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Love is a Miracle Ch. 01

By: AshiraDatya



"Mom, are you okay?" Serenity asked as Ashira put a box in the back of the mustang. Ashira smiled and nodded.

"I'm fine. I just can't believe you're going off to college," Ashira said. 

"Neither can I," Jake said, as he and Mark carried a large trunk and placing it in the back of his Explorer.

"Man, it seems like yesterday when we brought her home," Mark commented. Jake and Ashira looked at Mark for a second and laughed.

"You guys!" Serenity whined making them laugh again.

"Problems?" Gavin asked, getting out of his car and walking towards them. Serenity smiled.

"Nope, just my parents, all four of them being neurotic," Serenity answered. Gavin laughed.

"You guys have ten minutes and then we need to leave," Melinda said. Gavin led Serenity out to the deck, under the pool where Mark had installed a changing room.

"What's up?" Serenity asked, noticing the serious and nervous look on Gavin's face.

"I'll miss you," Gavin began. Serenity smiled and gave him a kiss.

"I'll miss you too," Serenity murmured. 

Gavin pressed a finger to Serenity's lips.

"Let me do this," he said, his voice shaking as he pulled a small velvet box out of his pocket.

"Gavin, is that what I think it is?" Serenity asked, her eyes wide.

"What do you think it is?" Gavin wanted to know.

"Are you asking me to marry you?"

Gavin smiled slightly but shook his head. "At least, not yet." Gavin opened the box. "It's a promise ring. I want to marry you, but I think we both know we're not ready for that," Gavin said, his voice gentle. Serenity smiled and threw her arms around Gavin's neck with a squeal. "Will you wear it?" Gavin asked. 

"I'd love to," Serenity said softly. 

Gavin kissed her as he slipped the ring on her finger. "What are you doing?" he asked, feeling her hands slide to the waist band of his jeans.

"Giving you a proper goodbye," Serenity said, a mischievous grin on her face. Gavin groaned once before helping Serenity rid both of them of their pants and undies. Serenity gasped as Gavin pushed into her, filling her completely. It didn't take long for either of them; they hadn't seen each other much in the last few weeks. 

By the time Mark was knocking on the door, both Serenity and Gavin had their clothing back on and Serenity's hair was pulled back into a ponytail. 

"What is going on in here?" Mark asked, looking suspiciously at Gavin.

"I had a gift to give to Serenity," Gavin answered. 

"Please don't tell me you're pregnant," Mark pleaded with Serenity. Gavin's eyes widened as he realized that in all of the months they had been having sex, they hadn't used a condom. 

"No dad, I'm not. Gavin gave me a promise ring," Serenity said, holding out her left hand. 

Mark looked over the opal and diamond ring.

"Just don't rush into marriage, you're both so young," Mark advised, leading them out of the changing room.

"Ready to go?" Jake asked. Serenity looked at Gavin who gave her a smile.

"Give me a minute," Serenity said softly. 

Jake nodded and he joined Ashira in the Explorer while Mark climbed in the driver's seat of the mustang. Gavin pulled Serenity into a hug. "I don't want to leave," Serenity whispered.

"Aw baby, it'll be okay. I'm only going to be a few hours away. You can call me any time you want. I love you," Gavin assured her.

"I love you too," Serenity whispered, tears streaming down her face.

"Don't cry," Gavin pleaded. He tilted Serenity's face towards his and gave her a gentle kiss. "I work until closing tonight, but call me at Heaven and let me know that you got there okay. And I've already worked it out with Mel, if you need me, all you have to do is call me and my shifts will be covered and I'll be there within four hours," Gavin promised. Serenity sniffled.

"Serenity, we have to go," Mark said gently. Gavin smiled at Serenity and gave her one last kiss.

"Go," Gavin said, rubbing his thumb over the ring on her finger. He led Serenity over to the mustang and opened the passenger door. 

"I love you," Serenity murmured. 

"I love you too," Gavin said, squeezing her hand before closing the door. 

"She'll be okay," Melinda told Gavin, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"I know, but I'm going to miss her like crazy," Gavin said before walking down the driveway, getting into his Ford Focus and driving away.

Love is a Miracle Ch. 02



 So here is the second chapter of Serenity's story; let me know what you think. 

CHAPTER TWO

Serenity finished unpacking her clothes at the same time as Jake and Mark finished bringing in her mini-fridge, microwave and computer. 

Ashira straightened. "Your bed is made and ready to go. There's time to grab lunch before orientation," she murmured as Serenity pulled out her cell phone. "For God's sakes Serenity, can you go ten minutes without thinking of Gavin?" Ashira asked, a small smile dancing across her lips.

"I just want to let him know I got here okay," Serenity told her mother. "Besides, aren't you and dad the same way?" Serenity shot back. Ashira chuckled.

"I just keep forgetting that you aren't a baby anymore," Ashira murmured. "We'll wait in the hall," she added. Serenity waited nervously for the phone to be picked up.

"Heaven, this is Mira."

"Mira, it's Serenity. I know you're probably busy, but can I speak to Gavin?" Serenity asked. She waited a moment and smiled when Gavin's voice came over the line. "I'm here, and unpacked," Serenity said, some of her anxiety lifting.

"You'll enjoy college Ser, I promise," Gavin told her.

"I'd enjoy it more if you were here," Serenity said. Gavin laughed.

"I'll be there in a few weeks, I promise," Gavin assured Serenity. "I have to go, we're getting backed up. I love you," Gavin said.

"I love you too," Serenity murmured before Gavin hung up the phone.

-Two weeks later-

"C'mon girl, what are you doing working on that homework assignment? It's Friday night!" Serenity looked up from her history book to find her roommate Josie standing over her.

"I know it's Friday night, but my boyfriend is coming up this weekend and I want to get as much homework in as I can before he gets here," Serenity said, resisting the urge to roll her eyes.

"I can't wait to meet him, he's such a hottie," Josie told Serenity. Serenity's eyes narrowed.

"Keep your claws away from him Josie," Serenity warned.

"Relax chica! I just want to meet him, not fuck him," Josie laughed. Serenity shook her head and they both looked up at a knock on the door. Josie opened the door. "Can I help you?" she asked, searching their visitor's face. 

Finally, recognition dawned on her. "You're Gavin," Josie said with a smile. He nodded as Josie let him in. 

"You're here early!" Serenity exclaimed. Gavin nodded.

"I was driving Mel crazy and she told me to get my ass out of Heaven and not come back until Tuesday," Gavin confessed. Serenity laughed.

"That sounds like Mel," she agreed.

"Heaven?" Josie asked.

"My step-mother's restaurant. Josie, this is Gavin Wells. Gavin, this is Josie LeRoux, my sex crazed roommate," Serenity introduced. 

Josie laughed. "And on that note, I have to meet Jeff for dinner and maybe more," Josie said, winking at Serenity.

The minute the door closed, Serenity locked it. "You have thirty seconds for those clothes to come off or so help me God, we'll need to go shopping," she threatened. Gavin laughed.

"I don't need that long," he said, pulling his shirt over his head and kicking off his jeans and boxers. Gavin grabbed Serenity by the waist and carried her over to the bed. He pushed her dress up over her hips and slid her thong down her legs. "I missed you," Gavin said, breathing harshly as he slid tenderly inside her.

"I missed you too," Serenity moaned, meeting him thrust for thrust. 

She cried out as he nibbled on her neck, trailing hot kisses down her neck until his lips were closing over a nipple. Serenity could feel Gavin's cock harden more and begin to pulse. "Gavin wait!" she gasped. It was too late, and Gavin came deep inside her.

"What's wrong?" Gavin asked, rolling them over to lay on their sides, still deep inside her.

"I was sick a few weeks ago and they put me on penicillin," Serenity said haltingly.

"So?" Gavin asked, confused. 

Serenity pulled away and reached into her night stand and handed him a small round packet. "What's this?" he wanted to know.

"Birth control. Mel put me on it three months before I turned eighteen," Serenity answered. 

Gavin smiled. "So what's wrong?" Gavin asked gently.

"It can sometimes be less effective when used with certain types of antibiotics," Serenity told him. Gavin sat up as Serenity's words hit him like a bucket of cold water being dumped over his head.

"I'm sorry, I should have said something," she murmured. 

Gavin swallowed. "It's okay. If anything happens, we'll deal," Gavin promised. Serenity smiled a little and popped a pill into her mouth. "You hungry?" Gavin asked, laughing as Serenity's stomach rumbled.

"Famished," Serenity said.



Love is a Miracle Ch. 03



"I can't believe you talked me into this," Serenity complained as Josie and their friend Leslie led her into a frat house.

"You've been so blue and glum since Gavin left, and while he is a major hottie, you need to have a social life," Josie said. 

"But not a frat party!" Serenity protested, her stomach churning.

"Still have that stomach flu?" Leslie asked. Serenity nodded as one of the brothers walked up to them. "Serenity, Josie, this is my brother Chris," Leslie introduced. Chris kissed Serenity's and Josie's hands. 

"It is a pleasure to be in the company of such beautiful women." Chris turned to Serenity. "Would you like to dance?" Chris asked. Reluctantly, Serenity agreed and allowed Chris to pull her to the crowded makeshift dance floor.

The next thing Serenity knew, she was waking up in Chris' room, on his bed, her skirt laying in a chair by the bed. She sat up with a gasp. "Good, you're awake. How do you feel?" Chris asked.

"Confused. What, what happened?" Serenity wanted to know.

