siblings or even cousins for that matter. Neither of us was very comfortable with using an anonymous donor. Anyway then at Thanksgiving we got to talking with Patrick and … you do know we used him as a donor…right?"

Kim laughed, "We had that part figured out, but we thought it was you. Then when I saw you in your office with the pregnancy test, I was sure you were pregnant."

Riley smiled apologetically at them. "I'm sorry we didn't tell you it was just…"

"No need to apologize, we understand perfectly. Remember we didn't tell anyone 'til the end of my first trimester either."

"Wait," Riley said suddenly, remembering what Kim had said early. "What did you mean you said you weren't surprised about there being twins?"

Kim laughed. "Didn't Patrick tell you?"

"Tell us what?" Riley asked in confusion.

"Twins run in our family. My dad's younger sisters are twins, and my grandmother on my dad's side has a twin sister. My folks were actually surprised they didn't have twins. My dad's brother has a set of twin boys and a set of twin girls." Kim explained with a grin.

Riley looked stunned. "Wait 'til I get my hands on Patrick." She muttered ominously.

Kim and Jess's uproarious laugher woke Sam. Riley immediately jumped up and went over to Sam's side.

"You feeling okay, do you need anything?" Riley asked solicitously. She placed her hand on Sam's belly rubbing gently.

Kim and Jess smiled at Riley's tender treatment of Sam.

"No I'm good, I think dinner's going to stay in place for a change. Who knew having twins could make morning sickness worse." Sam sat up and glanced over at Kim and Jess. "Sorry about crashing on you."

"Don't worry about it Sam, we just glad to find out you're not sick. I still can't believe we didn't figure it out!" Kim groused.

"Did you know twins run in Kim's family?" Riley asked.

"They do?"

"Yeah according to Kim they do. Seems Patrick left out the little bit of information when he offered to be the donor." Riley gripped.

"Look on the bright side, if you decide all you want is two kids you accomplished it with only one pregnancy." Kim suggested.

"Speaking of pregnancy, when do you plan on telling Mom before or after the ceremony?" Jess questioned.

Sam and Riley looked at each other in horror. With everything that had been going on with Sam being so sick they'd totally blocked out the fact that they'd soon have to face Doris in Clayton.

"Oh God, she'll kill me…" Sam whined pitifully. "You have to help us." She turned beseechingly to Kim and Jess. "There's no way she can find out before the ceremony. She'll have a fit."

"Sam's right, you think she's driven you crazy about living in sin, you haven't seen anything yet if she finds out you knocked Sam up." Jess teased Riley.

Riley growled at Jess then turned toward Kim. "You have to help us keep Doris from finding out… please." She begged Kim.

The four women spent the next hour brainstorming ideas to hide Sam's pregnancy from Doris.

*****

Today was Riley's last day at work before her time off for the commitment ceremony in Clayton. She couldn't figure out what the hell everyone's problem was today. She'd just come from surgery and every time she turned around someone was snickering behind her back. As she stepped of the elevator and into the ER she heard the two people who'd been on the elevator with her start laughing. When she whirled around to confront them they both found the floor of the elevator very interesting and were saved from her wrath by the closing elevator doors. She stopped at the desk to see who'd paged her.

"Hi Penny. Who paged me?" she asked the desk clerk. After being very cool to her when she'd first arrived Penny had finally warmed up to her.

"Hey Dr. Connolly, Dr. Armstrong paged you, she's got a severe fracture in trauma two."

Before Riley could reply she felt someone move up next to her and invade her personal space. She moved back a step and turned to face a scowling Dr. Rodman.

"Are you making some particular statement Dr. Connolly?" He asked snidely.

Riley looked at Rodman in confusion. "Excuse me?"

Dr. Rodman pointed to the back of Riley's lab coat. Riley took her coat off and turned it around so she could see the back. Her face immediately flushed a bright red. Now she knew what all the snickers had been about. Pinned on the back of her coat was a carefully drawn and colored Superman logo but instead of a single S her's sported a double SS. Looking closer just below the SS in small letters it said 'Super Stud'. Riley could feel the tips of her ears burning and her face felt like it was on fire. She pulled the emblem off her coat and stuck it in her pocket. She turned back to face Dr. Rodman.

"It's just someone's idea of a joke; I didn't even know it was there." Riley explained to Rodman and then tried to hurry away.

"Care to explain?" He asked before she could escape.

"Not really." Seeing Rodman's expression she knew he wasn't going to let it go. "My wife is going to have twins and I guess someone thought it was funny to tease me about it." Riley offered by way of explanation.

"And what does your wife," Rodman seemed to choke on the word, "being pregnant have to do with you?" He asked cuttingly.

Jess walked up just in time to hear this last bit of conversation. She could see by the expression on Riley's face that she was about to blow. She stepped between Riley and Rodman. "Excuse me, Dr. Connolly; you're needed in trauma two." Riley tried to step past her toward Rodman. "Right now!" she added sharply.

Riley turned and stomped away. "I'm going to kill Craig." She muttered as she stormed down the hall.

*****

"Are you sure you're ready for this?" Sam asked Riley nervously.

"Like I have a choice." Riley groused.

They were according to Jess just minutes from her and Sam's childhood home. They'd all flown together into San Francisco and rented a van to make the drive to Clayton.

"Why can't we just stay in a hotel?" Riley asked for the umpteenth time.

Jess laughed and answered for Sam. "First off there aren't any hotels in Clayton only motels and I'm sure our mother has them booked up with relatives. Remember this isn't a very big town, I think the last census it was up to just over 10,000 people. There's no way you're getting out of staying at the house, there's plenty of room. Kim and I are staying with Erin. Just face it there's no way out for the next three days Doris McKenna is going to run your life."

"Thanks for the pep talk Jess." Riley sarcastically replied.

"Anytime." Jess assured her sister-in-law earning a poke in the side from Kim. "Here we are." She announced.

Riley looked out at the sprawling two-story house and audibly gulped.

Chapter Thirteen

Riley glanced around the surprisingly homey family room with its tongue and groove paneling and deep brown swirl carpet. The over stuffed couches and warm wood furniture just added to it's appeal. It definitely wasn't what she'd expected. After meeting Doris at Christmas she'd expected a much more pretentious setting. She'd breathed a big sigh of relief on learning Doris wasn't home when they arrived. Frank and Cheryl were already there and waiting for them. She'd been excited to finally get see Tommy. The women were gathered in the family room. Frank and his father had disappeared right after their arrival. Riley gazed over at Sam who was sitting next to her with Tommy in her arms; with his dark hair and classic McKenna features she could have easily been mistaken for his mom. She couldn't help wondering what their children would look like and if they'd have their mother's dark good looks. Her thoughts were interrupted by Doris's entrance. Riley watched as Doris greeted her children and fused over Erin. She unconsciously tensed when she headed their way. She smiled lovingly at Sam when she placed a hand on her thigh and squeezed offering her silent support.

Doris's attention went immediately to Tommy. Sam stood up and reluctantly handed him over to her mother.

"Samantha, Riley," Doris greeted offering them each a one-armed hug being careful of her grandchild. After a few minutes of idle chit chat Cheryl came over and took an awake and hungry Tommy from Doris allowing her to turn her full attention to Sam and Riley and earning herself a glare from Riley. Cheryl winked at Riley then left the room with a now stridently crying Tommy.

"So are you girls all ready for Saturday?" Doris asked not waiting for an answer.

She began to talk excitedly about the ceremony and the party she had planned for afterwards. Sam and Riley both tried hard to get into the sprit of things. Riley glanced over at Sam as Doris droned on. She could see that she was fading fast. The nausea had eased somewhat in the last two weeks but Sam still tired easily. Wondering how she could extricate herself and Sam from Doris she was brought back to awareness when Doris stopped speaking in mid-sentence.

"Are you all right Samantha? You look awfully pale." She questioned in concern stepping close to Sam and placing her hand on her forehead.

Jess approached just in time to hear her mother's question and see the panicked looks on both Sam and Riley's faces.

"Mom, did you have someplace set up so we could put Erin down for her nap." Jess asked quickly hoping to distract her mother from Sam.

Sam and Riley both released a sigh at their reprieve when Doris walked away with Jess.

*****

Riley reached into the van to pull out the last two bags. They'd already unloaded Jess and Kim's stuff and just had her and Sam's suitcases left. Jess and Kim were getting settled into Jess's old room. Frank and Cheryl were already set up in Frank's old room. They'd left earlier to visit some of Frank's buddies who still lived in the area. Riley looked forward to seeing Sam's room. Riley had insisted Sam not lift any of the bags so she was waiting inside.

Riley smiled at Sam's father when he came back out and picked up the last remaining bag. "Thanks."

Sam stepped out of the kitchen as Riley passed by. "Come on I'll show you where my room is." She turned to her father. "That's my bag so it goes in my room too." She told him.

"Hold it right there." Doris demanded.

"Samantha show Riley to your old room. Frank put Samantha's bag in the office." Doris instructed.

"Why would I want it in the office?" Sam asked in confusion.

"I set up the roll out bed in the study for you, Riley can use your room. You know the rules of this house. No unwed couples share a bed under my roof." She huffily reminded.

Riley jaw dropped open in shock, she'd never considered that they wouldn't be sleeping together. She risked a glance at Sam and saw she was about to have a fit. "Come on Sam," she urged grabbing her by the arm and dragging her up the stairs where she'd seen Kim and Jess disappear. As soon as she got out of earshot of Doris she stopped. She could feel Sam shaking and looked up into her angry eyes.

"No way, we'll just stay in a damn motel." Sam snarled loudly.

"What's going on?" Kim asked from the doorway of the room they'd stopped in front of.

Sam crossed her arms defiantly across her chest. "Riley and I are going to find a motel. We'll see you later."

Jess stepped up behind Kim; she'd heard Sam's angry declaration. "What's wrong?" She asked stepping into the hall and placing a restraining hand on Sam's arm.

"Mom just informed me that she set up the roll out bed for me in the study." Sam glared angrily at her sister when she snickered in amusement.

"She did the same thing to me with Kim and to Frank as well when he was engaged Cheryl. Come on it's only for two nights." Jess tried to cajole her sister.

Sam's anger faded as abruptly as it appeared her eyes tearing up as her expression crumpled. "I can't sleep without Riley." She cried pitifully.

Riley stepped over and embraced Sam.

"What's going on girls?" Doris called from the bottom of the stairs.

"Nothing Mother," Jess answered quickly reaching out to pull Sam and Riley into her room. "I was just showing Riley my room." Jess breath whooshed out in relief when her mother disappeared back into the kitchen. Jess rolled her eyes as she approached the bed where Sam was being comforted by Riley and Kim.

"Pregnant women." She muttered exasperatedly. "What?" she said defensively when three pair of eyes glared at her.

"What're we going to do?" Riley inquired of the group.

"There's nothing you can do. Sam you're going to have to sleep in the study. If you storm out and get a motel Mom is going to know for sure something is up; not to mention the fact that she'll made our life and yours a living hell. It's only for two nights."

"I'll just sneak into my room once Mom's asleep." Sam said determinedly.

"Been there, tried that." Jess responded with a snort. "You know what a light sleeper Mom is. Don't you remember what happened the night before Kim and my ceremony?" Jess reminded grimacing at the memory.

Riley raised her eyebrow in question when Sam frowned for a second then started laughing as she remembered. "What happened?" she asked curiously. When Jess just smirked Riley glanced over at Kim to find her face covered in a vivid blush. Oh this must be good! She chortled to herself.

"Kim?"

Kim glared at Jess then turned back to Riley and explained. "Doris pulled this same stunt with us. Jess decided she'd just wait 'til her mother fell asleep and sneak into the room. Everything would've been fine if Jess had just gone to sleep but she decided she couldn't keep her hands to herself." Kim glowered at Sam when she heard her snicker. "Doris obviously heard us and came to investigate. Jess panicked when her mother knocked on the door demanding entry and decided she could make it out the window and into that maple tree out there like she'd done in her youth. Even that might've worked but considering she wasn't wearing anything but a tee shirt at the time the maneuver was less than successful. Her tee shirt caught on a branch and ripped when she jumped."

Riley slapped her hand over her mouth trying to hold in her laughter as she pictured Jess jumping out the window in a tee shirt only to have it rip.

"There aren't locks on any of the children's bedroom doors so when Doris didn't get an answer she opened the door and walked in. Unlike Jess, I didn't even have a tee shirt on!" Kim continued in a grievous tone glaring again at Jess when she smirked. "So there I was naked as the day I was born while Jess is in the tree outside trying to hold together the remnants of her tee shirt. Needless to say Doris was less than thrilled with us. She woke up Frank and made him get the ladder out to get Jess down and then lectured us both on morality!" Kim ended on a furious note.

Riley couldn't take it; she fell back on the bed and roared with laughter, clutching her sides. Sam joined in and even Kim and Jess eventually gave into the infectious laughter.

After they'd all settled down Riley turned to Sam. "I love you Honey, but you're staying in the study tonight, and you can forget about sneaking into my room." She warned.

Sam grinned. "But Babe the tree's outside my window too and I've always been better than Jess at making it to that old tree."

"You two did that a lot, climbed out your window and into the tree outside your rooms?" Riley curiously questioned.

The two sisters shrugged their shoulders and grinned somewhat sheepishly. "Maybe a few times." Sam admitted with a smirk.

"Well forget it there's not going to be any tree climbing or jumping or anything else tonight. Come on Sam show me your room then I'll help you get settled in the study." Riley instructed happy that Sam had been distracted by Kim's reminiscence and seemed to be over her earlier tears.

