77. Chapter 77

I cannot believe it has been two whole years! Thank you for reading, commenting and going on this journey with me - one more chapter left after this one.

"Are you thinking about him?" Erin whispered, turning her head slightly. Jay was wrapped around her from the behind, carefully minding her injured shoulder, but neither of them had drifted off to sleep yet.

"Yeah," he replied, pressing a soft kiss to her neck, "I am."

It had taken a while to convince their little girl that Henry was safe. Erin and Jay had explained to Kate that when kids like Henry are without parents or family, they need to spend a few nights with good people like the Humphrey family. Kate had listened patiently and had expressed concerned for the little boy she had just met, worried that he would be scared like she had been at the temporary foster home. There were no tears, but Jay could sense his daughter's growing anxiety as she sat in his lap during story time. She was also reluctant to sleep in her own bed, but thankfully agreed and had fallen asleep quickly.

"I'm thinking about him too," Erin murmured, stroking his forearm gently, "He um, reminded me, of me."

Jay raised his tired eyebrows, slightly surprised that Erin would offer up an anecdote like that. As close as they were, she kept most of her harsh childhood memories repressed within. "You wanna talk about it?" he asked after a moment, his face buried in her mussed hair.

She shrugged slightly, pulling his arms closer around her frame, grateful that she wasn't looking her partner in the eye, "Bunny forgot me at school, like, all the time," Erin admitted finally, "I must have been Kate's age, maybe even a bit older, but I remember that I would wait on the bench outside with the teacher's assistant for hours while they tried to get ahold of her in the office."

Jay was quiet, allowing his girl to take her time. "One of my earliest memories is waiting inside with the teacher because it was so cold and windy and I didn't have a real winter coat. I waited," she swallowed, "And waited. And part of me just hoped she would never come get me. The school, I'm pretty sure they suspected something was up but Bunny, she knew how to play the system. There was always an excuse to why she was late, and sometimes, she'd send one of her boyfriends to get me. She'd pretend that she was caught at work as an excuse for why she reeked of booze but it was always that she'd just woken up after an all-night bender."

Instinctively, Jay held tighter. "I couldn't wait for the day that I'd be allowed to walk home alone. Seeing Henry today just reminded me of all that. And as much as I hated Bunny sometimes, I knew that going into the system was worse."

"I'm sorry you went through that," Jay whispered after Erin fell silent. "I wanted to take him home with us. Keep him safe."

"Maybe we could talk to DCFS tomorrow," Erin suggested, rolling over in Jay's arms so she could meet his gaze. His heart clenched at her watery eyes, the story she told clearly having weighed on her heart, "We are still licensed foster parents after bringing Kate home last year. And-and I know we don't have a room for him but we could figure something out. Kate literally suggested he sleep in her bed tonight." She managed a small smile despite her heavy emotions.

"I was thinking the same thing," Jay tilted his head down to kiss Erin's nose, "I can't believe it's been nearly a year since we brought Kate home."

"She's come so far," Erin mused, snuggling in closer to Jay's chest, "Watching her with Henry today was incredible."

"I think we can do it. Another kid," Jay thought out loud, "We haven't heard anything about other relatives besides his brother, but we could give him a safe place to stay for as long as he needs."

"I think so too, babe," she replied, "You think maybe we could check with Kate tomorrow too? I know she was so ready to share but I just think at some level she could feel like we wouldn't love her as much, if we added another kid to the mix."

"Of course," Jay said immediately, "Let's see what our girl thinks and then we can make the call."

"I love you," Erin mumbled, the gentle beat of her partner's heart luring her to slumber. He smiled and breathed deeply, relaxing beside his fiancé.

"Ugh," Erin groaned, dropping a lock of her hair in frustration as she stood before the bathroom mirror. Attempting to get ready for work with one arm in a sling was proving to be an incredibly difficult challenge.

"Babe? You okay?" Jay poked his head into the bathroom as he zipped his jeans. He wasn't thrilled with the fact that Erin had finagled her way into being back at work so soon, despite having been shot days prior, but at least he'd be able to keep an eye on her.

"I'm trying to keep my hair out of my face, but turns out I need two good arms to do that." She scowled at her fiancé, who was doing a remarkable job of keeping a straight face. Erin had insisted not ten minutes before that she in no way needed any assistance to get ready for work. She'd managed to get the button-down shirt on and re-fasten the sling, but jeans, socks, boots and hair were a two-hand job.

"Can I help?" Jay asked lightly, incredibly aware of how stubborn and independent his girl could be, "I can do Kate's hair, so I should probably be able to do yours."

Erin grunted and thrust the hair band at her partner. "I-I just need the top pulled back." She demonstrated with one hand, "Can you tie it?"

"Mm-hm," he replied, carefully accepting the lock of hair and band. He methodically ran his fingers through her scalp, doing his best to be gentle and soothing. Erin visibly relaxed as her fiancé pulled her hair into the style she'd been attempting. Jay pressed a kiss top her head when he had finished. "How's that look, babe?"