"One of the brothers gave you some spiked punch ... it didn't agree with you and you passed out. I brought you up here to sleep it off. Don't worry, all you did is sleep. I stayed in the chair," Chris answered. Serenity breathed a sigh of relief. "I saw your ring. I should have known a girl as pretty as you would have a boyfriend," Chris said. Serenity smiled slightly. "Are you hungry?" Chris asked.

"No, not really. I should get back to my dorm," Serenity murmured. Chris nodded and watched as Serenity slid off the bed. He held out a hand as she wobbled, holding her steady. 

"You okay?" Chris asked. Serenity nodded.

"I just stood up too fast," she answered. "You're sure we didn't do anything?" Serenity asked as she pulled on her skirt.

"I swear on my life. In fact, Les was here until about an hour ago. She had to get to work," Chris promised. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Serenity, what's wrong?" Gavin asked, hearing the panic in her voice.

"I don't want to talk about it over the phone, can you come up here?" Serenity asked. Gavin sighed and looked at Melinda who was butchering a chicken for home made pot pie.

"Just tell me if you're okay," Gavin said.

"I'm okay, but I need to see you and talk to you in person," Serenity said.

"Are you ..." Gavin couldn't even finish his statement. Melinda looked up, her eyes narrowing as she realized what Gavin was asking. He let out a sigh of relief at Serenity's answer and Melinda went back to working on the chicken.

"Go to her Gavin, I'll cover you for a week," Melinda said when Gavin asked her for the time off.

"I'll see you in a few hours," Gavin promised before hanging up the phone.

"You had better be careful Gavin. If you get her pregnant, you'll have Mark and Jake waiting to tear you into pieces," Melinda warned. Gavin nodded, washed his hands and left the restaurant.

"Serenity!" Gavin exclaimed as he knocked on her dorm room door. "What's wrong?" he asked when she opened the door and let him in, his eyes widening at the sight of her red eyes.

"Josie and Leslie convinced me to go to a frat party last night," Serenity began.

"Did you have sex with someone else?" Gavin asked, his heart pounding with anticipation.

"No, but one of the frat brothers gave me some punch that was spiked. I woke up in Leslie's brother's bed. I don't remember how I got there, but Chris told me that he and Leslie brought me up there because I had a bad reaction to the punch. He also said that Leslie stayed in the room up until an hour before I woke up and that nothing happened," Serenity answered. 

Gavin pulled Serenity into a hug as her legs gave out again.

"You need a doctor," Gavin said gently. Serenity shook her head.

"I just need some sleep," she protested. Gavin carried her to the bed.

"Serenity, you're burning up!" Gavin exclaimed. 

"I'm so tired," Serenity murmured.

"Hold on," Gavin whispered, lifting Serenity back into his arms. He carried her to the car and quickly headed to the nearest emergency room.

"Why won't you tell me what's wrong with me?" Serenity demanded to know.

"I'm waiting for your parents to get here," the doctor answered.

"Doctor Hansen, I'm eighteen years old, you don't need my parents here to talk to me," Serenity said. Gavin reached for her hand and squeezed it.

"Very well. The punch was spiked with the date rape drug. When was the last time you had sex?" Doctor Hansen asked. 

"When were you here last?" Serenity asked Gavin.

"It's been four months," Gavin said with a small smile. 

"Have you had any periods of time you don't remember?" Doctor Hansen asked. Serenity nodded. "I'll need to do a pelvic to make sure you weren't raped," he told Serenity. Serenity looked at Gavin who gave her a reassuring smile.

"When was your last period?" Doctor Hansen asked.

"Um, last month; it was pretty light though," Serenity answered.

"And are you both using condoms?" Doctor Hansen inquired. Serenity shook her head. 

"But I'm on birth control. I did have a severe case of Strep throat and put on Penicillin about four and a half months ago," Serenity said. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Where's Serenity?" Ashira asked Gavin.

"She's in with the doctor. So far, all we know is that she went to a party last night and was given some punch that was spiked with the date rape drug and she had a reaction to it. The doctor is giving her a full exam and running a few tests and then he'll let Serenity go home," Gavin said, rubbing his eyes. 

He looked up as Doctor Hansen walked out into the hall.

"It'll be awhile before we have all of the test results." He turned to Gavin. "She's asking for you," he added. Doctor Hansen followed Gavin back into Serenity's room.

"What's going on?" Gavin asked.

"There are a few test results that have come back," Doctor Hansen said. Gavin slipped his hand into Serenity's and squeezed it gently. "You weren't raped, there's no sign of sexual activity. I had the lab fast track a pregnancy test due to the fact that you were on penicillin." Serenity and Gavin exchanged glances. "It came back positive. I need to do an ultrasound to find out about how far along, but going on when you said you had sex last, I'm going to say that you are about thirteen weeks pregnant," he added.

Serenity looked over at Gavin who was standing in front of the window. "Gavin, I'm sorry. I should have said something about the antibiotics when you got here," Serenity said, her eyes filling with tears. Gavin turned around with a sigh. 

"Serenity, I'm not mad at you, I'm just trying to figure things out," Gavin said. He pressed a kiss to her forehead. "How are you feeling?" Gavin wanted to know as Doctor Hansen walked back into the room.

"You were given a fairly high dose of GHB. You're actually very lucky to be alive. How much water did you drink today?" Doctor Hansen asked.

"About forty ounces," Serenity answered. Doctor Hansen nodded. "Did it hurt the baby?" Serenity asked, her voice quiet.

"We don't know. Because it's an illegal drug, it isn't allowed to be tested on pregnant women," Doctor Hansen admitted. "All of your other tests came out okay; no STDs, no other complications. I suggest setting up an appointment with an OBG/YN as soon as possible," Doctor Hansen told Serenity. "Oh, your parents are driving the nurses crazy, you might want to let them know what's going on," he added before leaving the room.

"What the hell is going on?" Jake wanted to know.

"Can we just go get something to eat and I'll tell you then?" Serenity asked. Jake studied his daughter carefully and nodded. An hour later, they were sitting in the common area of the dorm room that Serenity shared with Leslie, Chris and Josie. 

"What did you want us here for?" Josie asked.

"First, Leslie, I wanted to thank you and Chris for realizing something was wrong and getting me out of the party," Serenity said. Gavin eyed Chris from across the room.

"I didn't touch her like that," Chris said, holding his hands up in front of him. 

Gavin laughed a little. "I know."

"Chris, one of the brothers in your fraternity dosed the punch with GHB," Serenity said. 

Chris' eyes widened. 

"I'll find out which one and that person will not only be kicked out of the frat, but they'll be kicked out of school," Chris promised, before he, Leslie and Josie left.

"Serenity, stop stalling. What's wrong?" Ashira asked, growing impatient.

"How's nursing going?" Gavin asked, seeing Serenity beginning to panic a little. Ashira smiled a little; she had gone back to school to get her nursing degree and Allyson had taken over working in the tanning salon for her.

"I had a severe case of strep throat a few weeks before Gavin came to visit last time and was on penicillin," Serenity said, unable to handle the tension in the room any longer. 

Ashira looked at her daughter sharply. "Please tell me you were careful."

"Mel helped me get the pill a few months before I turned eighteen," Serenity said. Ashira glanced at Melinda who shrugged.

"Did you use a condom?" Ashira clarified. Gavin shook his head. Ashira looked at Serenity with a sigh, a look of deep disappointment on her face that softened a little when she saw the tears streaming down Serenity's cheeks. Jake and Mark looked at each other, two men clueless to all things medical and women.

"How far along?" Melinda wanted to know. Jake and Mark stared at each other, both understanding that phrase. Gavin swallowed nervously, seeing the looks of disdain on both Mark and Jake's faces.

"Stop it both of you!" Ashira snapped.

"Thirteen weeks," Serenity said softly, picking at her hamburger.

"How could you let this happen?" Jake growled.

"I didn't mean for it to," Serenity whispered.

"Nobody ever does," Mark grumbled. He gave Gavin a look that clearly stated he was going to kill him.

"Killing Gavin is not going to help this situation any," Melinda told Mark. Ashira snickered. Serenity put the burger back in the take out tray and pushed it away.

"When is the last time you ate?" Ashira wanted to know.

"Dinner last night," Serenity admitted.

"You need to eat," Ashira said gently. 

Gavin saw the fear in Serenity's face so he stood up, grabbed her hand and pulled her into one of the bedrooms.

"What do you think you're doing?" Jake demanded to know before Gavin could close the door. Gavin ignored Jake and pulled the door closed behind him.

"I'm sorry," Serenity whispered.

"Look at me," Gavin said gently. Serenity looked at Gavin and he kissed her gently.

"We'll get through this," Gavin promised.

"I don't know what to do." Gavin held Serenity as she finally fell apart. Gavin looked up as Jake opened the door and stepped inside the bedroom; Serenity's sobs had slowed and she had begun hiccuping. 

"I'm sorry daddy," Serenity managed to say. 

Jake knelt down in front of Serenity and took her hands.

"Serenity, you need to calm down. Hyperventilating isn't going to do you or the baby any good," Jake said gently, his anger forgotten. Jake turned to Gavin. "Please wait outside," Jake said. 

Gavin pressed a kiss to the top of Serenity's head and returned to the common room.

"Serenity, I know you didn't plan or expect this," Jake began, reaching for his daughter's hand. "And while I'm disappointed, I'm not angry. I love you, nothing will change that. Your mother and I will help you through this as best we can, but you and Gavin need to decide what you're going to do," Jake said.