*****

Riley threw back the covers in frustration and sat up on the side of the bed. It was after midnight and she'd been trying to fall asleep for over an hour. She missed Sam something fierce and was worried about her. Sam had brought her to her bedroom earlier after leaving Kim and Jess. She'd been a bit disappointed when she realized Doris had redone the room, she'd hope to see what it had been like when Sam lived here. Sam had been exhausted from the trip and the stress of being forced to spend the night apart from her lover. She'd begged her to lay down with her and had immediately fallen asleep with her head in Riley's lap. Riley sighed remembering Frank Sr.'s curious looks when he'd come to get them for dinner and spied his daughter fast asleep in the middle of the afternoon. She'd given him the same excuse they'd been using of Sam working long hours and having a bug. Riley hadn't been able to quite read his expression and wondered if he'd believed her. Dinner and the evening had gone better than expected; the grandchildren had kept Doris's attention for most of the night. The only hairy moment had come when Sam had bolted away from the family room when her nausea decided to reassert itself. Jess had quickly stepped in to distract Doris from Sam's precipitous departure.

Riley got up and began to pace the room. After several long minutes she gave up and grabbed her robe off the bed. Maybe if she just checked on Sam and saw that she was sleeping she'd be able to do so as well. Quietly opening the door she slipped out of the room and crept down the stairs.

"Couldn't sleep huh?"

Riley yelped and jumped straight up in the air. She turned to look into the kitchen and saw Frank Sr. sitting at the kitchen table.

"Sorry didn't mean to scare you. Come on and have a cup of tea with me, it always helps me when I can't sleep." He invited.

Riley hesitantly made her way across the room and sat down at the table with Sam's dad. She wasn't quite sure what to say she'd barely spoken to the man at Christmas time.

"Thanks," she murmured when he sat a cup of tea down in front of her.

"It's all a bit overwhelming isn't it?" He asked candidly.

Riley started in surprise not sure how to respond. She was further shocked when he reached out a hand and squeezed her forearm warmly.

"I know Doris can be overbearing at times but she really does mean well. She loves her children with all her heart and wants the best for them. I think Sam has found that in you. I've never seen her happier than she's been since you two have been together."

Riley felt herself tearing up. "Thank you that means a lot to me."

"I am a little worried about her though, something just doesn't seem right. Every time we've talked to her in the past few months she hasn't sounded like herself. She keeps telling us it's nothing she's just tired but…" Frank said his concern obvious.

"She's fine really, she's just been a little under the weather lately but it's nothing serious I promise you." Riley tried to reassure him but was unable to meet his eyes looking down at the table guiltily instead. She felt bad for not being able to tell him the truth and allay his fears. But she knew Sam would kill her for telling her parents.

Frank cocked his head and that little half smirk she was so familiar with appeared on his face. Riley unconsciously braced herself. That look always meant trouble.

"Well this is a little different since you're both women but I guess the question still applies. Did you get my daughter pregnant?" Frank asked his expression stern.

Riley choked on the sip of tea she'd just taken her eyes darting around the kitchen in panic praying the ground would just open up and swallow her.

"Never mind your expression says it all… you know I'm not quite as clueless as my wife and children like to think." He snickered.

Riley finally managed to get her breath back and began to babble. "I um I mean we um… we were umm going to… see…" she broke off finally meeting Frank's amused gaze. "Oh God, please don't tell Doris." Riley begged.

Frank threw his head back and roared then quickly slapped his hand over his mouth to stifle his mirth. "Don't worry your secret is safe with me. I'll help with Doris." He assured Riley his eyes glowing with excitement at the news. "Now I think it's time we both got some rest."

Riley breath whooshed out in relief; it was obvious Frank wasn't upset. "Thank you, Mr. McKenna. We'll tell everyone soon." Riley promised as she rose from her chair.

Frank stood and reached out to Riley placing a hand on her shoulder. "Please call me Frank… or if you'd like to how about Dad?" He offered.

Riley couldn't hold back the tears that flooded her eyes.

"Hey now I didn't mean to make you cry. You're going to get me in trouble with Sam." He teased pulling her into his arms for a gentle hug. "I'm really happy for both of you."

Thanks…Dad." Riley said with a timid smile.

Frank kissed Riley softly on the forehead before making his was out of the kitchen leaving an amazed Riley behind him.

*****

Riley stopped outside the study door her hand on the doorknob. Taking a deep breath she slowly eased open the door. Sam was curled up on her side the moonlight softly lighting her face. Riley couldn't see her eyes in the dim light. She stood staring at her from the doorway not wanting to awaken her; sighing softly she started to turn away to go back to her room.

"I'm awake." Sam called quietly.

Riley quickly made her way over to the bed. Sam scooted back as far as she could in the small bed making room for Riley to sit down on the edge.

"Hi Sweetheart." She greeted reaching out to stroke Sam's hair before leaning down to place a gentle kiss on her lips. "I didn't mean to wake you."

"You didn't I've just been laying here. I can't sleep without you next to me."

"I know I had the same problem." Riley told her.

"Please stay with me…just for a little while." Sam pleaded.

"Just for a bit, then I have to go back to your room."

Riley took off her robe and slipped into the twin bed with Sam snuggling close on the narrow mattress. She wrapped Sam in her arms and held her tight. She knew she should tell her about what had happened in the kitchen with her father but right now all she could think about was the comfort of being with Sam. Before either of them realized it they'd both drifted off to sleep.

*****

Riley woke with a start when someone shook her shoulder. She looked up groggily to see Frank Sr. leaning over her. She glanced out the window, it wasn't even light yet.

"You have to get up and go back to Sam's room, Doris will be up shortly." He warned Riley.

A rush of adrenaline forced Riley into full alertness. That's when she realized Sam had her pinned to the bed with her head resting on her chest, her arm wrapped tightly around her waist, and her thigh thrown over both of her's neatly tucking her into the curve of her body. Sam's body radiated it's normal electric blanket like heat so the covers had been pushed off during the night and were nowhere in evidence. She flushed red at being caught in such an intimate embrace by Sam's father. Riley tried to squirm out from under Sam only to have her tighten her hold on her. Frank grinned as Riley struggled to extricate herself from his daughter's embrace.

"Where're you going?" Sam muttered sleepily.

"I have to get out of here before your mother gets up." Riley whispered very aware of Frank's presence.

"Shit!" Sam muttered moving off Riley, that's when she saw her father. "Dad!" Sam yelped in surprise.

"Shh…" he warned her, "Your mother's going to be up any minute."

Riley scrambled out of the bed and grabbed her robe. Sam looked at her in panic. "It's okay, I'll explain later." She leaned down giving Sam a quick kiss. She stepped over to Frank and gave him a quick hug and a 'thank you' then quickly scampered out of the room.

Sam looked over at her father questioningly. He winked at her then left as well. Sam shook her head wondering just what the hell was going on. Her father and Riley hadn't been gone more than a few minutes when she heard her mother in the kitchen. Sam sent a silent thank you to her father knowing he'd saved them from her mother's wrath had she found them together. She'd been shocked to see Riley hug her father and promised herself to find out just what was going on with the two of them.

*****

Sam glanced around the kitchen and smiled, it was like old times. Breakfast with the McKenna clan was a casual affair; everyone in their pajamas gathered around the large country kitchen table. The atmosphere was loud and boisterous. Seeing her mother still engrossed in feeding Erin Sam saw her chance to spend some alone time with Riley. Riley had left a little while ago to shower and get dressed. Sam eased out of her seat her eyes sparkling mischievously as she crept toward the door. Sparing one last glance over her shoulder to make sure she hadn't been seen she made her escape. She sprinted up the stairs with more energy than she'd had in quite some time. Having enjoyed her mother's breakfast feast without a hint of nausea her thoughts turned to other enjoyable things she'd been denied recently due to her morning sickness. Her grin widened at the sight before her when she slowly opened her bedroom door. Riley stood next to the bed dressed in jeans and her bra. She was barefoot and just slipping her shirt over her head. She jumped in alarm when the door clicked shut jerking her shirt down before realizing who'd come in.

"You scared me." She admonished Sam.

Sam didn't reply and Riley's eyes widened as Sam stalked over to the bed. "You won't be needing this." Sam said huskily, grabbing the bottom of Riley's shirt and pulling it over her head then tossing it aside. She pulled Riley into her arms and took her lips in a searing kiss. Sam grinned pulling back from the kiss and tightening her hold on Riley when she felt her knees buckle.

"We can't do this here." Riley protested weakly. "What's gotten into you?" Riley shivered when Sam's hand came up to cover her bra-clad breast.

"Nothing…yet." Sam purred in Riley's ear ignoring her faint protest.

Riley gulped quickly losing herself in Sam's blazing eyes; they'd turned silver with arousal.

All thoughts of protest flew from Riley mind and neither woman gave the slightest further thought to where they were or who else was in the house. Nothing existed but the two of them and the burning heat between them. Sam urged Riley back onto the bed coming to rest on top of her. Riley moaned when Sam's thigh pressed between hers. Sam groaned burying her face in Riley's neck it had been so long since she'd had Riley underneath her like this. Her hips began to rock pressing her thigh harder against Riley's center. Riley moaned loudly sending a jolt straight between Sam's legs. She lifted up enough to reach Riley's lips immediately pressing her tongue deep exploring every inch of Riley's mouth. When Riley began to thrash beneath her arching her hips trying to gain more contact Sam released her mouth and slid down. She pushed Riley bra up and out of the way. Kissing her way over to the already taunt bud she laved it with her tongue before sucking the whole thing into her mouth.

"Oh God… Sam… Please," Riley begged trying to push Sam lower.

Sam had just started to open Riley's jeans when a sharp knock on the door startled them both. They scrambled off the bed.

"Samantha Ann McKenna I know you're in there. Come out of that room this instant!" Doris demanded from the hall.

Sam's eyes darted around the room looking for a place to hide. Her eyes lighted on the window and she unconsciously took a step toward it.

Riley grabbed Sam by the arm. "Don't even think about it!" she hissed.

"Samantha!" Doris called again while turning the doorknob.

Riley grabbed her shirt and jerked it over her head while Sam quickly re-belted her robe rushing to the door to intercept her mother. Sam reached the door just as it swung open blocking her mother from entering the room.

"Mother, I'm thirty two years old not twelve." Sam whined sounding like the aforementioned twelve years old. "We weren't doing anything.

We were just umm… I mean I was…" Sam stammered before trailing off guiltily under her mother's stern glare. It was obvious she didn't buy Sam's denial for a second.

"I saw you sneak away from breakfast young lady. You know the rules and no matter what you think you're not married yet." Doris lectured. "Jessica could use your help in the kitchen." Doris commanded.

Sam stared at her mother for several seconds. "Yes Ma'am." She said before meekly heading to the kitchen to help her sister, leaving Riley to face her mother alone.

Doris gave Riley a disapproving stare making her squirm. "Kimberly is going into town for some last minute things we need. I'm sure she'd enjoy your company."

Riley got the distinct impression that Doris had just issued an order and not a suggestion.

"Yes, Ma'am." Riley acknowledged as meekly as Sam had.

Doris gave Riley one last once over before turning to go. "By the way your shirt is on inside out." She threw over her shoulder as she closed the door.

Riley felt her face flame with embarrassment. "I'm going to kill her." She muttered as she jerked her shirt off to right it.

*****

Sam was miserable; her mother had done a great job keeping her and Riley apart all day. Even now Riley sat across the dinner table from her instead of next to her as she had that morning. Sam glanced over at Riley her expression pitiful only to flinch when she saw the angry spark in her eyes. She hadn't had a chance to apologize to her for the fiasco that morning. Sam felt her stomach churn and tears instantly came to her eyes when Riley looked away.

"Damn hormones," she muttered under her breath.

"Are you okay Sis?" Frank asked in concern reaching out to put his hand on his sister's arm. She'd been very subdued all evening and he was worried.

Frank's loving expression and concern broke the last of Sam's restraint. "Excuse me." She murmured before bolting from the table.

Riley saw Sam's hasty departure and jumped up with a quick excuse to follow her. Neither woman saw the restraining hand Frank Sr. placed on Doris's shoulder to keep her from following. Riley's pace quickened when she heard retching coming from the bathroom. She opened the door to find Sam on her knees bent over in front of the toilet. She rushed over to her and placed a comforting hand on her back rubbing gently. When the storm had passed she got a washcloth out of the vanity and wet it bringing it over to wipe the back of Sam's neck and her sweat drenched face. When Riley started to move away Sam rose up on her knees and wrapped her arms around Riley's waist.

"Don't go."

Riley could feel Sam trembling and tried to reassure her. "I'm not going anywhere Honey I was just going to wet the washcloth again." Sam refused to relinquish her hold on Riley. "You okay now?" Riley questioned gently. Sam shook her head no. "Are you going to be sick again?" Again Sam didn't speak just shook her head no while keeping her face buried in Riley's breasts. "Come on now." Riley said trying to get Sam off the floor. She finally reached over and closed the lid of the commode urging Sam off the cold floor and into a sitting position on the lid. Sam never released her death grip on Riley the whole time. "Tell me what's wrong Sam, you're scaring me."

Sam looked up at Riley and began to babble. "You're mad at me. I'm really sorry about this morning. I didn't think she saw me leave the kitchen and it's the first time in over a month I wasn't feeling sick and I miss being with you. I didn't mean for her to walk in on us. I just touched you and I couldn't stand it I just needed to be with you and I got carried away. And then she kept us apart today and I didn't get a chance to tell you I'm really sorry…" Sam's voice trailed off as she finally ran out of air. She couldn't believe it when Riley started to laugh.

"I'm impressed you managed to say all that without taking a breath." Riley teased.

Sam laughed in relief if Riley was teasing her she wasn't 'that' angry.

"I really am sorry." Sam said contritely.

"It's not totally your fault; I've had a lot of time to think about it today."

Sam cringed at the reminder of how her mother had treated them all day. Riley rubbed Sam's back consolingly.