"Thank you," she breathed. After a moment, she turned to face him, eyes full of vulnerability and a hint of shame. "C-can you help me get ready? Please?"

"Of course," Jay offered a smile, "What can I do?"

"Pants," she said immediately, "I can't get them on with one hand."

Jay nodded and crouched down to help steady his girl while she carefully put one leg into the jeans. "I'm used to getting you out of these," he chuckled, wincing as she dug her nails into his shoulder.

"Later," Erin said dryly, closing her eyes as Jay fastened the button on her jeans, "I-I-I'm not up to it."

Instantly, Jay felt guilty. His partner had narrowly escaped death after being shot on the job a mere few days ago, and she thought all he could think of was jumping her bones. "Oh, no babe, I'm sorry." He stood quickly, eyes swimming with guilt, "I didn't mean…Of course we don't have to, while you're-"

"It's okay, Jay," she murmured, touching his chest with her good hand, "I know. Don't feel bad, please?"

"I'm so glad you're okay," he replied finally, exhaling in relief as she leaned against him. Jay kissed the crown of her head again, so grateful that he could still hold his girl closely, "I love you, so much."

"I love you," Erin mumbled against his chest, "You think you could do my hair tomorrow, too?"

"Absolutely," Jay smiled, "Ready for work?"

And after that, it became a part of their routine. Every morning before work, Jay carefully helped Erin get ready, always mindful of her injured shoulder and aching body.

"Daddy?" Kate asked softly, looking expectantly at her father while he tied back Erin's hair.

"What's up, Squirt?" He kissed the top of Erin's head, like he did every morning after finishing her hair, "You want me to do your hair like Mommy's?"

She nodded shyly. "Alrighty, let's put you up here," Jay boosted his daughter onto the bathroom counter, "Just like Mommy's?"

"Yes please," Kate glanced at her mother, "You feelin' better, Mommy?"

"I am, thank you, baby." Erin gave a tired smile. The night before, after saying good bye to the little boy that eerily reminded her of her past, Erin hadn't been feeling well. Her shoulder and her whole body ached, and Kate had been quick to recognize her discomfort. While the little girl hadn't wanted to spend the night in her own bed, she seemed to understand that her mother just needed to rest herself. Erin and Jay were consistently impressed by their daughter's perceptiveness.

"Do you think I'm gonna get to play with Henry again?"

Jay and Erin exchanged looks at the child's question. "We'd like that, baby," Erin cleared her throat, "And um, last night, Daddy and I were talking about Henry, and we are so proud of you for being so welcoming toward him."

Kate observed her parent's shared gazes, "I 'member bein' like him," she said simply, reaching a small hand to touch Jay's arm, "He was scared. And I wanted him to feel better."

"We know. And you definitely made him feel better," Jay started, "Since you remember what it's like to come to a new place."

Kate nodded, "You and Mommy made me feel better when I was scared."

Erin smiled, "That's right. And Daddy and I were thinking that it would be nice for us to make Henry feel better as well. And maybe we could see if he'd like to spend some time with our family, here."

"We could bring him home with us?" Kate looked hopefully from Erin to Jay, "And make him feel safe?"

"We'd like to," Jay continued, "We would have to talk to a few different people, and see if it would be alright with Henry, but we wanted to check with you. We love you so much kiddo, and bringing another child here wouldn't make us love you any less."

"I know that, Daddy," Kate said seriously, "You said I'm gonna be yours forever, right?"

"That's absolutely right. You are ours forever," Erin confirmed, "Would it be okay with you, if we invited Henry to stay for a while?"

"I would love that!" Kate grinned, "I could share all my toys!"

Jay and Erin exchanged grins, "That would be amazing, kiddo." Jay scooped her up in his arms, "We love you to the moon and back."

After several phone calls, DCFS determined that Henry could stay with Jay, Erin and Kate while the state continued the search for any known relatives. They had discovered that both his parents were deceased, his father by drug overdose and his mother in a gang-related shooting. DCFS was due to drop Henry off in a half hour. In the meantime, Jay was making a few calls to get a bed delivered for their new guest.

"Can Henry share my room?" Kate asked excitedly after her parents broke the news. The little girl was practically bouncing up and down with excitement, "We could have a sleepover!"

"I think that's a great idea," Erin said, unable to keep the smile off her face, "But remember, baby, Henry might be a little nervous when he gets here, since it's a brand new place."

"I know, Mommy," she replied with understanding, "I 'member."

"Got a bed," Jay announced, "Riko will be here any minute now." He offered a smile to his girls, "How's it going in here?"

"I'm glad you gonna keep Henry safe too," Kate informed her father, raising her arms so that he could pick her up, "He's gonna be lucky, just like me."

Jay kissed his daughter's cheek, "I'm glad you're excited, kiddo. My friend Riko is coming over shortly to bring a bed for Henry, and he's going to help me move some things around in your room so we can make room for the bed. Is that okay with you?"

She nodded, "He's good?"

"Very good," Jay insisted, "But if it would make you feel better, do you and Mommy want to go read a story in our bed for a bit?" He glanced over to Erin, who nodded to confirm it was a good idea.