"I'm scared," Serenity whispered. 

Jake gave Serenity a hug. "It's okay, being scared is natural. I'm going to let you sleep for a few hours, but you need to eat something soon," Jake said. Serenity nodded; Jake kissed his daughter before leaving the bedroom. 

Upon returning to the common room, Jake found Mark and Gavin in a screaming match. "Mark, enough! I'm not happy about this either, but it's done. Now, Serenity just needs our support. Now, I've told Serenity to sleep for a little while. Gavin, I want you to stay here and when she wakes up, get some food in her, I don't care if it's just chicken broth and egg noddles. She needs food. Mark, you're going to back off, and let Gavin and Serenity decide what they're going to do about the baby," Jake said, taking charge. 

"I want Gavin kept away from Serenity," Mark said stubbornly.

"Oh for the love of God Mark! By your logic, you should be made to stay away from Ashira," Melinda exclaimed. 

"Mark, Serenity's eighteen. This is her decision," Ashira said gently. Mark sighed but nodded. Everyone turned as the bedroom door opened. 

"Serenity, you should be resting," Ashira told her daughter, frowning when she saw how pale Serenity looked. 

"Please stop fighting," Serenity whispered. Mark's expression softened when he saw the hurt on his daughter's face. 

Gavin crossed the room, and took Serenity by the hand, pulling her down onto the couch. 

"You're too young to be going through this," Mark said.

"She isn't alone," Gavin said, keeping his voice calm, even though he was so angry with Mark that he wanted to scream. Mark actually smiled at that. Melinda forcefully pulled Mark from the dorm room, followed by Jake and Ashira.

"Are you okay?" Gavin asked, handing Serenity a glass of water.

"I'm so sorry Gavin. I've screwed everything up, for both of us," Serenity whispered after taking a sip.

"Sere, look at me," Gavin said gently. Serenity looked up and Gavin held her hand with the promise ring in front of her face. "I love you. I always will," Gavin assured her. Serenity sniffled and Gavin gave her a gentle hug. "What do you want to do about the baby?" he asked after a moment. 

Serenity hesitated. "I think I want to keep her," Serenity said. 

Gavin smiled. "Her?" 

Serenity shrugged. "It sounded better than it," she murmured, trying to hide a yawn.

"Go get some rest. I need to talk to Mel," Gavin said. gently. Serenity nodded and Gavin covered her up with a blanket before leaving the room. 



Love is a Miracle Ch. 04



 I do not know any of the real people mentioned in this chapter. This is a work of fiction. 



"So why do you want to leave Heaven and move to Vegas?" 

Gavin sighed. "To be honest, I don't want to leave Heaven, but I don't have much of a choice," Gavin said, trying not to fidget. He knew Serenity would flip if she found out he was sitting in front of Bobby Flay asking to work at Mesa Grill.

"Melinda has given you a glowing recommendation. If you don't want to leave Heaven, why are you here?" Bobby wanted to know.

"My girlfriend, well, fiancée actually, she's a freshman at UNLV and we just found out that she's pregnant. I can't really support either of them if I'm still in Riverside," Gavin admitted. He forced himself to look Bobby in the eyes the entire time. 

"How old are you?" Bobby asked.

"Almost twenty one. Serenity will be nineteen in May," Gavin answered. He found it increasingly difficult not to fidget under Bobby's scrutinizing stare.

"I can't give you the position you have at Heaven, but I can start you as an entry level prep cook with the ability to advance. I'll set your salary at twenty-five thousand a year. It's a little more than what the prep cooks start out at, but I've met Melinda and she speaks very highly of you," Bobby said. 

"Thank you. I'll need a few weeks to get my things moved up from Riverside," Gavin said. Bobby nodded.

"You can start the first of next month," Bobby agreed.

-2 hours later-

"Gavin, what are we doing here?" Serenity asked as Gavin led her through Caesar's Palace. Gavin grinned and pulled her into one of the wedding chapels. Serenity zeroed in on Josie, Leslie and Chris. "Gavin, what's going on?" Serenity wanted to know. 

"I know I should have warned you, but I arranged ..."

"A wedding," Serenity finished the statement for him. Gavin nodded and she sighed. "Gavin, you don't have to marry me," she told him.

"Sere, we planned on getting married, eventually," Gavin reminded Serenity.

"But after college." 

Gavin sighed. "Serenity, I want to marry you now. If you don't want to, I ..." Serenity threw her arms around Gavin's neck.

"I love you," Serenity whispered. Gavin led Serenity into the chapel where her friends and the minister waited. When they turned around Serenity gasped seeing Bobby Flay standing in the doorway of the chapel. 

Gavin suppressed a grin. "Serenity, meet my new boss," Gavin said. Serenity shook her head, it was all too much to handle in one day.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Are you sure we can afford this?" Serenity wanted to know as she watched Gavin, Jake and Mark move things into the two bedroom apartment. Gavin sat down on the couch next to her.

"Relax Serenity, I have things covered. The housing department at UNLV agreed to refund the amount of rent it would have cost for winter semester for you to live there and Melinda gave me one hell of an ending bonus," Gavin said. Melinda and Ashira looked at each other before literally dragging Serenity into the kitchen under the guise of showing them where she wanted what.

"How are you feeling?" Ashira asked.

"Overwhelmed," Serenity admitted. Melinda laughed.

"We've been there," she said.

"Where'd these pots and pans come from?" Serenity wanted to know.

"A wedding gift," Melinda answered.

"You don't have to ..." Melinda sighed.

"Serenity, you're going to need this stuff, so why not have good stuff so you don't have to replace it," Melinda said gently.

"I don't know how I'm going to do this," Serenity whispered, taking a bottle of water from the fridge.

"Serenity, if you need help, all you have to do is ask. And you need to let Gavin know how you feel. He isn't leaving you to deal with this on your own, he's here for you," Ashira said gently.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Serenity turned around as her name was called and she smiled, seeing Josie and Chris hurrying towards her. "Hey!" Serenity said.

"You look great! We haven't seen you since the wedding. How are you doing?" Josie wanted to know.

"A little tired, but not too bad," Serenity answered. It was mid February. "What classes are you taking?" she wanted to know.

"Just general ed," Josie said, wrinkling her nose. "How about you?"

"Math, Creative Writing for an elective, social sciences, a social work class, and world history," Serenity answered.

"Wow, that's a lot," Chris commented.

"I know, but I want to get as many classes as I can in before the baby comes," Serenity said with a sigh.

"Still having a hard time with this aren't you?" Josie murmured. Serenity nodded. "You look so great though," Josie said. 

Serenity laughed. "You said that already," she reminded her friend. "Will you quit staring?" Serenity grumbled. Josie pulled her eyes away from Serenity's slightly rounded abdomen.

"Sorry," Josie said sheepishly. 

Serenity looked at her watch. "I have class in ten minutes, I'll see you guys later," she said, before walking away.

Serenity walked into her creative writing class with five minutes to spare and slid in one of the desks with a sigh. One of the boys in the class grinned; he'd been watching Serenity for weeks and never saw her alone with a guy. "What are you doing tonight?" he asked.

"You're John right?" Serenity asked. John nodded. "Why do you want to know what I'm doing tonight?" Serenity wanted to know.

"Because I want to ask you out," John answered, giving Serenity a flirtatious smile.

Serenity sighed. "And why is that?" she asked, suddenly drained of all energy.

"Well, aside from the fact that you're beautiful, you look like you could be one to have a good time," John said. One of his friends laughed.

"You think I'm easy," Serenity said. John nodded. 

"You are a pregnant freshman after all," John reminded her. His friend laughed louder and gave John a high five.

"Not all pregnant college women are easy," Serenity shot back, holding out her left hand. The diamonds on her ring sparkled in the light and the opal shined. The thin diamond band behind the opal glistened. 

"You're engaged?" John asked.

"Married," Serenity snapped as the professor walked in. 

She gave Serenity a disapproving look; she had never approved of young women getting themselves knocked up while they were in college, but she did appreciate the fact that Serenity was sticking it out and hadn't dropped out. The lecture went by fast and finally, it was time for the first major writing assignment.

"I want you to write a letter to any person dead or alive, real or fictional. The letter has to be at least one hundred words and in this letter. That is the only real stipulation other than please use spell check and make sure you use the proper tenses and correct English grammar," the professor said before dismissing the class. Serenity walked up to the professor and waited for her to look up.

"Yes, what is it?" the professor asked, somewhat impatiently.

"I was wondering if you could either move me or move John and his friend that sits behind him. They have been making comments lately and they make me uncomfortable," Serenity said quietly.

"You should have thought about that before you decided to get pregnant," her professor thought. Instead she asked, "What kind of comments?"

"John asked me out because he thought that I'm easy, but I'm really not," Serenity answered.

"You're an eighteen year old college freshman and you're pregnant, it's a normal assumption," the professor pointed out. 

Serenity sighed. "I'm not easy. And I don't appreciate being called a whore by John and his friends behind my back; I can hear their whispers," Serenity said. The professor nodded; she could see the girl was getting worked up and she knew that was never a good sign.

"I'll rework the seating chart for the next class period, however, I must warn you that most people in this class probably feel the same as John and his friends do," the professor said before leaving the room.



Love is a Miracle Ch. 05



When Gavin arrive home that night, he found Serenity at her desk in the bedroom in tears. "What's wrong Sere?" he asked gently, despite his exhaustion.