"I could've stopped you but I didn't. You know I've really thought about this and we owe your mother an apology."

"What!" Sam gasped incredulously.

"This is her house Sam and she has the right to set any rules she likes and we broke those rules."

"But…" Sam tried to interrupt.

"No buts Sam, what if our child were to break some house rule we set, what would your response be then?" She reached out to rub Sam's stomach reminding her that this wasn't a hypothetical question; they were going to be parents themselves soon.

Sam's brow furrowed she obviously hadn't thought of this. "Shit." She muttered under her breath before meeting Riley's eyes. "You're going to be a great Mom." She complimented with a bright smile. She rose and went to the sink rinsing out her mouth before turning back to Riley. "Come on we have an apology to make." Sam said but couldn't help grimacing at the thought.

"Wait!" Riley exclaimed before Sam could open the door. Riley shifted nervously when a curious Sam turned to face her. She knew she had to fess up and dreaded Sam's reaction. Looking down at the floor she shuffled her feet anxiously.

Sam worriedly stepped back over to her and reached out tilting her chin up until their eyes met. She quirked an eyebrow in question at Riley.

"Your father knows you're pregnant." Riley blurted out.

Riley managed to get her hand over Sam mouth and partially muffle the expletive she let out. She quickly explained the events of the previous night.

Sam stared at Riley incredulously then surprised her by bursting out laughing.

"It's not funny." Riley fumed.

Sam clutched her belly bent over with laughter. She stood up and wiped her eyes. "God I wish I could've seen the look on your face when my Dad asked you if you got me pregnant." She chortled.

Riley glared at Sam for a moment then joined in the laughter. She was just relieved Sam wasn't upset.

*****

Sam and Riley found Doris alone in the kitchen after their exit from the bathroom.

Riley knew this was going to be tough for Sam and decided to take the lead. "Mrs. McKenna may we speak to you for a minute?" Riley asked.

Doris turned to face them looking at them expectantly. Riley cleared her throat and relaxed slightly when Sam took her hand in support. "Sam and I owe you an apology for our behavior this morning." Riley told Doris looking her right in the eye. She glanced over at Sam. "We're sorry." They both said in unison.

Doris stared at them for several seconds until they both started to squirm. A bright smile broke out across her face and she opened her arms beckoning both of them to her. Sam and Riley found themselves wrapped in a Doris's arms. As Doris released them she leaned over so only Riley could hear her.

"I knew there was a reason I liked you right from the start and you can call me Doris."

Riley smiled brightly at the compliment. Jess had stepped into the room just in time to hear the apology and witness the hug. When Sam and Riley walked past her to leave the room she whispered just loud enough for both of them hear her.

"Suck ups."

Sam stuck out her tongue at her sister while Riley responded with a quiet. "Bite me!"

Jess snickered and leaned close to Riley causing her to tense, "That's Sam's job." She chuckled in her ear.

Chapter Fourteen

Sam growled trying to roll over in the narrow bed. She'd finally managed to doze off just after 2am. She'd known after the events of the day there was no way Riley would be coming to sleep with her. Sitting up she glanced at the clock on the desk and was surprised to see it was just after 8am. She threw the covers aside anxious to see Riley. Sam felt her heart pound when she realized today was her wedding day. Making her way into the kitchen she found Jess feeding Erin and their mother working at the counter.

"Where is everyone?" Sam questioned.

"Cheryl's upstairs with Tommy, your father and Frank are outside helping to set up and Kimberly and Riley are at Aunt Edna's." Doris informed Sam.

"Why are Kim and Riley at Aunt Edna's? Did they go to pick something up?" Sam looked over at Jess and saw her pained expression and suddenly had a bad feeling she wasn't going to like the answer to her question.

"Now Samantha you know that you're not supposed to see the bride before the wedding."

"What!!" Sam shouted. "I'm the bride too in case you've forgotten." She ranted.

"Don't take the tone with me young lady." Doris warned.

"Mom could you please finish feeding Erin. I have something in my room I wanted to show Sam." Jess quickly intervened taking her sister by the arm and leading her out of the room and up the stairs.

*****

"Calm down Sam," Jess said as soon as the bedroom door closed. "Don't you remember Kim and Cheryl both got ready at Aunt Edna's. It's a family tradition."

"I don't care!" Sam shouted. "I'm going over there." She said heading for the door.

"Wait Sam, I have something for you."

Sam whirled around and glared at her sister. "What?"

Jess handed Sam an envelope with her name written on the front. The handwriting was Riley's. Sam walked over and slumped down on the bed before opening the envelope and beginning to read.

My dearest Sam,

I'm sorry I wasn't there when you got up this morning but today is kind of a special day. I figured if we're really doing this we should do it right, wouldn't want to jinx anything at this point.

I want you to know how much I love you, now and forever. You made me happier than I ever thought it was possible to be then you went and made me happier than that with the knowledge of new life you carry inside of you.

I've been married to you in my heart since the day we exchanged rings but today will be the proudest day of my life as I stand with you before our family and friends and announce it to the world.

You are my fondest wish and my greatest dream come true. I'll see you at 1pm my love.

Forever,

Riley.

Sam couldn't stop the tears that poured down her face as she read the letter. Jess said down next to her and wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulder.

"Better now?" she questioned softly.

Sam nodded still too choked up to speak.

*****

"Oh god I think I'm going to be sick." Riley groaned as she continued to pace around the room. She'd been awakened early by Doris and then whisked off by Kim to Frank's sister Edna's home. Kim had explained on the way the family tradition of the bride getting ready at Aunt Edna's. Riley had tried protesting that Sam was the bride as well but had been overruled. She insisted on taking the time to write the note to Sam knowing how upset she'd be when she awoke to find her gone. They'd been here for several hours already and were just waiting to go back to the McKenna's. Father Murphy the priest who was going to marry them had visited earlier and Riley still wasn't sure how Doris had managed to pull that off. He'd asked Riley a bunch of questions concerning her and Sam's commitment to each other and their life together. He'd seemed satisfied with her answers and said he'd see her later. Kim had told her he was the same priest who'd married Frank and Cheryl as well as herself and Jess.

"Calm down, take some deep breaths, you're not going to be sick." Kim instructed. Kim finally stepped in front of Riley stopping her pacing and leading her over to the bed. She pressed against her shoulders forcing her to sit down. "Every thing is going to be fine, it'll be over before you know it."

"Were you nervous when you married Jess?" Riley asked seeking reassurance.

Kim laughed. "Oh yes I was a mess."

"Do you think Sam got the letter? I don't want her to be upset and think I abandoned her."

"Jess promised she'd give the letter to Sam as soon as she got up. I'm sure she's fine." Unlike you…Kim added silently.

"I wish Patrick could've been here." Riley said wistfully.

"I know he really wanted to but his research experiment had reached a critical point and he just couldn't get away. With all the excitement I forgot to ask you what'd he say when you told him Sam was having twins? He told me how thrilled he was for you when he found out about the pregnancy."

"We haven't had a chance to tell him yet. But umm… Frank knows." Riley sheepishly admitted.

"Oh so you told Frank and Cheryl…great."

"No… Frank Sr."

The expletive slipped easily from Kim's mouth. Riley chuckled, "That's what Sam said," and went on to tell Kim the story of how her father-in-law had figured it out on his own.

"He hasn't told Doris." Kim stated the obvious. They'd have all heard the fireworks if he had. "Does he know about the twins?"

"No, we thought we'd tell everyone after we got back home."

"Coward." Kim teased.

Riley stuck her tongue out in response.

Riley sat quietly on the side of the bed for a little while then her nervousness got the better of her again and she jumped up to pace.

"Do I look okay?" Riley asked for the third time.

"You look beautiful." Kim assured her. They'd both dressed earlier. Kim in a midnight blue knit gown with a scoop neck and fitted bodice that clung to her curves then flared into a full skirt that went to the floor. Riley in an Armani suit they'd finally found after numerous shopping trips.

"Maybe I should've gotten a tux like Sam." Riley said looking down at her suit. It was dove gray with tiny cream-colored stripes that matched the color of her silk blouse. The suit was very tailored hugging the slim lines of Riley's body and fit her like a glove."

"The suit is perfect Riley, stop worrying." Kim further assurances were interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Ready to go?" A voice asked from the hall.

"Oh God," moaned Riley.

Kim opened the door to find a grinning Denny.

"Denny!" Riley cried when she spotted him rushing over to hug him tightly. He looked wonderful in his tuxedo. "I'm so glad you're here."

"I wouldn't have missed it for the world." He assured her.

"Where're Carol and Jeremy?" Riley asked peering out the door.

"Carol's at the McKenna's. We didn't bring Jeremy since we knew it was going to be such a fast trip. He stayed with his Grandmother; she was thrilled to have him." He explained. "Well are you ready to go get hitched?" He teased.

"Oh God," Riley moaned.

*****

"Will you stop pacing, you're making me dizzy." Jess complained.

Sam sighed heavily and threw herself into a chair in the study. She and Jess had been sent to the study to get ready and told sternly not to come out until they were called. Father Murphy had already arrived and met with Sam earlier. Denny and Carol had arrived from San Diego. Denny had agreed previously to give Riley away.

"Do you think they're here yet?" Sam asked for the fifth time.

"Who?" Jess asked innocently then chuckled at her sister's exasperated expression.

"Yes, they're here, I heard Kim while you were in the bathroom."

"They are! Why didn't you say something?" Sam exclaimed jumping up to pace nervously again.

A knock on the door caused Sam to jump.

"We're ready," announced Frank Sr. as he opened the door. He was dressed a tuxedo as well.

"Oh God," moaned Sam.

Jess just shook her head totally amused by her sister's sudden case of nerves.

*****

Riley and Sam had decided to walk down the aisle together. Sam escorted by her father and Riley by Denny. They met at the patio door leading out into the backyard. Kim and Jess shared a warm hug preparing to precede Sam and Riley down the aisle. Jess was of course standing up for Sam. Riley had agonized over whom to ask to stand with her Carol or Kim. She'd finally asked Kim to do the honors. The yard was stunning with almost a half an acre of grass surrounded by flowerbeds in full bloom creating a riot of color. Chairs were set up on either side of a double aisle created by a white carpet that led down to a large arbor with roses climbing up the sides and entwined on top. The roses were in full bloom. Father Murphy waited for them under the arbor. He was a young man in his mid-thirties with sandy blond hair and warm hazel eyes. Sam and Riley smiled almost shyly at each other from the arms of their escorts.

"Ready?" Frank Sr. asked both women. They both nodded in response glancing lovingly at each other once more before turning their attention to their escorts.

Frank motioned to someone and the wedding march started up.

Kim and Jess started down the aisle, when they reached the end and separated the bridal march began to play.

Sam and her father and Riley and Denny made their way down the aisle side by side. When they reached Father Murphy both men kissed their respective bride on the cheek and took their seats.

What followed was a traditional wedding ceremony with Father Murphy having the couple exchange the time-honored vows. Both women's voices shook as they repeated their vows then exchanged rings their emotions evident. Just as Kim had predicted it was over all too soon. After the customary kiss was exchanged they turned to fact the crowd. Riley had been in a daze when she'd walked down the aisle and now her eyes widened in surprise at the size of the crowd present.

Father Murphy raised his voice to be heard by everyone. "May I present to you, Dr. and Mrs. Connolly." He announced.

Riley opened her mouth to correct the man but stopped and looked up at Sam when she felt her squeeze her hand tightly. Riley smiled brightly at her wife and slipped her arm in hers preparing to proudly walk down the aisle with her to greet the guests. They'd taken a single step when a loud little voice rang out.

"MA MA…MA MA…" Erin had spotted Kim and was struggling to get to her.

Sam and Riley looked over at Kim seeing the glowing blush on her face. Sam left Riley's side and took a squirming Erin from her mother and placed her in Kim's arms. Laughter rang though the church at the scene. Sam then resumed her position next to Riley and led her down the aisle with Kim, Erin and Jess following behind them.

*****

Sam was worn out; she hadn't slept well last night and today while exciting had been long and stressful. The wedding reception was in full swing and she'd been relieved when they'd finally managed to slip away. Her mother had stopped her in the hall for one last tearful goodbye. She slipped into her room to find Riley already packed and waiting.

"Hello my wife." Sam greeted.

"Hello to you my wife." Riley responded coming over to slip into Sam's warm embrace.

They had a hotel room waiting for them in San Francisco. They'd decided in advance to drive back to the city for their wedding night. Kim and Jess would join them tomorrow afternoon for the flight home. Sam quickly changed her clothes and gathered up her bag she'd packed earlier.

"Ready?"

"Ready?" Riley replied enthusiastically.

*****

Riley didn't know why but she was suddenly stuck by a case of nerves as the man showed them to the bridal suite. It was ridiculous they'd been together over a year and a half and had taken care of all the legal paperwork after they'd exchanged rings. One little ceremony shouldn't change anything but somehow it seemed to. Sam tipped the bellman and they were alone; they stood staring at each other.

"Nervous?" Sam asked finally breaking the silence.

"Yeah, silly isn't it? It's not like we haven't done this before." She laughed.

Sam laughed softly. "No it's not I'm a little nervous myself." Sam admitted. She pulled Riley into a loving embrace and leaned down to kiss her. They spent several long moments wrapped in each other's arms. The kisses they shared were tender and loving with a hint of the passion yet to come. The loud growling of Riley's stomach broke the moment.

Sam chuckled. "Some things never change. Hungry?" she asked rhetorically.

Riley blushed when the sound of her growling stomach echoed loudly in the room.

*****

Sam pushed her plate back and squirmed in her chair. Her back was killing her from sleeping on the roll out bed the past two nights. They'd ordered room service and enjoyed a quiet meal together. Riley moved her empty plate aside and regarded her wife.