"Yes please." Kate accepted Erin's free hand and made her way to the bedroom so that Jay and his guy could rearrange the bedroom.

"What do you think about heading for a shopping trip when Henry gets here?" Jay poked his head into the bedroom where Erin and Kate were reading on the bed, "Might be nice to pick out some new toys and games for you guys?"

"I have so many toys already Daddy," Kate told him, "But we pick some out for Henry?"

"What a great idea," Erin praised, rhythmically running her fingers through Kate's hair, "He should be here soon."

As if on cue, a knock came at the door. The little boy stood beside the DCFS caseworker, clutching the same worn stuffed dog in his tiny brown fingers. "Hi Ms. Marcus. Hi Henry, come on in," he gestured to the apartment, which was sparkling clean. He and Erin had gone a little overboard on the cleaning and even had Kate's help. They wanted to make a good first impression.

"My name is Jay, do you remember me from yesterday?" Jay sank down to meet the child's gaze.

"Is Kate here too?" Henry asked finally, glancing over Jay's shoulder to the rest of the apartment.

"She is," he smiled, "This is where Kate, Erin and I live. And we'd love it if you came to stay with us."

"Hi Henry," Erin waved, holding Kate's hand in her own, "We're so excited to have you."

Henry nodded slowly, tiny teeth appearing when he saw Kate. "Hi Kate!" he exclaimed, the nervousness in his eyes fading.

"Do you wanna come play, Henry?" Kate asked, releasing Erin's hand and reaching for Henry's, "I can show you all the toys. They're gonna be yours now too!"

"Go on and play, alright? We're just going to have a grown-up talk out here," Danielle Marcus smiled kindly at the children, who hurried to Kate's room to play. "She's great," she remarked, referring to Kate, "You must be very proud."

"We are," Jay confirmed, wrapping an arm around Erin, "So, what's next?"

Kate had made incredible strides in the year that she'd been living with Jay and Erin. Unfortunately, the trauma that poisoned the first few years of her life was always lurking beneath the surface, and seemed to rear its ugly head when they were least expecting it. In this case, it was in the elevator between floors at Target, where the family was picking out some new clothes for Henry, as well as some new toys, books and bedding. Kate's room had thankfully been large enough to accommodate a twin sized bed for Henry, and both children had been excited about the prospect of sharing.

Danielle Marcus had confirmed that the apartment, with the addition of the new bed for Henry, was up to code. She and DCFS did not know how long Henry's placement would be for, but Jay and Erin reiterated their commitment to making the little boy feel safe and loved.

Kate had been adjusting very well to the new addition, showing Henry around the apartment and introducing him to all the toys. Their trip to Target had been going swimmingly as well, until a large bearded man had joined them in the elevator, sending Kate into an almost immediate panic. She leapt into Jay's arms, catching him somewhat by surprise, though in looking at the man he was eerily reminded of his and Kate's first outing alone to the grocery store.

Henry glanced up at Kate in surprise as she clung desperately to Jay, trembling with fear. "How come Kate cryin'?" he asked Erin, who was still holding his hand but exchanging worried glances with her partner, "How come?"

"Sometimes we see things that remind us of difficult times," Erin said slowly, sinking down to meet Henry's curious gaze as her daughter shook violently in her fiancé's arms, overwhelmed with terrifying memories.

"I want to get out," Kate whispered urgently, small voice thick with emotion, "Please Daddy."

"We're almost out," he replied, rubbing her back gently, "You're okay, kiddo."

"No, we're not okay," she choked out, "Please, please."

"What's going on?" the gentleman turned to Jay and Erin, his gaze full of concern, "She alright?"

Kate let out a squeak and continued to tremble against Jay. "We're okay," Jay said quickly, "Working through a few things, but we're going to be fine."

The man exited the elevator when it stopped. Almost immediately, the little girl's heartrate decreased. "You're okay, baby," Erin soothed, her chest still tight from hearing the harsh pants of her daughter as she fought the terrifying memories, "You're okay."

"S-s-sorry," Kate wept, "I-I didn't mean to cry."

"You are allowed to cry, kiddo," Jay gently stroked her back, "I know sometimes those bad memories come back, sometimes when you least expect it."

"'ts okay, Kate," Henry looked up at his friend. Erin placed a hand on the little boy's shoulder, "I get scared too."

"What is it, babe?" Jay asked, glancing over the two sleeping children between him and his partner, "You alright?"

After an eventful day at Target, Kate had finally calmed down. The kids were visibly exhausted, as was Erin, her shoulder beginning to ache again. Jay determined that an episode of Planet Earth was in order, so he settled Henry and Kate on the couch, though they had fallen asleep almost immediately.

Erin nodded slightly and sniffed. She gave a watery smile, "I was just thinking that, that we could have missed this." She gestured to Kate and Henry, "These amazing little people have been through some of the worst life has to offer, but they survived and they're here. Sitting between you and me, safe and sound."

Jay smiled and kissed the top of her head, "And you're here too, babe. I can't believe how lucky I am."

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