"I don't know if I can do this," she whispered.

"Do what?" Gavin asked.

"Classes and a baby at the same time," Serenity said, hiccuping. Gavin pulled her in for a hug.

"You'll do fine," Gavin soothed. 

"The kids in my classes are calling me easy," Serenity sniffled. 

Gavin growled. "You are far from easy," he reminded her. 

"I know," Serenity said. Gavin hugged Serenity again and just held her, his hands resting on her rounded abdomen. They both jumped when a tiny foot pushed against his hand. "Oh my God," Serenity said softly. 

Gavin grinned. "I love you," he whispered.

"I love you too," Serenity murmured, sighing in contentment. 

"Are you sure you want to come with me?" Serenity asked.

"Does your professor ban visitors?" Gavin asked.

"No, but it'll be boring," Serenity answered.

"I'll wait in the hall; I have a book to read anyway," Gavin promised, squeezing her hand. He escorted Serenity into the class room causing the professor to look up.

"And who is this?" the professor asked.

"This is my husband Gavin Cline," Serenity said. Her professor raised an eye brow but didn't say anything.

"I won't disturb your lecture," Gavin promised as other students started pouring in.

"What's this?" John asked, finding his name on a desk far away from Serenity.

"I wanted to change things a bit," the professor answered as Gavin slipped out of the room.

Gavin smiled to himself as one of the girls in the class read her letter to Bobby Flay aloud to the class. When Serenity joined him at the end of class, he took her hand and let her lead him to the elevator. "So who wrote the letter to Bobby Flay?" Gavin wanted to know.

"That's Robin. She loves watching the food network, but her mother never lets her cook. She wants her to concentrate on a degree," Serenity answered. She could see the wheels in his head turning. "What are you planning?" Serenity asked. Gavin grinned.

"For the moment, taking you to bed," Gavin growled in Serenity's ear making her blush. When they got to the lower floor, Serenity ran smack into John and his friend Tyler. 

"Excuse us," Serenity said, trying to move away from John, but he moved where she moved, always staying in front of her.

"So you brought your pimp to class today," John sneered. Serenity's eyes widened and she moved back against Gavin who gave her shoulders a gentle squeeze.

"I'm her husband, not a pimp," Gavin growled. 

John shrugged. "Either way, you can go. I've been watching this beautiful thing all semester and I have to have her," John said, giving Serenity a grin that nearly made her heart stop from fear.

"Go to hell," Gavin snarled, placing his body in front of Serenity's. Before John could do or say anything more, Chris tapped John on the shoulder. On top of being in one of the university's most popular fraternity, Chris was the quarterback on the football team.

"Leave my friends alone," Chris told John, pulling Serenity out of the fray. Gavin gave John and his friends one last dirty look before following Chris and Serenity out of the building.

"Thanks," Gavin said after checking to make sure Serenity was okay.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Hey!" Josie exclaimed, as Serenity opened the door for her. Serenity gave her friend a big smile.

"How are you and Chris?" Serenity wanted to know.

"We're doing great, he should be here any minute now," Josie answered. Serenity grinned as Chris walked into the apartment, helping Gavin with the trays of food. Ashira and Melinda came out of the kitchen with pitchers of lemonade and punch. 

"Just set them on that table in the corner," Ashira told them. It was nearing the end of May and Serenity's friends and family were gathering for her baby shower.

Tiffany and a few of her friends from high school walked in the large meeting room that had been rented for the shower and Serenity gave each of them a big hug. "How's Bryce?" Serenity asked as Tiffany and Carrie set the gifts down on the table.

"Bryce is good. He's charming all of the girls at MIT," Tiffany said with a grin. Serenity laughed.

"Look at you!" Serenity turned to see her mother's friend Sunshine coming towards her.

"Aunt Sunny!" Serenity exclaimed, drawing her mother's attention. Ashira and Melinda stopped fussing with the food and hurried to greet their friend.

"How's Trevor and the kids?" Ashira wanted to know. Sunshine laughed.

"Trevor misses the beach and the kids are driving me crazy, but they're great," Sunshine answered. "Damn! I can't believe you're old enough to have a baby. I remember changing your diapers," Sunshine mused. 

"I know, tell me about it," Ashira agreed. When everyone finally arrived, Gavin and Chris waved to the girls and ducked out.

"Chicken!" Serenity shouted after Gavin who grinned.

"You'd better believe it," he called back, Chris laughed loud and hard and made Serenity giggle. 

Before Ashira could start with the games, the door opened to reveal Stephanie March, Bobby Flay's beautiful wife. "Thank you for coming," Serenity said shyly, almost nervously. Stephanie smiled.

"I don't normally, but Bobby has said so many good things about Gavin that I thought I'd come for a little while," Stephanie said.

By the time Gavin and Chris came back to pick Serenity up, she was exhausted and Ashira had made her sit down while she, Sunshine and Melinda cleaned up.

"Looks like quite a haul," Gavin commented as Chris whistled. 

"Yeah, you guys go lucky. You got a lot of diapers," Ashira said with a grin. Gavin chuckled.

"But no crib," Serenity said sleepily from her chair. Gavin sighed. He knew that would be the hardest thing for them to get right now; every dollar they had was already reserved for rent, utilities or food.

"You did get almost three hundred dollars in gift cards to various stores, maybe you can get a crib with them," Melinda pointed out. Serenity nodded once and watched as Chris and Gavin began moving things to the back of his Focus. By the time they arrived at the apartment, Serenity was nearly asleep and Gavin had to help her inside. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Serenity sat up with a low moan and looked at the clock. "What in the world made me wake up at four thirty in the morning?" she wondered, looking over at Gavin. Gavin was partially on his stomach, snoring lightly. Serenity gasped as pain rushed through her. "Gavin," Serenity said, pushing lightly on his shoulder.

"Go back to sleep Sere, I just got to sleep," Gavin protested, rolling over.

"Gavin, wake up!" Serenity said more urgently. Gavin sat up, sighing heavily.

"What's wrong?" he asked, rubbing sleep from his eyes. Serenity couldn't answer; the pain of the contraction had her in it's tentacles. Gavin's eyes widened as he realized what was happening. Gavin slid out of bed and pulled on his jeans and tee shirt that he had tossed on the floor by the bed just an hour and a half earlier. 

As Gavin helped Serenity out of bed, he noticed her nightgown was soaked.

"Oh God!" Serenity moaned, clutching Gavin's arm.

"Just breathe, you'll be fine," Gavin said, distractedly. He helped Serenity find her flip flops before slipping his feet into his own sandals and helped her out of the apartment and into the elevator.

"I'm scared," Serenity whispered. Gavin hugged her gently as they waited for the elevator to take them to the parking garage. 

Gavin waited impatiently for the doctor to allow him into the delivery room and when the doctor finally let him in, he practically ran into the delivery room. "How are you doing?" Gavin asked, slipping his hand into Serenity's.

"Still scared, but better," Serenity murmured. Gavin looked up as the anesthesiologist walked in. 

"I hear you want an epidural," he said. Serenity nodded as the anesthesiologist went over the risks and benefits and signed the consent form he handed her. Gavin held Serenity's hands as she leaned over the side of the bed. She winced as she felt the needle being inserted into her back. 

"Breathe," Gavin murmured in her ear, rubbing the back of Serenity's hands with his thumbs. 

"Okay Serenity, now we need for you to lay still for us and the doctor will be in to check on you soon," the nurse said, helping Gavin get Serenity back into the bed before leaving the room.

"Have you called my mom?" Serenity asked, wincing a little as a contraction hit.

"No, not yet," Gavin admitted, pulling out his cellphone. When he hung up, Gavin turned back to Serenity. "She'll call Mark and they'll be on your way," Gavin said, sitting on the side of the bed. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gavin opened the door and grinned when he saw Ashira, Jake, Mark and Melinda waiting impatiently. Gavin let them in and stayed back by the door so that Serenity could have some time with her parents. "Hi mom," Serenity said quietly. Ashira's eyes were filled with tears as she saw her oldest daughter holding her own little baby. 

"What'd you have?" Mark asked finally. Melinda smacked Mark in the shoulder.

"A little boy," Serenity answered with a small smile. She searched for Gavin and locked eyes with him when she saw him the back of the room. Serenity tried to hide her yawn but Ashira saw it and smiled gently.

"We'll go check into a hotel and come back later," Ashira told Serenity. Gavin sat on the edge of the bed after the parents had left and reached for Serenity's hand and kissed it gently.

"I love you," Gavin murmured. 

"I love you too," Serenity said, sighing as the baby started to fuss. Gavin took him from Serenity and rocked him gently. Serenity smiled as the baby quieted down instantly.

"We need to think of a name for him," Gavin said. Serenity nibbled on her lip thoughtfully. "What was your grandfather's name?" Gavin asked.

"Joshua," Serenity answered.

"My grandfather's name was Charles," Gavin said, placing the now sleeping baby in his bassinet. 

"Joshua Charles?" Serenity suggested. Gavin smiled.

"Sounds perfect," Gavin agreed. 

"Joshua Charles Cline," he murmured, pressing a kiss to Serenity's forehead. "Get some sleep love," he added, standing up.

"Where are you going?" Serenity asked, sitting up.

"I'm going to call the restaurant and let them know that I'm not coming in today, and then I'll be right back," Gavin promised. 



Love is a Miracle Ch. 06



CHAPTER SIX

"Mom, you don't have to stay," Serenity said as she changed Joshua's diaper.