"You okay? Is your back hurting?" she asked in concern.

Sam smiled over at Riley. "A little." She admitted.

Riley grinned sexily over at Sam. While they'd waited for their dinner she'd checked out the suite. "Could I interest you in a soak in the large Jacuzzi tub in our bathroom and then maybe a massage?"

Sam's eyes lit up at the intriguing possibilities. "Oh yeah." She purred her voice dropping even lower than it's usual husky register.

Riley felt a flash of arousal settle directly between her legs. She jumped up and started pulling off her clothes heading for the bathroom leaving a laughing Sam to follow behind her.

*****

Riley had the water running and her clothes off by the time Sam made it to the bathroom. Sam reached for her only to have Riley step away. She climbed into the partially filled tub and watched with avid eyes while Sam removed her clothing. Sam was just starting to show some signs of her pregnancy. Her breasts were larger than they'd ever been and her narrow waist was nowhere to be seen. She'd even in the last week started to show just the slightest little bulge of her belly. Riley had never seen a more beautiful woman in her life. Sam was very aware of the changes her body had undergone recently and was a little nervous about Riley's reaction. She met Riley's eyes just a little hesitantly.

Riley seemed to sense her insecurities. "You are so beautiful," she breathed.

Sam looked deep into her eyes seeing nothing but truth and a healthy smattering of desire. She stepped into the now almost full tub. Riley immediately slid over next to her.

"Just relax, close your eyes and let me take care of you." Riley urged Sam. The mood had changed from one of urgent passion to tender caring.

Sam relaxed back into the swirling water and closed her eyes. Riley leaned close and began to gently massage Sam's shoulders. She groaned under the gentle touch relaxing further. Eventually Riley picked up a washcloth and squeezed some shower gel onto it. She washed Sam's upper chest, back and arms.

"Stand up." Riley whispered in Sam's ear.

Sam's eyes fluttered open; she was so relaxed she could barely move. She looked down at a softly smiling Riley and stood up as requested. Riley stood next to her and gently washed the rest of her body her hand slowing and stroking almost reverently over the slight bulge of Sam's abdomen. Sam moaned when Riley slid the soapy washcloth between her legs. She finished her ministrations quickly and motioned for Sam to sit back down to rinse. Sam tried to pull Riley into her arms aroused from Riley bathing her and the feel of the soapy washcloth as it slid over her body. Riley moved way and stood up.

"That was your soak, now it's time for your massage." The sensual expression on Riley's face left no doubt where the massage was going to lead.

Sam needed no further urging to get out of the tub. Riley dried Sam off and sent her into the bedroom to lie down. She was lying on the bed face down and nude when Riley entered. Riley felt her wetness on the insides of her thighs as she walked but forced the feeling aside, this was about Sam. She brought a bottle of oil she'd found in the bathroom with her.

Sam's head rested on her arms and her eye's were closed. They drifted open when Riley reached the side of the bed. Riley climbed onto the bed and straddled Sam's thighs being careful not to let Sam feel her arousal. She covered her hands in oil and began to massage Sam's back. Sam moaned and groaned as the massage continued the combination of Riley's hands on her body; the occasional brush of her pubic hair against Sam's thighs, and her breasts against her back was driving her arousal higher. Riley slowly worked her way down to Sam's gluts massaging the taunt muscles then grinning when Sam's hips rose pressing into the contact. Sam's breathing had increased and Riley knew she was very aroused. She moved down to Sam's thighs sliding her hands around the thick muscle and working it deeply; Sam's legs spread open silently urging Riley's hands were she needed them most. She growled in protest when Riley's hands moved down to her knees.

"Patience, my love." Riley murmured softly.

Riley slowly worked her way back up Sam's legs this time moving higher and into the soaking wetness between her thighs. Sam's hips bucked into the bed and she tried to turn over.

Riley placed a restraining hand on her back keeping her in place. She moved up so that her breasts were resting on Sam's back but most of her weight was supported by her knees and one arm. She continued to stroke the slick tissues under her fingers while murmuring in Sam's ear.

"That's it love, nice and easy…you feel so good."

Sam moaned in agreement her hips beginning to thrust. Sam's back arched when Riley carefully slipped two fingers deep inside.

"Easy…just like that." Riley encouraged as she took up a slow steady rhythm pumping fully and deeply inside Sam with each stroke.

Sam's orgasm struck suddenly taking her by surprise with its power. Her whole body jerked racked with spasms as her climax rolled over her body. She slumped bonelessly to the bed when it was over.

Riley waited until she couldn't feel any more aftershocks fluttering around her fingers before gently withdrawing. She slid up next to Sam drawing the covers over them. They shared a gentle kiss before drifting off into a contented sleep.

*****

Sam woke several hours later wrapped around Riley. She was embarrassed she'd fallen asleep after Riley made love to her without reciprocating. No time like the present, She smirked to herself. She was lying spooned up against Riley's back with her arm around her waist. She slowly slid her hand up and began to softly knead Riley's breasts; when her nipples hardened she rolled them between her fingers. Riley moaned in her sleep pressing closer to Sam. Sam caressed her for a long time stopping whenever she started to awake. Riley's hips were starting to rock; Sam knew she was almost ready. She slipped her hand down and carefully lifted Riley's leg up to rest on top of hers opening her up. She slowly moved her hand down Riley's abdomen until she reached her goal. She shivered at she felt the hot wet heat waiting her. She rubbed Riley gently in a slow circular motion; Riley gasped jerking into full awareness. It was what Sam had been waiting for; she quickly slid her fingers lower and pressed three fingers deep inside Riley. Sam pumped deep, once…twice… three times. Riley's back arched and she cried out, drawing Sam deeper inside. Her inner walls clamped down on Sam's fingers locking them in place as her body bucking into Sam's.

When the tremors finally ceased Sam carefully removed her fingers then turned Riley in her arms. She held her tightly against her chest savoring the feeling of their bodies entwined together. They shared several long languid kisses before drifting back to sleep.

*****

Sam's eyes slowly fluttered open; she glanced over at the clock and saw it was just after 7 am. She smiled when she realized Riley was lying on top of her. She enjoyed the sensations knowing it wouldn't be long before they wouldn't be able sleep like this. She suddenly remembered her wedding gift for Riley; she'd had her mind on other things last night and had forgotten about it. Her mind went to the surprise she had hidden in her bag.

Riley awoke. She lifted her head up from Sam's chest; her bright smile and greeting died on her lips and her expression sobered when she saw Sam's face noting her distant stare. She immediately began to worry wondering if they'd overdone it the night before. "Do you feel alright? Is something wrong?" Riley asked anxiously reaching up to touch Sam's face.

Sam jumped at the sound of Riley's voice. "I'm fine," Sam assured smiling at Riley. She fidgeted nervously causing Riley to try to move off her. She tightened her grip on Riley keeping her in place then finally worked up her nerve. "I umm… I a…have something for you." She stuttered nervously. It had seemed a great idea at the time but now Sam wasn't sure how Riley was going to react to her news. She worried that maybe she should have talked to her first after all. Sam gave Riley a sweet kiss then moved out from under her and got up. She walked over to her bag and pulled out an envelope full of papers before making her way back to Riley. Sam climbed back into the bed and sat back against the headboard. Her hand shook when she held out the envelope to Riley.

Riley took the envelope from Sam then moved over to rest against her. She pulled out the papers; they were legal documents. Riley looked at Sam curiously then began to read the top paper. Her jaw dropped open in shock and her eyes filled with tears.

"When did you do this?" she questioned her voice heavy with emotion.

"Right after I found out I was pregnant but it didn't come through 'til two weeks ago. I wanted this to be our child… well children," Sam corrected smiling feeling her eyes start to tear up.

Riley looked down at the papers in her hand again in amazement. They proclaimed that Samantha Ann McKenna had legally changed her name to Samantha Ann Connolly.

"This is incredible, I just can't believe you did this."

"You're not upset are you?" Sam asked fearfully.

"Oh god no Sam, I never dreamed you'd do something like this. It's wonderful! You have no idea how much this means to me." Riley said reaching out to hug Sam tightly. "I love you so much."

"I love you too Babe and I wanted all of us to have the same name. These children may be of my body but all of us will carry your name." She earnestly told Riley.

Riley rose up on her knees and straddled Sam's thighs wrapping her arms around her before kissing her with all the emotions that were coursing through her body. She spent the rest of the morning thanking Sam for her incredible gift in a way only she could.

Chapter Fifteen

"Riley, wake up!" Sam called shaking her shoulder insistently.

Riley was instantly alert courtesy of years of being on-call. She immediately sat up and turned on the bedside light. They both blinked in the sudden brightness. "What's wrong?" She questioned Sam urgently.

"I felt the babies move."

"You did, are you sure?" Riley asked excitedly her hand immediately going to Sam's belly.

Sam nodded her head, "I'm sure. I felt it twice. It was like this strange fluttering feeling in my abdomen. It woke me up." She explained with a look of wonderment.

"I wish I could've felt it." Riley said rubbing her hand over Sam's abdomen. She knew it was too early for her to be able to feel the babies move but couldn't help hoping she might.

Sam jumped and Riley felt her abdomen tense under her hand. "There it is again."

Riley looked up at Sam her eyes filled with love and a sense of awe. She leaned over and pulled Sam's tee shirt up before placing a gentle kiss on her belly. "That's just so amazing; I can't wait 'til I can feel them move."

"Dr. Mitchell said it would probably be sooner than normal since there are two of them. She also said something to the effect that I was most likely going to be larger than I would've with a single pregnancy. I think she's trying to prepare me for the fact that I'm going to get bigger than a house." Sam said despondently.

"I'm really sorry I missed your appointment. We had a little boy come in with severe internal injures from falling off a balcony. I just couldn't get away." Riley explained again contritely.

"I told you earlier it's okay. I know you would've been there if you could. I'm sure the parents were very grateful you were there for their little boy." Sam assured Riley. "Will you still love me when I'm big as a house?" Sam questioned going back to her original concern.

"You aren't going to be as big as a house. You're an expectant mother who is providing temporary living space for our children. How could I not love you for that? Not to mention the fact that I'm crazy about you to start with," Riley said drawing Sam into her arms. "Come on Mom, you need your rest." She said turning out the light and drawing Sam's head down to rest on her chest.

She stroked Sam's hair until she felt her drift off. "Good night Little Ones," she whispered in the dark.

*****

Kim and Jess sat relaxing on their patio. They were having a quiet family BBQ trying to recover from yesterday's excitement. Erin turned one year old and they'd thrown a party for Erin and invited all her day care friends. Turned out having a party for eight children ranging in age from nine months to three years was much more tiring than hosting a houseful of adults as Kim and Jess had soon found out.

"She just glows doesn't she?" Kim asked Jess as they watched Sam play in the yard with Erin and Thor.

"Yeah, I have to admit it she does look amazing even with that belly stretching out her tee shirt." Jess snickered.

"Don't you dare let her hear you say that! You remember what I was like at this stage. It's a big step to admit you can't wear any of your regular clothes anymore." Kim admonished Jess.

Jess laughed remembering well Kim's reaction to having to wear maternity clothes. She'd tried to console her at the time telling her how much better the styles were compared to what their mothers wore. It hadn't been much consolation.

"Think you'd like to do it again sometime?" Jess asked with just a touch of something in her voice that Kim couldn't quite identify.

"Hum…maybe someday. How about you?" Kim asked teasingly knowing what Jess's answer was going to be. Kim's eyebrow arched and she turned to look questioningly at Jess when she didn't get the outburst she expected.

"I don't know maybe… it doesn't look so bad," she admitted gazing almost longingly over at her sister.

Kim couldn't hide her shock. The last time they'd seriously discussed it Jess had adamantly denied any desire to ever become pregnant. She insisted she just couldn't see herself that way and had no urge to carry a child. Apparently seeing her sister pregnant had changed that.

"Seriously?" Kim asked trying hard to hide her excitement.

"Seriously." Jess assured her with a grin. Kim hadn't been very successful in concealing her enthusiasm.

Kim jumped up from her lounge chair and threw herself into Jess's arms almost tipping over the lounge chair she was sitting in. She pulled Jess in for a steamy kiss that left her panting.

"I guess that means it meets with your approval huh?" Jess asked rhetorically having thoroughly enjoyed the kiss and Kim's response. Kim's only answer was a second deep kiss.

Hearing a loud clearing of someone's throat Kim pulled away from the kiss and looked up into Riley's amused eyes.

"Get a room." Riley suggested teasingly.

"You're just jealous. Not getting any with Sam getting bigger?" Kim razed her.

"Are you kidding… now that the morning sickness has stopped I have to go to work to get any rest. Woman's just about worn me out but what a way to go." She said with a satisfied smirk.

"TMI!" Jess insisted loudly making them both laugh.

"How'd it go?" Kim asked moving around in the lounge chair until she was situated between Jess's legs. Riley had been paged earlier by one of the trauma fellows who'd insisted he needed help.

Riley took over the lounge chair Kim had been using. "I'm really going to have to talk to Allen about this trauma fellow. I don't know why they accepted him; he just doesn't seem up to the caliber of the other fellows. He should've been able to handle the surgery by himself with no problem." Riley complained.

"Has he had any bad reviews from other Staff?" Jess asked.

"I haven't had a chance to check on that yet. If he has I'm going to talk to Allen about placing him on academic probation." Riley responded.

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of a laughing Sam and Erin. Sam had Erin by the hand and was helping the little girl walk. Erin squealed excitedly when she spotted Riley. "IE…IE…" she called trying to pull away from Sam. Before Sam could react Erin pulled her hand free and took four toddling steps alone over to Riley.

Riley grabbed Erin under the arms before she could fall and swept her up into her arms. "Did you see that… she walked by herself!" Riley gushed excitedly. It was the first time she'd seen Erin walk alone. "When did she start doing that?"

"Just this week. I couldn't believe it. Jess came in one evening from work and Erin was standing up playing by the coffee table. She just turned and walked right over to Jess. I almost fell over." Kim told Riley.

Sam walked over when Erin her greeting complete squirmed to get down and lead her over to Kim and Jess where she happily climbed into the lounge chair with them. Going back over to Riley she leaned down to kiss her hello. When the kiss broke Riley leaned over before Sam could straighten and placed a soft kiss on her belly greeting their children.

Kim watched Riley with Sam and couldn't help picturing Jess with her belly bulging with their child.

Jess caught the look of longing on Kim's face and leaned down to whisper in her ear. "We'll talk more about it later I promise."

Kim didn't need to ask about what, she just smiled contently.

*****

Riley cringed when she heard the closet door slam for the second time. She could hear Sam muttering darkly to herself upstairs. Glancing down at her pager she felt guilty for actually wishing it would go off and save her from the coming ordeal. Sam had finally had to admit she could no longer wear her uniform. They'd gone to three uniform shops looking for a maternity uniform. None of the shops they'd tried had any of the newer style uniforms in Sam's size and she'd been forced to accept the older style maternity uniform until they could order her some in her size. Today was the first day Sam was wearing the new uniform and Riley tried to brace herself for the coming storm. She tensed when she heard Sam's footsteps coming down the stairs. She turned when she heard Sam enter the kitchen and fought to keep her face blank.

"Would you like some juice?" she asked calmly hoping to sidestep the storm she saw brewing on Sam's face.

"I look like an idiot. I know it was a guy who designed this thing." Sam growled.

Riley sighed there was no getting around this one. "You look fine Sam. I admit it's not your normal style but the newer style shirt you ordered will be in soon and you can get rid of that one if you want."

"NOT MY STYLE…NOT MY STYLE…" Sam ranted. "Look at this THING it's hideous!"

Riley had to admit Sam had a point. The top was horrible. It wasn't so much the maternity part of it but the capped sleeves above Sam's muscled biceps and the little Peter Pan collar resting on her broad shoulders made for an interesting look to say the least.

Riley struggled to say something good about the shirt; finally she sighed in defeat, she couldn't lie, "I'm sorry."

"That's it, I'm calling in sick. I'm not going to work in this…this…thing!" Sam vowed stubbornly.

"Sam you can't call in sick for the next two weeks. It'll be fine, just remember this is for our babies. You wouldn't want to wear your tight uniform pants and take a chance of injuring them would you?" Riley knew this tactic was a long shot. Sam really didn't have a choice she couldn't even zip up her uniform pants any more, much less button up her shirt but maybe just maybe if she could get her to think of it as doing something for the babies…

"That's no fair," Sam pouted her anger dwindling. "I still think the guy who designed this should be shot. No wait that's too good for him. He should be drawn and quartered."

Riley laughed pleased that Sam seemed to be accepting her fate at least for the time being. "What would you like for breakfast? I picked up some raspberry strudel for you." Riley tempted knowing it was Sam's favorite.

Sam nodded her head enthusiastically, her uniform temporarily forgotten. With her morning sickness finally over her appetite had returned.

*****

Sam slammed the door to her car, her eyes once again going to her repulsive uniform. Riley had been sympathetic that morning but she knew Skip wouldn't be so kind. He lived to give her a hard time and she was now regretting all the times she'd taken the opportunity to return the favor. Skip had become a good friend in the last six months and Sam enjoyed working with him but she dreaded his reaction to her new uniform.

As Sam made her way toward her classroom she noticed several cadets staring. She glared at them and they quickly turned away. She peeked in the door hoping Skip hadn't arrived yet. She groaned when she saw him sitting at his desk. Straightening her shoulders she strolled into the room.

Skip looked up when he heard the door open. He bit his tongue to keep from laughing. Thank God Riley had called and warned him. He'd laughed at her when he received her frantic call that morning forewarning him of Sam's new uniform and begging him not to tease her. One look at the monstrosity Sam was forced to wear and Skip knew he couldn't say anything no matter how tempting it was.

"Hey Sam, how's it going?" He greeted before turning back to the papers on his desk.

Sam looked at Skip suspiciously. She couldn't believe he didn't have something snide to say about her new uniform. He normally couldn't resist at least razing her a little as he'd done as she'd gotten bigger and her uniform tighter. The light suddenly dawned.

"Riley called you didn't she?" Sam accused.

Skip considered lying but thought better of it. "Yeah she did. She was worried about you and didn't want you upset."

Sam shook her head amazed at the lengths her wife would go though to keep her from being angry or hurt. "It's okay go ahead and say it, I know it's horrible." Sam told Skip depressively.

"It's fine Sam really. Hey I brought you something." Skip said hoping to distract Sam. He reached down next to his desk and picked up a bag. Sam's eyes lit up when she saw the logo. He offered the bag to Sam.

She opened it eagerly pulling out two thick chocolate cream filled donuts and a large cup of steaming coffee. "Caffeinated?" she asked hopefully.

"Yep, hazel nut too." Skip grinned. He knew how much Sam missed caffeinated coffee. Riley had insisted she stop drinking caffeine as soon as the pregnancy was confirmed but Skip figured this was a special occasion and if it took Sam's mind off her uniform well worth facing Riley's wrath.

Sam sat down at her desk and happily consumed her treat.

*****

"Okay ladies are we ready?" Dr. Mitchell asked as she strolled into the room.

Sam was lying on the table but not yet up in the stirrups. "As ready as I'll ever be." Sam groused she hated this part. Riley stood next to her and patted her arm consolingly.

Dr. Mitchell completed her exam quickly then looked up at Riley. "Did you want to check out things for yourself?" She offered.

Riley didn't notice Sam's panicked look. She met Dr. Mitchell's eyes. "Nope, we trust you and I'm here as Sam's wife not her doctor." She assured the other physician. Riley glanced at Sam and caught her relieved look at her answer. She squeezed her hand in understanding.

Dr. Mitchell stood and pulled off her latex gloves. "Good I'm glad to hear that, it makes my job easier not to have someone second guessing me…" She admitted frankly. "Now about the ultrasound you had done earlier." She saw both women tense. "Relax everything is perfectly fine. Both babies appear healthy and developing like they should. Because there are two of them we expect each to be in the 40th percentile on the chart of expected fetal weights at this stage of development and they both are. Now the tech said you decided you didn't want to know their gender…is that right?"

"Do you know?" Sam asked curiously. They had talked about it and decided not to ask what sex the babies were.

Dr. Mitchell glanced down at the paper in her hand for a second scanning for the information. She looked up with a smile. "Yes I know, they were very cooperative when the tech ran the scan."

"We'll wait." Sam and Riley said almost simultaneously.

"Alright, if you change your mind at any time just let me or the tech know. If you want to see the babies just ask the tech to make sure they scan above the pertinent parts. On later scans you'll have it'll become obvious even to someone without any training in ultrasound." She laughingly told Sam.

*****

The lights were on and the stereo was playing softly when Riley stepped into the living room. Sam was stretched out on the couch having apparently fallen asleep soon after coming home as she was still in her uniform. She had really blossomed in the last month her belly readily apparent under her uniform. She was wearing one of the new uniform tops that looked like a standard uniform shirt but instead of being tapered at the bottom it flared out into a wider pleated square cut style that covered Sam's belly. Sam was already good sized; most people assumed she was much further along than six and a half months. Sam's eyes fluttered open as Riley neared the couch.

"Hey Sweetheart, I didn't mean to wake you."

"It's okay I wasn't really sleeping I was just dozing 'til you got home. Skip and I stayed late to work with two students who've been having problems." Sam glanced up at the clock on the mantel. "I've only been home about 20 minutes."

Riley sat down on the edge of the couch. Sam moved back and turned on her side urging Riley to move back and rest against her thighs. Riley did so carefully making sure she wasn't leaning on Sam's belly. She tried to lean over and kiss Sam but couldn't reach her past her bulging belly. Chuckling she lifted up and leaned over Sam's belly to kiss her before settling back against her legs.

"How was your day?" Sam asked.

"Not too bad, we had one pretty serious single vehicle accident come in. A drunk wrapped his car around a telephone pole. Craig and I worked on him together for about three hours.

"How is Craig?" Sam queried in a teasing tone. She knew Riley was still ticked at him for the practical joke he'd pulled with the Superman logo when he'd found out she was carrying twins.

Riley growled playfully at Sam knowing what her wife found so amusing. "You just wait, I'll think of something to get him back and I'll nail him when he least expects it." Riley vowed.

Sam's laughter was interrupted by her loudly growling stomach.

Riley reached out and rubbed Sam's belly. "How is everyone today?" She asked continuing her gentle massage.

"Hungry!" Sam answered immediately.

Riley gasped and pulled her hand back from Sam's stomach in surprise.

"Did you feel that?" Sam asked eagerly.

Riley seemed too stunned to speak, she slid her hand under Sam's shirt and placed her hand on her bare abdomen. She waited patiently and it wasn't long before she felt it again. A huge grin spread over her face.

She looked up at Sam in awe. "I felt them move!" Riley urged Sam onto her back pushing her shirt up and her maternity pants down to expose as much of her belly as she could. Riley knelt on the floor next to the couch and began to run her hands gently over Sam's belly. Her expression glowed when she felt the babies move again. Normally only the mother felt the babies move until around the end of the seventh month when they became large enough to be felt through the mother's abdominal wall but because of Sam carrying twins Dr. Mitchell had mentioned Riley might be able to feel them move sooner than that. Riley had felt plenty of children move in their mother's womb and knew what to expect but she quickly realized nothing could compare to the feeling of your own children moving inside your wife.

Riley laid her head gently on Sam's belly and looked up with tear filled eyes. "That is so incredible, I actually felt them move." She whispered in wonder as if afraid to disturb them.

Sam's stomach growled again louder than before. "Yeah, they're complaining they're hungry." Sam teased.

Riley seemed reluctant to take her hands off Sam's belly. Finally she stood up. "Why don't you go up and get changed and I'll order us something to eat."

"I could cook." Sam offered getting to her feet.

"You just go get changed and relax, I'll order…" Riley paused and leaned over pressing her ear to Sam's belly and appeared to listen. Nodding her head she stood up. "Okay I got it…Fettuccini Alfredo with chicken, a double order." She grinned, "with a small side salad and lots of garlic bread." She looked up at Sam to see if the order suited.

Sam smiled brightly her eyes gleaming at the thought of her favorite meal. "From Giovanni's?" She asked hopefully.

"Of course!" Riley promised.

*****

Sam pushed her plate away, not able to eat another bite. Her appetite seemed to have grown in direct proportion to her belly. At the rate she was going she figured she'd be eating twenty-four hours a day by the end of her pregnancy. "Ahh… that hit the spot." She praised. Riley had cooked one of the few things she knew how, a pot roast with potatoes and carrots that Carol had taught her how to fix.

"Glad you liked it." Riley had had a rare day off and wanted to make something special for Sam. She turned her attention back to her own dinner and finished up. She looked up to see Sam's expression had grown serious. "What's wrong?" she asked anxiously.

Sam forced her attention away from her wandering thoughts and back to Riley. "What makes you think something's wrong?" She tried.

Riley sighed; sometimes it was like pulling teeth to get Sam to talk if she thought it was something that would upset her. "I know that face, it means you have something to tell me that you think either I don't want to hear or is going to upset me."

Sam grumbled under her breath. Riley had learned to read her too damn well. She looked up to see Riley staring at her questioningly but she still hesitated.

"Spill it McKenna." Riley finally demanded with mock ferocity.

Sam laughed; Riley was just so cute when she was riled. "Let's go over to the couch and get comfortable." Sam stalled.

Sam sat on the end cushion of the couch with her feet up on an ottoman. Riley curled up against her side and placed a hand on her belly as she did every chance she got. Sam had put away all her regular clothes and resigned herself to maternity clothes for the duration. She'd just gotten too big to wear anything else.

Riley leaned up and placed a soft kiss on Sam's lips. "I love you."

"I love you too Babe."

"Tell me what's going on?" Riley encouraged.

Sam sighed. "I got a call from Kellie Matthews today." She felt Riley stiffen slightly at the mention of her former rookie partner. "Seems there's been someone hanging around the station house and O'Malley's asking questions about me. They approached Kellie and she told them to take a hike. She spoke to Brad Davidson and he said he'd been approached as well."

"But why would someone be investigating you?" Riley asked.

"I don't know. They've been asking about what I did in San Diego, who my former partners were and…" Sam hesitated, "who I used to date." Sam added reluctantly.

Riley's thoughts whirled, who would be scrutinizing Sam past? Suddenly it clicked. "Do you think this has anything to do with the pictures that were sent to your captain?" Riley hadn't forgotten about the pictures but when nothing had ever come of it and they hadn't been able to trace the pictures back to anyone she'd just sort of pushed it to the back of her mind.

Sam was reluctant to answer knowing Riley was going to go off the deep end with her next bit of news. "Well I didn't at first but…"

"But you do now…why?" Riley finally asked when Sam didn't continue.

"I saw someone photographing Skip and I today when we went from the main classroom over to the gym."

"You what!" Riley exclaimed in shock jumping up to pace around the room.

"As soon as Skip went toward the car it took off. He didn't get a good look at the driver. It was a man with dark hair who was wearing dark sunglasses. Neither of us got a plate number but I'm pretty sure it was the same car that someone was photographing me from last week." Sam admitted cautiously.

"WHAT! Did you call the police?"

Riley growled at Sam when she snickered then realized the ridiculousness of her question. "Why didn't you tell me?" Riley demanded angrily.