"I know, and I won't stay long, I just want to make sure that you're okay," Ashira murmured, Serenity smiled at Joshua who had started crying again. Ashira handed Serenity a burp cloth and watched her daughter sink into a rocking chair and begin nursing her new son.

Ashira was feeding Joshua when Gavin got home from work later that night, and despite his exhaustion, Gavin sank down on the couch next to his mother. "Long day?" Ashira asked sympathetically. Gavin nodded.

"I hate working the late shift because I don't get in till like 3 and I'm always tired," Gavin complained.

"But you're the newbie?" Ashira asked. Gavin nodded.

"And I get to work the shitty hours," Gavin said, running a finger down his son's nose.

"There is some spaghetti in the fridge, go heat some up," Ashira suggested.

"Thanks but I think I'm just going to get some sleep. I have to be at work at noon," Gavin said. Ashira nodded and watched Gavin trudge into his bedroom.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"What the hell is this?" Gavin looked up as a pan was placed in front of him.

"I didn't cook that," Gavin said, as he continued to chop carrots. "I've been chopping vegetables all afternoon," he added. Despite his exhaustion, Gavin was doing his best to cook the best he knew how.

"Did you send it?" the other chef asked. Gavin straightened up.

"Look Peter, I haven't done anything but chopped vegetables. I haven't sent any food out," Gavin snapped.

"What the hell has gotten into you?" Peter wanted to know. Gavin took a deep breath.

"I'm sorry for snapping, but Brandon has me working some crazy hours and Serenity had the baby a few weeks ago, and he's up every few hours and my mother left yesterday," Gavin apologized. Peter chuckled. "I've been there. I'll talk to Brandon about getting you some more parent friendly hours," Peter said. "Now, do you have any idea on who cooked this?" Peter asked.

"Believe it or not, Brandon was making the fish," Gavin answered.

Serenity looked up as Gavin walked into the apartment. "You're home early!" she exclaimed softly, pressing her fingers to her lips. 

"I talked to Peter and he met with Brandon. I'll be working 10 to 6 from now on," Gavin said, pulling Serenity to him and giving her a gentle kiss.

"It'll be good to see you," Serenity teased. Gavin laughed.

"How are you doing?" Gavin asked.

"I'm tired, but good," Serenity answered, leaning into Gavin with a contented sigh. 

"I love you," Gavin murmured. Serenity smiled.

"I love you too," she said softly.

"What are you making?" Gavin wanted to know.

"A hamburger, would you like one?" Serenity asked.

"Only if I don't have to cook it," he said with a laugh. Serenity grinned.

"I'll make it," Serenity assured him. "Go sit down and watch some television and we'll eat in the living room tonight," she added. Gavin kissed Serenity on the cheek and headed into the living room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Why so quiet?" Jake asked Ashira as she lounged on the couch. Allyson and Dylan were at work and on a date respectively and Sara was at a friend's house for a sleep over.

"I can't believe that Serenity is a mom now," Ashira said. Jake sighed.

"You and me both," Jake agreed. "Why the tears?" Jake wanted to know.

"I don't know," Ashira admitted. Jake laughed and gave Ashira a tight hug.

"I love you," Jake murmured, pressing a kiss to Ashira's lips. Ashira moaned and kissed Jake back. Jake quickly removed both his clothes and Ashira's clothes before sliding deep inside her. Ashira met Jake thrust for thrust as Jake nibbled lightly on one of Ashira's breasts. 

Ashira cried out, the sensations overwhelming her. "You're so beautiful," Jake said with a groan as he came deep inside her. They lay, wrapped in each other's arms until Allyson knocked on the wall near the living room. Ashira and Jake pulled apart and pulled the blankets up over them as Allyson walked into the living room.

"I could have gone a million years without seeing this," Allyson complained. 

Ashira laughed.

"What's up sweetie?" Ashira asked.

"I got a letter from Harvard," Allyson said. 

"And?" Jake asked impatiently, reaching for Ashira's hand under the blankets.

"I got in!" Allyson shrieked. Ashira smiled.

"That's great sweetie. Why don't you go into the kitchen and we'll be there in a minute," Jake suggested.

Allyson sprinted down the hall and Ashira started pulling her clothes on. "Can't you just stay the way you are?" Jake grumbled. 

Ashira laughed. "I don't think Ally wants to see her parents naked," Ashira teased. Jake chuckled and pulled on his clothing before following his wife down the stairs.

"Serenity, wait up!" Josie shouted from behind her. Serenity stopped and turned around.

"Hey," Serenity said with a grin.

"How have you been?" Josie wanted to know.

"Not too bad. I just dropped Josh off at the daycare center and I'm heading to class," Serenity answered.

"What class?" Josie asked.

"Jewish literature. I promised my mom I'd take at least one class that mentioned Judaism in one way or another," Serenity said with a grin. "

"I'm taking that class too for my cross cultural," Josie said.

"Sweet. Do you have a class after that or can you get lunch?" Serenity asked.

"Next class isn't until two," Josie answered.

"Awesome. How are things with you and Chris?" Serenity wanted to know.

"They're not going too badly. He's been trying to talk me into meeting his parents," Josie said as they walked into the building. 

Serenity swallowed a groan of displeasure when she saw John sitting in the lecture hall. "I hear this is one of the easier cross cultural requirements," Josie whispered.

The professor walked in and began passing out the syllabus and Serenity was relieved to see that the first book they would be reading and talking about was Leon Uris' Exodus. 

"My name is Professor Weinberg. Has anyone here read Exodus before?" the professor asked. Serenity was the only one who raised her hand. "What made you read it?" Professor Weinberg asked.

"My mother loved the book growing up; she read it in high school," Serenity answered.

"What is your name?" Professor Weinberg wanted to know.

"Serenity Cline." 

"You are Jewish?" the professor asked.

"Yes. My mother's maiden name is Cohen," Serenity answered. The professor smiled.

"We will first talk about the author a little bit because the background of the author is a critical part of the story itself. While we are reading Exodus, we will be reading some poems written by famous Jewish authors; the poetry will be read and discussed in class. We will be starting first with the poem The New Colossus," Professor Weinberg continued. "Can anybody tell me the importance of the poem before we begin reading it?" he asked. Serenity waited to see if anyone raised their hands and when nobody did, she raised hers. "Yes Miss Cline?"

"It was written for a writing competition and it's on the base of the Statue of Liberty," Serenity answered.

"Show off," John coughed into his hand.

"Do you have a problem with Ms Cline?" Professor Weinberg asked.

"Other than she's a little whore, no, not at all," John said with a smirk. Serenity wanted to disappear into the floor.

"She isn't a whore John; she's married with a child. Last time I checked, that doesn't make one a whore," Josie defended her friend.

"That's enough," Professor Weinberg said. He finished going over the syllabus and read The New Colossus aloud. "Now, John, what do you make of the poem?" Professor Weinberg wanted to know.

"That writing in 1886 sucked," John said laughing. 

Serenity rolled her eyes. The professor shook his head.

"You're so full of shit John. The poem was written as part of a competition. They wanted to find something to put on the Statue of Liberty; the words, "Give me your tired, your poor" and the fact that the statue of liberty was placed on Ellis Island where immigrants first enter the United States pretty much states to the world that anyone who is oppressed and wants to make a better life for their family in the United States is welcome to come here and start over," Serenity said, her eyes glowing with annoyance.

By the time the class let out, Serenity felt like she had just been through a battle. "God he is such a retard," Josie commented with a grin. Serenity laughed as they walked to the bookstore to buy their books. "Aren't you gonna buy Exodus?" Josie asked.

"I already have two copies," Serenity said with a grin. They paid for their books and headed towards the food court. Serenity chose beef and broccoli with white rice and waited for Josie who grabbed a hamburger and fries before finding a table. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Hey, how was class?" Gavin asked as he walked into the apartment. He frowned when he didn't get an answer. Josh was napping in his pack and play in the living room so Gavin tip toed towards the bedroom to find Serenity asleep, surrounded by unfolded clothes. Gavin pushed the clothes over and sat down next to Serenity, shaking her awake. "Hey," Gavin said softly as Serenity's eyes fluttered open.

"Gavin, what time is it?" Serenity asked, rubbing her eyes and sitting up.

"Six thirty," Gavin answered with a grin. Serenity gasped. 

"I haven't made dinner!" Serenity started to slide off the bed but Gavin shook his head.

"Don't worry about it," Gavin said gently. "We'll order a pizza. Josh is still asleep, you can relax and I'll fold the clothes," he added.

"But you've been working all day," Serenity protested.

"And today was the first day of fall semester. I can come home and help out even if I've worked all day," Gavin said with a smile. Serenity smiled back and watched as Gavin called and ordered a large pizza before folding the clothes. "So how were your classes?" Gavin asked as he put the last pair of socks away.

"Not bad. Josie is in my Jewish lit class, but so is that obnoxious ass John," Serenity answered. Gavin growled. "Has he started anything?" Gavin asked.

"He called me a whore, but Josie stuck up for me and the professor told him he had to write an essay about the first four chapters of Exodus and have it turned in before class starts on Wednesday," Serenity said. Gavin laughed and stretched out on the bed next to Serenity.

"You're so beautiful," Gavin murmured before kissing Serenity gently. 

"No I'm not. I have stretch marks all over me," Serenity complained when Gavin broke the kiss. 