"I wasn't sure 'til today. I swear Babe; I would've told you. I am telling you." Sam said trying to calm Riley. "When Kellie called then I saw the same car again it just sort of all clicked. I still don't have the faintest idea why someone would be investigating me or photographing me. Have you seen anything even remotely suspicious at work?"

Riley thought back but couldn't come up with anything. "No not that I'm aware of but it's always crazy when I'm in the ER and anyone could be around. When I'm up in Surgery that's a restricted area and no one has mentioned anything out of the ordinary or anyone asking questions about me."

"Well I talked to my Captain and he called in some favors from the precinct. An undercover officer is going to cruise by here every few hours and see if he can spot anyone watching the house. Plus I let him know my schedule for class changes and when I'm out walking around the Academy he's going to try and roust this guy the next time he comes around and see what he can find out. From the quick look Skip and I got of him it sounds like it may be the same guy who was asking questions in San Diego."

"Do you think he's dangerous," Riley asked unconsciously looking at Sam's large belly.

Sam beckoned Riley back down to the couch and wrapped her in a warm hug. "I don't think so Babe. So far my guess is the guy is a Private Investigator. The question is who's having me investigated and why. I honestly don't think he's dangerous." Sam tried to assure Riley.

The two women spent the rest of the evening together on the couch each concerned about the effects of recent events on the other.

*****

"Thanks, I appreciate all you've done. I'll let you know if we see the car again. Thanks again, bye" Sam sighed in frustration as she hung up the phone. That was the undercover cop who'd been looking for the man who'd photographed her and been asking questions in San Diego. It had been over two weeks and there hadn't been any sign of him. She wondered if he'd been scared off when Skip had spotted him. Sam sure hoped so because she wanted to be able to tell Riley the guy was gone for good. Riley had been very nervous and on edge since learning of the questions into Sam's background and her being photographed. Sam had racked her brain and had only come up with one person who might have a grudge against her. She prayed she was wrong because she knew what it would do to Riley if she were right.

Chapter Sixteen

Riley sat at her desk in the office she shared with Craig trying to look busy. What she was really doing was waiting for Craig to show up. It had taken months but she had finally gotten her revenge for Craig's stunt with the altered Superman logo and her lab coat. She'd enlisted Franklin one of the ER doctors help in pulling it off. Riley had gotten to know him during her frequent appearances in the ER. He was a confirmed practical joker and was more than happy to help her. Just thinking about it she grinned, laughing to herself. She just wished she could've been there to see it. She quickly wiped the grin off her face and pulled over a chart as the door to the office swung open. Her head jerked up when a pair of scrubs landed on her desk.

"I think these belong to you!" Craig growled scowling at Riley.

Riley lost it and threw back her head roaring with laughter. "Gotcha!" Riley crowed. She lifted the florescent pink scrubs up off her desk and held them up. "I bet you looked so cute."

Craig during one of their many conversations had mentioned to Riley that he didn't like to sleep in his scrubs when he was forced to stay in the hospital. He hated wearing wrinkled scrubs so he always removed them when sleeping in the on-call room and kept them on a chair nearby so he could quickly grab them when paged. That conversation had given her the idea on how to get even with him for his little practical joke. She'd found a scrub catalog that offered the most god awful florescent scrubs for sale. The bright pink one's were especially offensive. She'd found a pair in Craig's size and immediately ordered them; that in itself had been a feat considering he was built like a linebacker. That's when she'd enlisted Franklin's help. He frequently worked the night shift and would be in the hospital when Craig was. He had not only switched the scrubs for Craig's normal blue one's but had taken his lab coat as well. He'd then proceeded to the ER and paged Craig 911 to the ER repeatedly. Riley knew when Craig received the repeated 911 pages in quick succession he would grab his scrubs and run. Which was exactly what he'd done. Riley only wished she'd been there when he ran into the ER full of people in the bright pink scrubs. Franklin had informed her that he'd manage to snap several pictures.

"Pictures should be ready in a couple days." Riley snickered.

"This means war you know." Craig snarled.

"Oh come on, now we're even. At least Rodman wasn't around to see it like he did with what you pulled on me." At Craig's answering snarl Riley's eyes widened. "Oh my god… Rodman did see you didn't he?"

"Yes, Franklin waited 'til almost the end of shift, several of the day staff had already arrived and Rodman walked into the ER as I was trying to get away to change!"

Riley howled, now she really wished she'd known. She knew Franklin was going to pull the switch the first time Craig got called back in to the hospital and he was working. She didn't know he was going to wait until so close to shift change. She would have gladly come in early.

"I will get you for this." Craig promised glaring at Riley.

Riley looked at Craig a little closer; he really did look mad. She got up from her desk and approached him nervously. "Come on you're not really mad are you. I told you I would get you back when you least expected it."

Craig tried to keep up his angry demeanor but couldn't. He glared down at Riley then couldn't hold it in any longer and started to laugh. "Alright you got me good." He admitted. "But you just wait…" He added under his breath loud enough for Riley to hear him.

The phone on Riley's desk rang before she could respond. "Dr. Connolly… Did she give her name? Yeah go ahead and send her over I'll be waiting." Riley hung up the phone. "That was Susan, Allen's secretary. Remember Vera my uncle's housekeeper I told you about?"

"Yeah what about her?"

"She showed up at Allen's office looking for me. Susan is sending her over. I wonder what's going on?"

A knock sounded on the door. "I guess you're about to find out… do you want me to stick around?"

"Sure." Riley said distractedly as she got up to let Vera in."

Vera stepped into the small office greeting Riley with a hug. Riley could see how upset Vera looked and wondered what had happened. Vera cast a nervous glance over at Craig. Riley quickly made introductions. Greeting exchanged she got down to business knowing she could be paged at any moment.

"So what's going on Vera? Is every one alright? Has something happened to Sherry or Collin?" Riley asked worriedly. Vera's daughter Elaine and her children lived with her. She led Vera over to her desk chair and urged her to sit down then she perched on one side of the desk and Craig took up the other.

"It's about your uncle…" Vera hesitated looking nervously at Craig. She put the two folders she was carrying down in front of her on Riley's desk.

"It's okay Vera, Craig is a good friend, and he knows what my situation is with my Uncle Reilly."

"It all started this morning," Vera began to explain. "A man who'd come to visit your uncle before came to see him again. I couldn't hear what was being said but I heard your uncle cursing then a loud crash. The man left right after that and seemed in a hurry to get away from the house. Your Aunt Margaret came downstairs not long after the man left and your uncle immediately began to scream for her to come into his study. She didn't close the door all the way." Vera said then looked up at Riley anxiously.

"It's okay Vera I know you didn't ease drop intentionally."

"He started screaming about you and the…" she looked down at the desk, "slut you were whoring around with." She almost whispered. Riley reached out and squeezed her arm encouraging her to continue. "He then started ranting about his father, saying that he didn't care what the old man had wanted neither you or your whore's bastard no matter what its name would never get a dime of Connolly money no matter what he had to do." Vera glanced up to see how Riley was taking all this. Riley face was a blank mask; she wasn't the least bit surprised by her uncle vitriol at this point but it still hurt. "I didn't understand all he was talking about, it sounded like he was tearing the study apart. I thought he was going to have a stroke. Eventually he and your aunt left together…" Vera trailed off.

Riley could sense there was more. "Then what happened Vera?" she questioned softly.

Vera took a deep breath before continuing. "I went into his study. There were papers strewn everywhere, the desk chair had been over turned and two of the lamps were on the floor in pieces. It looked like a hurricane had come through the room. While I was cleaning up all the papers I found this…" she said handing a folder to Riley.

Riley took the folder curiously and opened it in the middle of her desk so Craig could see the contents as well. The first thing she saw was a stack of photos. They were of her and Sam as well as Jess, Kim and Erin. There were also many of Sam alone spanning quite a few months time. When she got to the end of the pile and the picture of a very pregnant Sam walking across the Academy grounds with Skip it all came together. She reached into the folder jerking out what she knew now were surveillance reports. She also saw a copy of Sam's name change.

"That bastard." She growled. "My uncle is the one who's been investigating Sam. Why would he do that?" she wondered out loud.

"Who knows how the mind of someone like that works." Craig said sympathetically.

They looked through the contents of the folder for several minutes before Vera broke the silence.

"I thought you should know what your uncle was doing, especially after I saw that," Vera said picking up the final picture of a very pregnant Sam. "She's due soon huh?"

Riley laughed her face glowing at the mention of her wife and babies. "No, she has two more months to go." Riley informed Vera

"Two months!" Vera looked at the picture again and then unbelievingly up at Riley.

Riley knew the picture had been taken over two weeks ago and Sam was even bigger now. "Actually that picture was taken two weeks ago, when she was only 7 ½ months." She advised a shocked Vera. "We're going to have twins!" she excitedly told her.

"I'm really happy for both of you." Vera said happily forgetting for a moment why she'd come to see Riley. She looked down and caught sight of the second folder and remembered the other reason she'd come. "Riley you need to see this…" Vera said softly tapping the second folder. Riley looked over at Vera questioningly. "I went into your uncle's filing cabinet after I found that." She pointed to the first folder. "I found this…" she held out a second folder. It was labeled ' Riley Connolly Trust Fund'.

Riley took it gingerly and opened it, it was filled with legal papers most of them bearing her name. She looked through the papers not understanding the legalese but one thing was clear. Her Grandfather Connolly had left her money in a trust fund when he passed away.

"I don't understand, Uncle Reilly never said anything about this." Riley said obviously confused.

Craig reached out taking the folder from her and quickly scanned it. "Maybe he didn't want you to know. You've always talked about what a control freak he is and you did tell me how he reacted when he found out about Sam."

"But that doesn't make sense my grandfather died when I was in medical school, long before Sam." Riley explained.

"Regardless of his reason this has to be illegal keeping the knowledge of the fund from you. Didn't any lawyers contact you when your grandfather died?" Craig asked.

"No it was all handled by my grandfather's law firm. I just assumed everything went to my uncle as the only surviving child."

Vera cleared her throat, Riley looked down at her having forgotten that she was sitting there. "I'm sorry Vera this is just such a shock…" Then it hit her. "Oh my god you have to get these papers back before my uncle gets home. Despite what he's done he could have you arrested for taking them."

Vera looked panicked obviously she hadn't thought of that. Her expression suddenly turned determined. "I don't care; it's not right he's kept from you what's rightfully yours all these years. I've stood by and watch how he's treated you for too long. I can't work for him any more; this is just too much. "

Riley leaned down and hugged Vera, "I appreciate that Vera, but you have to take these back to my uncle's. I don't want you to get in any trouble and I know that you've continued to work for my uncle to help Elaine support Sherry and Collin. I know how much you need your job. I don't expect you to give it up for me. Now that I know about the trust fund I'll find it. I'm pretty sure something like that would be public record." Riley tried to convince Vera. "I'm sorry I didn't give you a number to contact me when Sam and I were at the house. I just didn't want to jeopardize your job if my uncle found out you were in contact with me." Riley pulled open a desk drawer and drew out her business card, flipping it over she wrote down her home number. "Here's all my phone numbers, now please take these back to my uncle's." she pleaded with Vera. "If you have any problems please contact me."

Vera finally consented bundling up the folders. She hugged Riley tight before making her exit. Riley sat on the edge of her desk lost in thought at all she'd learned in the last few minutes. She turned to Craig who'd remained silent since Vera's departure.

"Do you think Dennis could find out about my grandfather's will and see if there really is a trust in my name?" she asked.

"I'll give him a call right now. If he doesn't know how to find out I'm sure he knows someone who does." Craig promised.

Their pagers went off simultaneously sending them scurrying from the room and to the ER.

*****

"So it was your uncle all along…" Kim stated in amazement.

They were all gathered in Kim and Jess's family room; Riley had just finished telling the three of them about the events of that morning. Riley had called Kim as soon as she'd finished work. She had wanted Kim and Jess's moral support when she told Sam about her uncle. With her being eight months pregnant the last thing that Riley wanted was for her to be upset by anything. Kim had offered to make dinner since she was off and invited Riley to come down with Sam.

"Bastard." Sam growled.

Riley reached over and stroked Sam's arm. "I'm so sorry Honey." She contritely told Sam unable to stop the tears from flowing.

Sam put her arm around Riley pulling her close to her side mindful of her big belly. "You've got nothing to be sorry for. He's doing this not you."

"But if it wasn't for me you wouldn't have people following you around, taking your picture, trying to cause you problems at work," Riley cried pressing close to Sam.

Sam was furious at Riley's uncle for once again being the cause of Riley's tears. The babies moved vigorously in response to her agitation. Sam gasped her hand going to her belly as her abdomen rippled.

Riley felt as well as saw the movement. "Are you alright, is it the babies?" Riley rose up on her knees and began to run her hands over Sam's belly frantically. Jess immediately got up and approached Sam.

"We're fine," she assured Riley and her sister. Jess sat back down as did Riley but she kept a protective hand on Sam's belly.

"So the question is, where do you go from here?" Jess asked.

"Craig talked to Dennis. He said that a will is public record. I gave him my grandfather's full name and the date he died. He's going to try and pull the original will. After that if there really is a trust he said he'd find it." Riley explained.

"What about your uncle?" Jess wanted to know.

"What about him?"

"Won't he be in some kind of trouble for hiding the trust from you? I would think the lawyers for your grandfather's firm would've had some legal obligation to inform you of the contents of his will if you were a beneficiary." Jess commented.

"I just don't know enough about it," Riley admitted. "I don't see what else I can do except wait and see what Dennis finds out then go from there."

"Not to be crass, but I wonder just how much money we're talking here. I mean most people don't go to the trouble of setting up a trust fund for a couple thousand dollars." Kim piped up.

"I have no idea, I never really thought about it. I know my grandfather had a very successful law practice and was the founding partner. Most people in LA have heard of Connolly, McNamara and Sloan."

"Your grandfather was THAT Connolly?" Sam asked in awe.

Riley grinned. "Yep."

Riley's admission lead to a spirited discussion about just what the trust fund might contain. She was more than happy to speculate about it especially if it kept Sam's mind off her uncle's actions.

*****

Sam sighed contently listening to the sound of Riley's sweet voice wafting through the room. It had become a ritual between them since that first night Riley felt the babies move. Every evening Riley would rub lotion onto her belly and either sing, read or just talk to their babies. She was lying nude on her back propped up against the pillows listening to Riley sing as she massaged her belly. Sam had talked to other pregnant women in Dr. Mitchell's waiting room; one of the comments she heard over and over was how they felt so unattractive and undesirable as their bodies had changed. She sighed again realizing just how lucky she was. Riley had gone out of her way during her whole pregnancy to make her feel beautiful and still desirable despite her growing size.

"What'cha thinking about?" Riley asked quietly. The babies had been very active when she'd started the massage but had settled down as she'd sung to them. She was hoping that if they'd fall asleep it would give Sam some must needed respite as well and she would be able to sleep. Her size had reached the point where she had difficulty finding a comfortable position.

Sam smiled up at Riley with a love filled gaze. "Just about how wonderful you make me feel despite the fact that I'm 8 ½ months pregnant and the size of a house." Riley started to protest but Sam reached up and placed her finger gently on Riley's lips to stop her. Riley kissed Sam's finger and remained quiet. "I would've never believed I could be this comfortable with anyone. I mean I'm laying here in the nude, my belly's huge, I've got stretch marks the size of Toledo, my breast are monstrous…" She grinned at Riley, "okay maybe that part isn't such a bad thing, but my ankles are like balloons at least I think they are I haven't seen them or my feet in quite a while and I'm not the least bit self conscious. Do you know how amazing that is?" she questioned seriously.

Riley smiled and reached up to stroke Sam's face. She then let her eyes play over Sam's body before returning to hold her eyes. "What do you have to feel self-conscious about?" Riley countered. "You are an incredibly beautiful woman and the changes your body has undergone have done nothing to diminish that. I'm amazed every day at how all though your pregnancy you've only grown more beautiful. I never knew what a turn on a pregnant woman could be before." She reached out and stroked Sam's sensitive breasts then her hands slid down further over her rounded belly. Rising up from her knees she leaned over Sam placing a hand on either side of Sam's broad shoulders. She took her lips in a soft gentle kiss that quickly escalated. Sam groaned opening her mouth and eagerly accepting Riley's tongue. Riley finally broke the kiss and sat back on her heels. They were both panting from the surprising intensity of the kiss. "I love you." Riley husked.

"I love you too," Sam breathed. She shifted uncomfortably realizing she'd been on her back for quite a while.

"Is your back hurting you?" Riley asked in concern.

"A little," Sam admitted.

"Are the babies sleeping?"

Sam smiled. "Yeah, you did a good job."

"Okay, then let me take care of you and rub your back." Riley offered getting the pillows all set for Sam then helping her into position. "Comfy?" Riley asked.

"Yeah much as I can be."

Sam was lying on her side with one knee drawn up. There was a pillow under her belly and two pillows supporting her leg. Riley knelt behind her and started to massage some lotion into her back. Sam moaned and groaned as Riley worked out the kinks in the tight muscles. As the pain in her back eased Sam found other parts of her body coming alive. She was surprised she'd though by this time she would've lost all interest in sex but that didn't seem to be the case.

She turned her head to look back at Riley. "Umm…Babe."

"What is it Honey, did I hurt you?" Riley asked anxiously.

Sam shook her head no. "But there is something else you could rub for me." Sam grinned and wiggled her eyebrows.

Riley looked at Sam incredulously. "Really?" It had been two weeks since they'd made love and Riley knew most women lost interest in sex near the end of their pregnancy.

"You sure?" Riley asked trying not to seem too eager.

Sam laughed, "Yes I'm sure." She started to roll back over onto her back.

"No stay just like that." Riley instructed. She quickly stripped off her tee shirt and boxers and moved behind Sam. "Just relax, let me take care of you."

Riley began to kiss Sam's ear, her neck then down across her shoulders as her hand began to gently stroke the front of her body. She gently kneaded her breasts being extra gentle knowing how sensitive they were. Sam moaned her excitement rising slowing with Riley's measured caresses. Riley pressed her body into Sam's back her hand moving from her belly over her hip across her gluts and into the heat between her legs. Riley continued to kiss Sam's neck and back as she gently stroked the engorged tissues under her fingers. Sam pressed back into Riley's touch. Sam groaned in protest when Riley suddenly stopped and pulled away.

"Why did you stop?" Sam whimpered. She turned her head to look back at Riley.

"What if an orgasm throws you into labor? You've got six weeks more to go it's too soon." Riley asked worriedly.

"You're just telling me this NOW!" Sam growled. Sam thought about it, for about half a second. "I don't care, I'll go crazy if you leave me like this."

Riley looked down at her hands clasped in her lap and refused to meet Sam's eyes.

"I swear I'll do it myself." When Riley didn't respond Sam moved a hand down and started to slide it between her legs.

"Okay…" Riley gave in. "But no penetration."

Sam nodded eagerly; she was still aroused and was willing to take whatever Riley offered in the way of relief.

Riley resumed her position and slowly built Sam back up close to her peak. Sam whimpered in complaint when Riley moved away then groaned when her destination became apparent.

"Oh god, Riley…" Sam moaned loudly. Riley's warm tongue lapping between her legs from behind quickly pushed her over the edge. Sam clutched her belly as her abdomen rippled from the force of her climax.

Riley had felt the rippling of the muscles as well and quickly abandoned her place and scrambled up onto her knees. She put her hand on Sam's belly and felt the babies kicking vigorously.

"Are you okay?" Riley questioned nervously. Sam hadn't said a word since she'd climaxed and she had her face buried in her pillow.

Sam rolled onto her back and displayed a flushed face with a sated grin on it. "I'm good," she murmured languidly.

Riley sighed in relief, she began to gently massage Sam's belly trying to get the babies back to sleep. She looked up at the sound of a soft snore. Sam was sound asleep and the agitated movement of the babies had ceased. Riley reached up and gently stroked Sam's face; even in her sleep she pressed into the touch. Placing a soft kiss on Sam's forehead Riley climbed out of the bed and headed into the shower. Hopefully a few minutes with the shower massager would relax her enough to sleep as peacefully as her wife and babies.

*****

"That can't be right!" Riley exclaimed looking across the table at Dennis her incredulous expression matching those of her tablemates. He'd just informed her that her grandfather had left her half of his entire estate.

They were sitting around Sam and Riley's dining room table. Dennis had called Riley earlier saying that he had news and had told her they needed to meet. Riley had asked Kim and Jess to be there with her and Sam during the meeting. Dennis had not only found Arthur Connolly's original will but had located Riley's trust fund that was still being managed by her grandfather's law firm.

"Oh it's correct all right. Your grandfather left you half of his estate; it was originally intended to go to your father. His will originally stated that his estate would be split 50/50 between his two sons. He set that up when your grandmother passed way. After your dad died he changed it to the money and assets being split 50/50 between you and your uncle. He added a stipulation that your half was to go into a trust fund, managed by his law firm until your thirtieth birthday. At that point the money became yours to do with as you wished."

"But those figures can't possibly be right…can they?" Riley asked disbelievingly looking down at the papers in front of her.

"Well they are from the last quarter, so no they might not be right down to the penny…there maybe a few more dollars in there than that." Dennis chucked.

"Oh my god!" Riley exclaimed. "My grandfather left me six MILLION dollars!"

Stunned silence followed Riley's revelation.

Sam finally broke the silence, "Did you say six million?" she gulped.

Dennis grinned at the stunned women. "Yep, a little over six million dollars when you add in interest from the last nine years." He confirmed.

"What about my uncle, is there something he would have to sign for me to get the money?" Riley asked knowing that would never happen.

"No as a matter of fact I'd be willing to bet your uncle falsified documents to keep the law firm from realizing you don't know about this. He is listed as the trustee of the fund but that is only until you reach the age of thirty; at that point he no longer had any legal control of the money. Even if you didn't know about it before then the law firm should've informed you of the maturing of the trust and had you sign papers transferring the money to you. From what I was able to ascertain the money has remained untouched since your grandfather's death. Your uncle is at the very least guilty of falsifying legal documents and fraud as well as quite possibly grand theft. Your grandfather's law firm is guilty of malpractice at the very least and if they do know about all this accessories to a felony." Dennis explained. "I can put you in touch with the District Attorney and a friend who specializes in these types of cases. He could have a brief filed in just a few weeks." He added.

"Gotcha you bastard." Sam growled viciously.

Dennis had heard plenty about Riley's uncle from Craig, he agreed wholeheartedly with Sam's sentiment.

Riley sighed her expression pensive. "But if I didn't want to prosecute I could just get my money…right?"

"You can't be serious Babe, after all that bastard's put you though!" Sam exclaimed disbelievingly.

"Sam is right Riley, after everything he's done it's not right to let him get away with this." Jess commented.

Riley looked at her three companions and tried to explain. "I'm not like him. I can't be that vindictive no matter what he's done. He did take me in when my folks died and raised me… I just… I just don't feel right in filing charges against him."

"You don't owe the bastard anything." Sam growled.

She opened her mouth to further protest but Kim cut her off. "It's really up to Riley she has to do what's feel right to her." Kim counseled.

"I just don't know…can I think about it?" She asked Dennis.

"Of course, you let me know what you want me to do. In the meantime I'll get ball rolling to get everything in the trust transferred over to you and the accounts you specify."

"Thanks Dennis I appreciate everything you've done." Riley said sincerely.

"Your welcome, I'll be in touch. Ladies." He acknowledged as he rose to leave.

Chapter Seventeen

Riley could hear the TV playing from the bottom of the stairs. She hurried up the stairs anxious to check on Sam.

"Hey Honey, how're you doing?" She walked over to the bed and leaned down to place a soft kiss on Sam's lips.

Sam was lying in the bed with a pillow under her belly and another between her legs. "Okay I guess, how was the meeting? I wish I could've been there with you." Sam added with a sigh.

"I did too but Dr. Mitchell said you have to stay in bed. The longer you can keep from going into labor the better for the babies." Riley tried to console her. "I brought you something." She said opening the bag she was carrying and pulling out a quart of ice cream.

"I'm as big as a barn and you're bringing me ice cream?" Sam asked seemingly outraged.

"You're not as big as a barn…a small house maybe…" Riley teased laughing at Sam's answering growl. "Besides you deserve a treat, it's the end of August, it's stinking hot outside and you've been stuck in this bed for a week. It's Rocky Road," Riley tempted Sam wiggling the carton. She chuckled when Sam nodded eagerly despite her complains. "Let me change my clothes then I'll dish us up some."

Riley was back quickly with two bowls of ice cream. She set them on the bedside table and hurried to Sam's side as she struggled to sit up.

"Ugh!" Sam exclaimed.

"Are you alright?" Riley questioned anxiously.

Sam let out a big sigh before looking up at Riley. "One of your children has insisted on laying on my bladder most of the day, the other one has been using my ribs for soccer practice." She gripped.

"My children huh… I can see how this is gonna go when they're born."

Sam smirked. "You got that right! I…shit!" Sam gasped.

"What is it?"

"I keep getting these spasms in my back every so often then the rest of the time it just hurts." Sam explained.

Riley's jaw dropped open in shock and her heart started to pound in her chest. "How long has this been going on?"

Sam immediately noticed the change in Riley's voice. "Since about one this afternoon…why?" she asked hesitantly.

"You're in labor Sam and you have been for hours." Riley went immediately into action. "I need to call Dr. Mitchell and let Jess and Kim know. We need to get you into the hospital."

Sam refused to believe it. "I'm not in labor, I have two more weeks to go. My back just hurts like it always does." She tried to convince Riley. "I don't need to go to the hos…" Sam groaned and clutched her belly as a sudden pain rippled across it. Almost simultaneously she felt a gush of fluid between her legs.

Riley rushed back to her side when she groaned. "You were saying…" she remarked amazingly calm.

"I think my water just broke." She informed Riley.

Riley quickly checked Sam. "Yeah Honey it sure did, let's get you changed and I'll call Kim and Jess.

*****

Riley had helped Sam change into dry clothes but knew she'd need help getting her downstairs.

Jess stuck her head in the door and grinned. "Hey Sam ready to pop those two?" she teasingly asked her sister.

Sam growled.

Between Riley and Jess they got Sam downstairs and situated in Riley's SUV. Riley explained to Jess what had been going on and that she felt Sam had already been in labor for hours. Jess agreed with her.

"Kim has to wait for Barb to come over and pick up Erin. She's going to stay with Barb and her husband 'til the babies are born."

"I'm glad," Sam told her sister, "I want you both to be there."

"Don't worry Sis, I wouldn't miss it for the world." Jess assured her.

*****

Sam had been in active labor for the last three hours and was rapidly reaching the end of her rope. Everyone irritated her with poor Riley taking the brunt of her temper. Jess wisely kept her mouth shut and did what she could to make Sam more comfortable. Having been through this with Kim she knew nothing she could say at this point would be the right thing. Poor Riley looked as frazzled as Sam. Kim still hadn't arrived and Jess was beginning to worry. She was just considering trying to call Kim when the door swung open.

"Hey!" Kim greeted with a smile. "Sorry I didn't get here sooner. Barb got held up and couldn't get away 'til just a bit ago." She walked over and took Sam's hand reaching up to brush her sweat soaked hair back off her forehead. "How're you holding up?"

"Oh just great, it's been a real party in here, you just missed the mariachi band." Sam replied sarcastically.

"It's be over soon…" Kim smiled then snickered when Sam growled. Sam remembered well innocently saying the same thing to Kim when she was in labor.