Gavin chuckled softly. "Show me." His eyes were dark with passion as he watched Serenity pull off her skirt and tank top. Gavin traced the stretch marks on Serenity's hips with his lips and when he reached her vagina. Serenity moaned as Gavin's tongue danced inside her. "Gavin!" Serenity gasped as he inserted two fingers into her. Gavin chuckled, sending vibrations rumbling through her causing Serenity to arch her back with a low moan. Gavin quickly pulled his pants and boxers off and thrust into Serenity gently, stretching her. Serenity winced a little; they had only had sex a few times since Josh was born and Serenity was still very tight. 

"I love you so much," Gavin moaned, thrusting hard and fast; Serenity met him thrust for thrust and came with a shaky scream as Gavin shot his seed deep within her.

"I love you too," Serenity managed to say as she came down from her high. 

"Did I hurt you?" Gavin asked as he gently pulled out of Serenity. He reached for his clothes, knowing that the pizza would be there soon.

"A little, but I'm okay," Serenity assured Gavin. Gavin smiled and tossed Serenity her shirt and skirt as Josh began to cry. 

"Dinner time," Gavin joked. Serenity laughed and pulled on her clothing before heading to the living room. By the time Gavin returned to the living room with the box of pizza, Serenity was sitting in the rocking chair nursing Josh. Gavin smiled and set a piece of pizza and a glass of apple juice on the table between the couch and the rocker. "I can't believe how big he's getting," Gavin marveled. 

Serenity nodded. "I know. It's so weird, being a mother. I never expected this, at least so soon," Serenity murmured.

"Do you regret having him?" Gavin wanted to know. Serenity looked down at Josh who's blue eyes locked with hers and she smiled.

"Not for a second," Serenity said. Gavin smiled back and ran his hand over Josh's head who looked at his father with a look that said, "I'm eating, go away." Gavin and Serenity both laughed. 

"I love you," Gavin said softly. Serenity smiled again.

"I love you too." They ate in silence until Josh fell asleep. Serenity gently pried him off of her breast and handed him off to Gavin to be burped. "Would you mind if I went and started on some homework?" Serenity asked after a few minutes. 

"Go ahead," Gavin said, grinning as Josh let out a huge burp. Serenity laughed and took her plate and juice into the bedroom and sat down with her History book and began reading the assigned chapter. When Gavin walked into the bedroom an hour later, he found Serenity asleep, using the book as a pillow. "Sere," Gavin said, shaking her gently. Serenity woke up and looked around through sleepy eyes. "C'mon love, let's get some sleep," Gavin said softly.

"Can't, have too much homework," Serenity mumbled.

"Serenity, get some sleep. I have tomorrow off and I know you don't have class tomorrow, except for your online class. I'll take care of Josh tomorrow; you've got bottled breast milk for a couple days, go to sleep," Gavin repeated. He put a slip of paper between the pages and set the book on the desk, then took the back pack from the bed and placed it in the chair. "Serenity, get some sleep," Gavin insisted. Serenity gave a small smile and slid under the covers, falling asleep almost the moment her head hit the pillow. Gavin pulled the pillow up over her before sliding into bed next to Serenity. He smiled as Serenity rolled over towards him and he wrapped his arms around her and held her as she slept. 



Love is a Miracle Ch. 07



CHAPTER SEVEN

"You're late Ms. Cline," Professor Weinberg said, looking at his watch as Serenity flew into the lecture hall.

"What's the matter Serenity? Did your pimp try to prevent you from leaving?" John sneered. Serenity slammed her books on a desk and whirled around to face John. "Listen, you chicken shit poor excuse of a man. I am  NOT  a prostitute, I am married and I have a child. The reason I am late is none of your business!" Serenity exclaimed, her temper flaring. 

"Settle down woman, jeez," John said, his cheeks turning pink. "I bet she didn't even have the time to do the assignment," he said to his friend next to him.

"For your information, you moron, I've read this story so many times that I've worn out two copies of it. Ask me anything," Serenity challenged. She was exhausted, but she was also pissed. It was not this moron's place to judge her.

"That is enough, everyone. Ms. Cline, please try to be on time from now on," Professor Weinberg said. Serenity sat down and glanced at Josie who gave her a sympathetic smile. "Mr. Wilson, tell me, who are Mark Parker and Kitty Freemont and what do they mean to each other?" Professor Weinberg.

"Mark is an American reporter and Kitty is an American nurse," John answered.

"Yes, but do they know each other? And if they do, what do they mean to each other?" Professor Weinberg asked.

"I don't know," John admitted. "Maybe Serenity could tell us since she claims to have read the book so many times," he added. Serenity looked at Josie and grinned.

"Ms. Cline?" Professor Weinberg asked.

"Kitty and Mark went to the same high school; Kitty was a few years younger than Mark. She dated Mark's best friend Tom. When Tom and Mark went off to college, Kitty's parents thought that'd be the end of Tom and Kitty, but she ended up going to the same college. She and Tom got married. When Tom was killed during the second world war and Kitty's and Tom's daughter died, I can't remember of what illness at the moment, Kitty went crazy. She finally found herself on Cyprus to apply for working in a child's orphanage as a nurse. She met up with Mark again. 

They took their relationship past friends, until Mark and Kitty met with Ari Ben Canann, an operative of Mossad Aliyah Bet. They both asked Kitty to help the children in Carolos; an internment camp set up by the British to keep the victims of the Shoah from entering Erez Israel so that they didn't piss off the Arabs," Serenity said. 

"Yeah right," John muttered at the same time that Professor Weinberg said, "Well done Ms. Cline." The look on John's face was priceless.

When class ended, Josie and Serenity left the lecture hall, and giggled when John passed them without saying a word. "That was awesome! When is the last time you actually read the book?" Josie wanted to know.

"It's been several years," Serenity admitted. Josie laughed again.

"That's awesome," Josie said. 

"Serenity!" a familiar voice called from behind them. Serenity turned around to see her sister Allyson hurrying towards them.

"Ally, what are you doing here? Does mom and dad know you're here?" Serenity wanted to know.

"No, well, not exactly," Ally muttered.

"What's going on?" Serenity asked, folding her arms over her chest.

"I've run away," Ally admitted.

"What? Why?" Serenity asked, her eyes narrowing.

"Because Dad's being totally unreasonable." 

Serenity grinned. "He doesn't want you to date does he?" Serenity asked. 

"No. He flat out told me I couldn't see Bobby any more," Ally answered.

"Why? He always seemed so nice," Serenity was genuinely surprised. 

Her father had always approved of the boys that Ally brought home.

"He caught us making out," Ally admitted.

"Allyson!" Serenity said with a grin.

"What? I'm old enough to make out with a boy. I still had my jeans on!" Ally exclaimed. Serenity started to laugh and her laughter turned to a sigh when her phone ring.

"Hi mom," Serenity said. Allyson began making hand signs.

"Don't tell her," she pleaded silently.

"Ally? Why would I have seen Ally?' Serenity asked. Josie took Ally by the shoulder and turned her towards the food court. Serenity nodded and watched her friend walk away with her sister. "Actually, yeah, I have seen her. She's here. Josie's taking her for lunch now," Serenity said.

"Is she okay?" Ashira asked.

"Other than pissed at dad for telling her she can't see Bobby anymore, she's fine," Serenity answered. "Please tell me she was just making out. Ally said she still had her pants on," Serenity added.

"Yes, she did, but you know your father. And after you got pregnant, he swore that Ally and Sara won't ever be allowed to date," Ashira said with a laugh.

"Oh for crying out loud, he's impossible," Serenity grumbled.

"Agreed. I'll be there in a few hours to pick up your sister," Ashira said.

"Okay, see you later," Serenity murmured before hanging up the phone and turning to join her sister in the food court.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Serenity, where are we going?" Ally wanted to know as she followed her sister through the mall.

"Hello Allyson," Ashira said from a table in the center of the mall.

"You called them?" Allyson asked, her eyes wide with anger.

"Yes I called them you silly goose. Dad may have over reacted a little, but that doesn't give you the right to run away from home," Serenity said gently.

"Oh just because you're a mother, you think you know everything, Miss Maturity!" Allyson exclaimed, hot tears rolling down her cheeks. Serenity sighed.

"No, I don't. But mom and dad love you and dad will get over it, but you running away, makes things ten times worse," Serenity murmured.

"But I want to be able to see Bobby," Allyson whispered.

"We'll see Allyson," Ashira said, giving her daughter a stern look. Ashira turned her attention to her grandson and smiled. "There's my boy," she cooed, reaching for him. Serenity laughed and handed him over. "How are you guys doing?" Ashira asked Serenity.

"We're okay. Exhausted most of the time, I fell asleep at like 7 doing homework, but we're making it," Serenity answered.

"Your sister got into Harvard," Ashira told Serenity, giving her daughter a sympathetic and understanding smile.

"That's great!" Serenity said with a wide grin. 

"OOOHHHH, look at that!" Allyson squealed, looking at a popular baby's store.

"It's adorable, but I have a boy, not a girl, and I don't want to think about getting pregnant again for a long, long time," Serenity said. Ashira laughed.

"I'm glad to hear that," Ashira told her daughter. Josh started to fuss and Serenity looked at her watch.

"Oops, it's dinner time," Serenity said with a sigh. Ashira laughed. 

"You girls go back to the apartment, I'll stop off at the store and pick up some stuff and make you and Gavin a nice dinner," Ashira said.

"Thanks mom," Serenity said with a grateful smile.

"Sere?" Gavin asked walking into the apartment an hour later; coming to a dead stop when he saw Ashira standing in the kitchen. "Is Serenity and Josh okay?" Gavin wanted to know.