Sam's contractions where getting closer together, she clamped down on Kim and Riley's hands when another one hit. Dr. Mitchell strolled in just as it was ending.

She checked the fetal monitor then examined Sam. "Hey Sam, you about ready to meet these babies? You're fully dilated and ready to go."

"About damn time," Sam snarled.

Dr. Mitchell laughed good-naturedly, she was used to patients being less than friendly in the labor room.

Sam was quickly situated in a delivery room. This particular room featured a birthing chair instead of the standard delivery table with stirrups. Riley stood by her side holding Sam's hand and using her free hand to wipe the sweat from her face. Riley grimaced at Sam's tight grip on her hand.

"Ready Sam?" Dr. Mitchell questioned. Her only answer was a glare. "On the next contraction I want to you push…" she instructed. "Now!" she demanded as the next contraction hit. "Almost there…look at all that hair…" she commented. "Okay Sam this is it… give it everything."

Sam couldn't hold back any longer… as she bore down and the baby slipped from her body she let out a harsh cry of pain.

"You've got a beautiful baby boy." The doctor cried as a new voice was heard echoing through the room. It was followed immediately by a loud thump.

Sam tore her gaze away from her son when she felt Riley's hand slip from hers. She panicked when she saw Riley sprawled on the floor. "Riley!" Sam cried out.

Jess rushed over to Riley's side and quickly checked her over. "She's fine." she assured Sam, "She just fainted."

Sam grinned she was never going to let Riley live this down the big bad trauma surgeon had keeled over when her child was born. Jess, Kim and Dr. Mitchell all shared a laugh at Riley's expense. Riley had come around and her face was beet red in embarrassment. The amusement was interrupted by Sam's gasp as another contraction hit.

"Okay Sam, one more time…" Dr. Mitchell instructed, having already cut the cord of the first baby, she quickly handed him off to a nurse and turned her attention back to Sam.

This time Riley managed to remain conscious and watched in awe as the doctor held up the second child clearing it's lungs. "It's another boy!" she said before placing the now crying infant on Sam's belly. He had the same full head of black hair as his brother. She of course had known before hand that Sam was carrying identical twin boys but as requested had kept the information to herself. A nurse quickly took him to join his brother. He got a quick cleanup and the pediatrician standing by checked him over.

Once Dr. Mitchell had finished with Sam, two nurses returned with both boys bundled up in blankets and little stocking caps over their heads. They handed one baby to Sam and the other to Riley. Both women had tears running down their cheeks and looked absolutely stunned.

Dr. Mitchell offered her congratulations before heading out.

Kim and Jess stepped over to view the new arrivals. They looked in wonder at the two little boys.

Jess reached out and stroked one little boy's soft cheek. Her eyes were filled with tears when she raised her head to meet her sister's gaze. "You did good Kiddo."

"What did you decide for names?" Kim asked. There had been myriad discussions on names but neither she nor Jess knew what they'd decided.

Riley leaned down careful of her precious bundle and kissed the little boy in Sam's arms on the forehead. She glanced at Sam who nodded. "We'd like you to meet Ryan William Connolly," she introduced indicting the boy in Sam's arms, "and Shane Patrick Connolly," holding up Shane slightly.

"I'm sure Patrick will be thrilled and I know your dad would've been pleased too by his name sake." Kim said giving Riley and Shane a hug. "Welcome to the family, little man." She greeted kissing him on the cheek.

"Okay ladies, we need to take these gentleman to the nursery for a bit." One of the nurses who'd been watching told them. "You can stay…" she indicted Riley while we clean Sam up, but you two need to leave." She told Kim and Jess.

Both women gave Sam and the babies one last kiss. "We'll see you in a bit." They promised.

*****

Riley was up on the bed with Sam gently massaging her belly. They'd just gotten her situated in the room and were waiting for the nurses to bring Shane and Ryan in to them. Sam knowing she was carrying twins had decided not to try and breastfeed them but had learned that she could hold off several days on the shot that would dry up her milk. By doing so she could nurse the boys for their first few days of life and allow them to ingest the colostrum her breasts would produce before her milk came in and in that way provide them with nutrients and some much needed antibodies.

"How're you doing Honey?" Riley whispered softly.

"Tired…" Sam murmured.

"Why don't you take a little nap before they bring the boys. It might be your last chance in a while." Riley urged Sam. She sat quietly by her side and watched her sleep.

It wasn't long before the door to the room swung open. Kim and Jess entered followed by two nursing wheeling bassinets.

"Look who we found out in the hall." Jess teased.

The nurses wheeled Ryan and Shane over close to Sam's bed before leaving. The boys were wrapped securely in blankets with little stocking caps on their heads and they were both awake. Riley reached into the first bassinet carefully checking the nametag. It was obvious the boys were identical; you couldn't tell who was who just by looking. She cuddled him for a moment then with a big smile offered him to Kim.

"Ryan," she told the little boy as she handed him over, "meet your Aunt Kim." Picking up Shane next she repeated the process. "Shane, meet your Aunt Jess."

Riley sat back down on the side of the bed with Sam and they watched proudly as the two women cooed over the little boys. Everyone laughed when Ryan let out a loud strident cry and rooted at Kim's breast.

"I think this one is ready for his first meal." Kim said offering Ryan to Sam.

Sam took the little boy in her arms murmuring softly to him. A blush spread over her cheeks as she started to lower her gown.

"Do you want us to go?" Kim questioned gently.

Sam looked up meeting her eyes, "No it's okay, I'm good." She responded lowering her gown the rest of the way and offering her breast to Ryan. She jumped when he latched on eagerly and began to suckle strongly.

"Well we know Ryan has Riley's appetite." Sam teased laughingly.

Riley heart filled with joy as she watched their son take his first meal. Shane was content in Jess's arms as he waited his turn.

When Ryan was done Sam took Shane and offered him the opposite breast. As much as she was enjoying breastfeeding them she knew she'd made the right decision to bottle-feed both boys after seeing how time consuming feeding just one was.

Ryan had fallen asleep after nursing. Not having had the chance to check him out in the delivery room Riley couldn't resist unwrapping him and taking the little cap off his head. He had a full head of what at first had appeared to be jet black hair like Sam and Jess's but on closer inspection she found something that made her smile.

"Look at this," Riley instructed. Standing up with Ryan she ran her fingers through his hair. When the light hit him full on it showed red highlights through out his black hair. Sam pulled off Shane's cap who was still nursing he had the same red highlights in his hair. Both women smiled happily. Ryan chose that moment to open his eyes.

"Do you think they'll stay that shade?" Riley asked wishfully. Kim and Jess both looked over her shoulder and into Ryan's eyes. They were the same violet color as Riley's.

"Well that's a pretty uncommon shade." Jess commented. "So I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if they did."

Riley grinned happily. She wrapped Ryan back up not wanting him to get chilled. When he dosed back off she carefully placed him in his bassinet. Shane finished his meal and fell asleep as well. He followed his brother and was placed in his own bassinet.

Sam was exhausted and lay back on the pillows with a sigh.

"We should get going and let you get some rest." Kim said. "I got in touch with Cheryl and Frank, they should be here in the morning. Your folks sent their congratulations and your Mom wanted to know if you're bringing the boys to Clayton for Christmas." Kim and Jess laughed at Sam and Riley loud groans. "Patrick said give the boys a kiss for him and send pictures." Kim added.

"Thanks for making the calls for us." Riley thanked Kim as the two women turned to go.

Jess stopped just as she was reaching for the door handle and turned back. "I almost forgot with all the excitement. How did the meeting go?" She asked Riley.

Riley had had a meeting with the lawyers of her grandfather's law firm earlier in the evening. Sam perked up she was interested in what had happened as well.

"Dennis and I met with Harry Sloan Jr. he's the son of my grandfather's original partner Harry Sr. He was truly angry about what had been done. Even though I chose not to press charges they've started disbarment proceedings against the lawyer who helped my uncle; seems they went to college together and traveled in the same social circles. He helped my uncle falsify documents that made it look like I knew about the trust and had signed control over to my uncle to manage it after I reached thirty."

"Was your uncle there?" Jess asked.

"No, as a matter of fact, Harry Jr. told us that he had informed my uncle that they would no longer be able to represent him and that he needed to find another law firm. I got the impression he doesn't like my uncle much and enjoyed telling him off. Anyway, the papers are all signed and everything has been transferred over to the accounts I specified. And although I assured Harry that I wasn't going to file suit against the firm he insisted on setting up a trust account for the babies when I told him about them. We have to go in and finalize the papers now that they're here. He set up a college fund for each of them for $100,000 each."

"That's great Riley, I'm glad everything finally worked out." Kim said coming over to hug Riley followed by Jess who did the same.

"It's just amazing, I still can't believe my grandfather left me half his estate."

"I still think you should have filed charges against your uncle." Sam groused then let out a huge yawn. "Sorry," she muttered embarrassed.

Kim and Jess laughed. "I think that's our cue." Jess said. They both kissed Sam, Riley and the boys a final time before making their way out.

"Come on up here," Sam encouraged Riley after Kim and Jess's departure.

"I don't think the nurses will appreciate me in bed with you Honey. I'm fine in the chair. You need to get some rest before the boys wake up."

Sam stuck out her lower lip in a pout, "I want you here by me…please."

Never able to resist that particular look Riley gave in and climbed into the bed with Sam curling up against her side. Her hand rested on Sam's belly and she resumed her gently massage from earlier.

Sam closed her eyes and enjoyed Riley's loving touch. She was just starting to dose off when Riley chuckled. She opened her eyes gazing over at Riley groggily.

"Know what day it is?" Riley asked.

Sam's brow furrowed. "Our sons birthday?" she guessed.

"Nope that was yesterday. Don't tell me you forgot already…tsk, tsk…"Riley teased. "Well though I guess you have been a 'little busy'."

Sam wracked her brain trying to figure out what the hell Riley was talking about. Then it hit her, she glanced up at the clock and saw the time was just after midnight. "Happy Anniversary, Baby." She said with a smile.

"Happy Anniversary to you too Love," she responded before leaning down to kiss Sam. "I know we'll celebrate on the date of our commitment ceremony but to me our real anniversary will always be the day we first exchanged rings. So much has happened, it's hard to believe it was two years ago today that we went on our first date."

"I know what you mean, between our move, new jobs, a new house and now our family. It's just been unbelievable and I wouldn't change a second of it for the world." Sam tearfully told Riley.

"I love you so much," Riley whispered huskily before leaning over to kiss Sam deeply. When the kiss broke she placed her head on Sam's shoulder and they both gazed over at their sleeping sons. Riley couldn't remember ever being more content than she was at that moment.

When the nurse came to check on Ryan and Shane just after 1am she found the two women entwined on the bed sound asleep. After quietly checking on the boys she slipped out the door leaving the new family sleeping peacefully.

Epilogue

Riley gazed around the room in amazement. It was the day after Christmas and the house was packed. The last four months had just flown past and so much had happened. Frank and Cheryl were here with Tommy who was about to celebrate his first birthday. She looked across the room and smiled when she caught Patrick's eye. He and Sam were sitting on the couch feeding the boys. The boys had grown so much in their first four months. Sam and Riley had quickly learned to keep them dressed in different colors. Riley grinned remembering the day they'd given them their first bath and then realized as they were dressing them they didn't know which one was which. They'd finally had to use their foot prints that had been taken at birth do figure out who was who. They were much more careful about keeping track after that. Riley looked up when someone stepped in front of her.

"Thanks Vera," She acknowledged reaching out for the offered cup of coffee. "You're not supposed to be working today," Riley gently chastised the woman. "You are here as a guest today, not to work."

Vera laughed. "Force of habit and I don't mind." She assured Riley.

That was another of the changes that had occurred since Shane and Ryan's birth. Vera had finally quit her job with Riley's uncle and come to work for her and Sam helping with the house and taking care of the boys. According to Vera it was the best thing she'd ever done and she'd never been happier.

Riley gazed landed on Kim and Jess, they were at the dining room table trying to convince a stubborn Erin to eat. Riley grinned when she caught a glimpse of Jess in profile. That one had been a shocker when Kim and Jess had announced at Thanksgiving that Jess was pregnant. At four months she was finally starting to noticeably show her pregnancy.

Riley marveled again at the changes in her life and how it had become so deeply entwined with the people in the room. She was drawn from her thoughts when a visibly shaken Vera approached with a newspaper in her hands.

"What is it Vera?" she asked rising to her feet. Conversation in the room ground to a halt.

Vera handed the paper to Riley without a word. She quickly scanned the page and gasped when she came to the article that had garnered such a reaction in Vera. "Oh god…" Riley murmured in shock sitting down abruptly when her knees threatened to buckle.

Sam quickly came over and sat down next to Riley drawing her close. "What is it Babe?"

Riley pointed to the paper unable to speak.

Sam's eyes widened as she read the headline. She looked up at everyone who'd gathered around her and Riley. Taking a deep breath she read out loud.

"A prominent LA cardiac surgeon and his wife were killed last night in an apparent drunk driving accident. According to the police report filed, Dr. Reilly Connolly and his wife Margaret Connolly had just left a Christmas party at the Westland Country Club. Their car plowed into a telephone pole and both were pronounced dead at the scene." Sam's voice trailed off.

Riley felt tears slip down her cheeks, her uncle might not have treated her well but he was still family and she would've never wanted something like this to happen. She looked up into the sympathetic eyes of her new family, Kim, Jess, Frank, Cheryl and Patrick and realized that was truly what they all were much more than her uncle and aunt had ever been. She was sorry they were gone but she knew standing in front of her was her future. She smiled through her tears when Shane and Ryan were placed in her arms and Sam held them all tightly. It brought home once again just how incredibly blessed she was.

The End

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