"They're fine. Ally ran away because Jake told her she couldn't see her boyfriend anymore. I came up to get her. Ally's playing with Josh in his room and Serenity is either catching up on homework, soaking in the tub or taking a nap," Ashira assured her son. Gavin breathed a sigh of relief as Allyson came out of the bedroom, Josh in her arms. His eyes lit up when he saw his father and reached his arms up towards Gavin who grinned and took Josh from Allyson.

"Let's go check on mommy," Gavin said softly. Gavin opened the door to his bedroom and smiled when Serenity looked up from her books and gave a small smile. 

"How was your day?" Gavin asked, sitting down on the bed.

"Not too bad. John really made himself look like an ass today," Serenity said, stretching.

"Good, because he is one," Gavin said laughing as Josh made a weird face. "What in the world?" Gavin asked.

"He's been doing that all day," Serenity said, getting up from the desk and putting her books neatly in a pile.

Gavin chuckled again. "Whatever your mom is making smells awesome so lets go eat," Gavin suggested. Serenity nodded and followed her husband and son into the tiny dining room.

"So how mad was Jake at Ally?" Gavin asked hours after Ashira and Allyson had left for home.

"How mad would you be?" Serenity counter questioned.

"I don't know, we don't have a daughter, unless there's something you aren't telling me," Gavin answered, raising an eyebrow.

"No!" Serenity exclaimed. Gavin chuckled. "He was plenty pissed, however, I think dad was even more pissed by the fact that Bobby showed up with an engagement ring just after Mom and Ally got home," Serenity answered.

"She's only what, seventeen?" Gavin asked in surprise.

"She'll be eighteen in two weeks. And Bobby not only brought over an engagement ring, he asked dad's permission to marry Ally; he wants to take care of her," Serenity added.

"That's old fashioned," Gavin said, shaking his head.

"Yeah," Serenity agreed, nibbling on a potato chip. Josh had long since gone to bed, sleeping for the longest stretch of time ever as of yet. Gavin grabbed a handful of potato chips and popped one into his mouth. "How's work going?" Serenity wanted to know.

"Not too bad, however, I'd love to do what Mel did and open my own place. Just a little mom and pop shop, or something," Gavin answered.

"Do you think a diner would go over well where there are all of these fancy restaurants like Mesa?" Serenity asked.

"I think there is a market for places that have home style cooking and not all the fancy stuff," Gavin answered.

"Well, if we win the lottery," Serenity said with a grin. Gavin laughed.

"Yeah, I hear ya," he said, popping another chip in his mouth before taking a long drink from his soda can. 

Serenity lay her head on Gavin's shoulder and sighed contently when he put his arms around her and pulled her closer. "I love you," Gavin murmured. Serenity giggled a little when his fingers brushed down her arms like someone running a feather over them.

"I love you too," she whispered, tilting her face towards his. Gavin captured her lips with his own; the taste of coca-cola mingled with the taste of sour cream and onion chips. She moaned as Gavin roughly pulled down her shorts and panties and let them drop to the floor. "Gavin, here?" Serenity asked, panting as Gavin pulled away long enough to pull off her tee-shirt as well as his own clothes.

"I don't want to wait," Gavin groaned, pushing Serenity back onto the couch and thrusting into her hard and fast causing Serenity to moan again. "I love you Serenity," Gavin bit out, pulling her into him, pushing as far into her as he could.

"Gavin," Serenity whispered, meeting him thrust for thrust, moans of pleasure flowing from her like water. Gavin gave a guttural moan as he emptied inside of Serenity causing her to cry out loudly.

Serenity winced a little as Gavin pulled out of Serenity gently. "Are you okay?" Gavin asked. Serenity nodded. "Yeah," she murmured.

"Too rough?" Gavin asked. He chuckled softly when Serenity nodded. "Sorry love," Gavin apologized. Serenity grinned and lunged for him.

"Sorry? For what? For loving me?" Serenity asked, pushing Gavin gently off the couch.

"Hey now," Gavin said laughing as his back it the floor and Serenity straddled him. 

"You seem like you haven't had enough," Serenity purred, running her fingertips down his shaft.

"I could never have enough of you, even if you killed me," Gavin groaned as Serenity lowered herself over him. 

He reached up and nibbled a nipple gently as his hands went to her hips and helped get her moving. Gavin closed his eyes and moaned as Serenity pushed his hands away and took charge; grinding against him. "What has gotten into you?" Gavin managed to ask between moans. 

Serenity gave a wicked grin. "You," she purred, nibbling on his ear lobe. Gavin chuckled and closed his eyes; he could feel his orgasm building.

"Sere." Serenity grinned as Gavin moaned again. "You're killing me." Serenity grinned again as she re-positioned herself over him and reached back and fondled his sack lightly with her fingers. Gavin let out a hoarse groan as he shot his seed deep inside Serenity. His orgasm spurred Serenity's and she came out with a loud moan before collapsing over him. Gavin placed a hand on the back of Serenity's head and began running his fingers through her hair. 

They lay there together for several minutes before Gavin rolled Serenity onto her side. "You okay?" Gavin asked, nibbling on her neck.

Before Serenity could say anything, Josh started fussing in his crib. "Let him cry," Gavin said as Serenity started to stand up. She looked like she wanted to protest. "Sere, just lay here for another minute," Gavin murmured, reaching for her hand.



Love is a Miracle Ch. 08-09



CHAPTER EIGHT

"Dad, you're over reacting!" Allyson whined.

"Over reacting? I told you you couldn't see your boyfriend so you ran away to your sister?" Jake exclaimed.

"I needed some advice. Mom always sides with you over the rest of us, and I just needed to talk to my sister!" Allyson was practically in tears.

"And what's wrong with Sara?" Jake asked jokingly.

"Dad, she's only ten! Do you really want me to talk to her about boy stuff?" Allyson asked. 

Jake thought for a moment. "Are you a virgin?" he asked.

"Dad!" Allyson exclaimed.

"Answer the question Ally, it's a fair question for your parents to ask," Ashira said, walking into the room. Jake folded his arms over his chest as he waited for his daughter to answer.

"I don't see why that's important," Allyson said.

"Ally, answer the question. Your answer will determine if we let you go back out with Bobby," Jake said, trying to keep his voice calm.

"Bobby and I have never had sex," Ally answered with a sigh.

"What about with any of your exs?" Jake asked.

"Dad! I have NEVER had sex with anyone. Making out with Bobby is the closest I've ever come to sex," Allyson answered grumpily.

"Have you thought about it?" Jake wanted to know.

"Dad! I'm eighteen, of course I've thought about it. What red blooded teenager hasn't thought about sex? I bet you were having sex at eighteen, and I know mom was," Allyson said, her voice full of frustration. Ashira gave Jake a look and he finally chuckled.

"Ally, if you promise that you and Bobby will be careful, and I don't mean driving. I really don't want you having sex with Bobby, not unless there are two rings on your finger, but if you do have sex, and realistically, I know at some point you will, don't just rely on the pill," Jake said finally. 

"So Bobby and I can go to the movies and to dinner?" Ally asked. 

Jake nodded. "Be back by midnight," Jake told Allyson with a small smile. Allyson threw her arms over Jake's neck and gave him a tight hug.

"Thank you daddy!" she squealed before running off to her room to get ready. 

Ashira smiled and gave Jake a kiss before he headed to the back yard to start the grill, shaking his head and sighing as he walked.

"Mom? What's the big deal about wanting to go out with Bobby? I mean boys are kind of gross," Sara asked as her mother passed her room. 

Ashira burst out laughing. "I'll remind you that you said that in five or six years," she managed before walking into the kitchen to start the prep work for dinner.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Ms. Cline!" Professor Weinberg called as Serenity started to walk out of the lecture hall. Serenity stopped and walked over to the desk. "Mr. Wilson, I need for you to stay for a moment as well," he added. John sighed but stood next to Serenity in front of the professor. "Mr. Wilson, your exam on the first section of "Exodus" was awful. Ms. Cline, you had the top grade in the glass. I know the two of you have had some issues, and what they are, and what caused them, I don't care. Ms. Cline, I need for you to tutor Mr. Wilson. Mr. Wilson, if you do fail the next exam, I strongly advise that you drop this class," he added. Serenity sighed.

"Professor, can't someone else tutor John? I have a lot on my plate right now, and I don't really have the extra time," Serenity protested.

"If Mr. Wilson passes the next exam, I'll give you an additional twenty points on yours," Professor Weinberg said. Serenity sighed again and looked at John.

"On one condition," Serenity said. "John, if you even look at me with disrespect, you're on your own," she added.

"I can't afford to fail. My dad told me if I fail one more class, he's going to stop paying for school," John said with a sigh.

"Good. I suggest you get started soon; the next exam is in a week and a half," Professor Weinberg said before leaving the lecture hall.

"So when do we start?" John asked. Serenity motioned for John to wait a minute as she dialed the number to Gavin's cell phone. 

"Hey Gav, it's me. My professor just instructed me to tutor John in this Jewish lit class. I have a week and a half to make him understand the material enough to pass the class. Are you working late tonight?" Serenity asked. She laughed a little. "Yeah, I know, neither am I. No, it's my short day today, I was actually about to go pick up Josh. When are you planning on getting home? I'll pull some chicken out of the freezer. No, I don't need you to come home early. I'll be fine." Serenity rolled her eyes slightly. "Gavin, I'll be fine. I'll see you at seven. I love you too," Serenity hung up the phone and shook her head.

"Marital problems?" John asked.

"Nope. He just doesn't trust you and neither do I. Here's the plan; my only time to help you is between four and six. Then, I have to make dinner and do my own homework. My afternoon classes have been canceled, so I'm going to pick up my son now and then we can head back to my apartment. If you work hard, you should manage to pass the next exam," Serenity said, heading towards the day care center, not looking back to see if John was following.

When they arrived back at the apartment, Serenity changed Josh's diaper before setting him in the pack and play with a bottle and a toy. "He's cute. How old is he?" John wanted to know.

"Four months," Serenity said, grabbing two bottles of water and two apples. She handed one of the waters and apples to John and sat down at the kitchen table.

"Nice apartment. Where does your husband work?" John wanted to know. Serenity sighed.

"He works at Mesa Grill in Caesars's Palace," Serenity answered. "Now, let's get to work," she added. John nodded and sat down next to Serenity. 

"What do you know about the characters?" Serenity wanted to know.

"I know that Mark and Kitty are Americans. Dov is from Poland, Karen from the Netherlands and ..." John stopped as Serenity shook her head.

"You got Mark, Kitty and Dov right. Karen was born in Germany; her father was a scientist and a professor. She was sent to Denmark to escape the Nazis. What else do you know?"

"Ari, David and the workers in the camp are Israeli, well, Jews from Palestine," John answered. 

Serenity nodded. "Write it all down. The easiest way to learn the stuff you'll need for the exam, if you aren't familiar with the characters is to make a chart. Give each character a piece of paper in your notebook and write down facts about each of them," Serenity suggested. "Like this." Serenity demonstrated by taking a sheet of notebook paper and writing Kitty Freemont on the top and listing her marriage, loss of daughter, the way she was widowed and how she ended up in Cyprus and what she was doing for Mossad Aliyah Bet. "And each time you read something different, you add to the list," Serenity said, showing John what she was doing. John grinned.

"My writing is pretty hard to read," he admitted.

"Okay, so you go back through the first section of the book and give me information. I'll write it down for now; you can type it on your computer later and update it as you go," Serenity suggested. She looked at the clock. "Start reading and give me a minute," she added, standing up and reaching into the freezer and grabbing some vacuumed sealed packages of chicken breasts. She poured a little olive oil into a baking dish before sprinkling some salt, lemon pepper and minced garlic into the bottom of the dish and placed the chicken on top. Serenity repeated the process with the exposed chicken breasts before covering the dish with its lid and popping it into the oven. As she closed the oven door and straightened up, Josh started crying from the pack and play.

Serenity picked Josh up and held him on her lap awkwardly as she helped John with his character descriptions.

"Hey," Gavin said as he closed the door behind him. Serenity looked up with a sigh of relief as Gavin walked over and took Josh from her. "Get much work done?" he asked, grabbing a bottle of water.

"Some, not as much as I would have liked. Josh wouldn't stay in his pack and play for more than twenty minutes at a time. He's very cranky today," Serenity answered with a sigh. Gavin eyed John carefully. 

"I'm John Wilson," John said, extending his hand to Gavin. Gavin shifted Josh to his other arm and shook John's hand. Serenity stood up and grabbed the bag of broccoli she'd purchased the day before and began chopping it up. When she finished chopping, she pulled out a steamer and added a little water before dropping the broccoli into a tray, putting the lid on it and turning the burner on.

"John, if you want to get a little bit more time in, you're welcome to stay," Serenity said, pulling out a bowl of left leftover pasta salad.

"Cool, thanks," John said. Serenity turned back to the stove while Gavin tried to calm a now fussy Josh. "You said he's four months old?" John asked.

"Yeah, why?" Serenity asked.

"Maybe he's teething. My older brother has a couple of kids and the youngest started teething at about four months," John said. Gavin and Serenity looked at each other.

"I think mom gave us a couple teething rings, one's in the freezer now. She put it there; it's behind the ice cream," Serenity said, trying to finish up the broccoli and chicken.

"This is pretty good," John complimented.

"Thanks. Gavin cooks better though," Serenity said, taking a sip of water. 

"You cook fine," Gavin said with a grin. He looked over at Josh who was gumming a piece of bread. "John, I think you had the right idea," he added. Serenity nodded and yawned a little. "How much homework do you have?" Gavin asked.

"I have about twenty pages for history, I have to finish my paper and I have to re-skim in Exodus. It's been at least five years since I've read it last," Serenity said.

"Seriously? You rattle off facts about the book like you just finished reading it," John said in surprise. Serenity laughed.

"Like I've said, I'm on my second copy," Serenity said with a wry grin.

"Geez," John chuckled. They finished eating and John helped Serenity clear the table. "It's the least I can do for not telling Weinberg to go fuck himself, and for letting me stay," John said when Serenity protested. 

When John left a few hours later, Gavin had just put Josh down for the night.

"He doesn't seem like the same guy we met last semester," Gavin observed.

"I know. There's something different about him," Serenity agreed. Gavin pulled Serenity to him and gave her a passionate kiss as he slid his hands under her tee-shirt and unhooked her bra. Gavin had just slid the bra straps down Serenity's arms when the phone rang. Gavin swore under his breath but pulled away and let Serenity answer the phone.

"Hello?" Serenity asked.

"Serenity, it's Chris."

"Hey, what's up?"

"Leslie was attacked outside the library tonight. She's okay, but she was raped. And beaten," Chris said in a rush.

"Oh my God!" Serenity exclaimed, dropping the phone as a flood of memories rushed back to claim her in its grip.

"Chris, what's going on?" Gavin wanted to know. He paled visibly when he heard about the attack. "Yeah, let us know what happens," Gavin said. They talked for another minute before Gavin hung up the phone. "Sere, you okay?" Gavin asked.

"Yeah. I just need to go to bed. I'll see you in the morning," Serenity said, giving Gavin a kiss on the cheek before fleeing to their bedroom.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Serenity!" Gavin exclaimed, shaking her awake. Serenity woke up with a small scream, sweat pouring down her face. "Sere, what's wrong? Talk to me love?" Gavin asked gently, pulling Serenity into his arms. Serenity began to cry, soaking Gavin's shirt within minutes. "Serenity, could this be Joe doing this?" Gavin asked gently.

"He's dead Gavin," Serenity whimpered.

"How do you know?" Gavin asked gently.

"Because I shot him," Serenity said, looking Gavin straight in the eye. 

Gavin looked shocked. "Joe saw that Tiffany had seen him trying to sneak me away, he tried to go after her because she was calling the police. Joe tripped over someone's bag because we were cutting through the camp site for the beginning of school camp out. He dropped the gun, and I grabbed it and as he was about to hit me, I shot him. Right between the eyes. It took me a long time to forget," Serenity whispered.

"Oh Sere, why didn't you tell me?" Gavin asked gently.

"I killed a man! I wanted to forget it ever happened!" Serenity cried. "You should hate me for it," she whispered. Gavin tilted Serenity's face towards his.

"Serenity Faith Barnes Cline, you killed a man who raped your mother, kidnapped your mother and Sunny AND you. You were defending your life and Tiffany's life. That wasn't murder, that was self defense. And while I hate you had to go through that, I'm glad you were able to take care of yourself. I love you," Gavin said softly. 

To prove his point, Gavin kissed Serenity tenderly. Serenity pulled away when Josh began crying. "Stay here," Gavin said softly. He walked into the second bedroom and pulled Josh into his arms before carrying him into the bedroom. "Serenity, if you murdered Joe in cold blood, you couldn't possibly hold enough love in you to be such a great mother to our son. You are the best mother I've ever seen, especially with how much you have on your plate. Don't you think for a minute that I hate you or will love you any less because you protected yourself," Gavin said, passing Josh over to Serenity. Josh stared at his mother, his blue eyes wide and trusting. Gavin wiped the tears off of Serenity's face before tickling Josh gently. Josh giggled and squirmed making Serenity laugh.

"Feeling better?" Gavin asked when Serenity came back from putting Josh back in his crib a few moments later.

"Yeah," Serenity murmured. 

"Good." Gavin reached over for his bottle of water that he had brought in with him and when he looked back up, his eyes widened. "Sere, what are you doing?" Gavin asked.

"Make love to me," Serenity whispered. Gavin pulled down his boxer shorts and reached for Serenity. As she settled back against the pillows, Gavin thrust in slowly. 

No matter what Serenity tried, Gavin wouldn't quicken the pace; he kept things slow and sweet. Every time she came close to climaxing, Gavin would stop and hold himself still, save for the occasional pulsing of his cock which was beyond his control. "Gavin, please," Serenity begged. Finally, when Gavin himself couldn't stand it anymore, Gavin began thrusting harder and faster. They came together, their moans swallowed by their lips as they kissed. Gavin slid his hands under Serenity and pulled her closer to him as he emptied himself into her. "I love you," Serenity whispered. Gavin mumbled something back as they both fell asleep, Gavin still on top of Serenity and buried happily inside her.

CHAPTER NINE

"Leslie, how are you feeling?" Serenity asked two weeks later when Chris and Josie escorted her to her next class.

"Better. I hope they catch him soon," Leslie answered, shivering. Chris put a protective arm over his sister's shoulder.

"They will, but the police had better find him before I do," Chris assured Leslie.

"Violence won't solve anything," Serenity said softly.

"How do you know?" Chris wanted to know.

"My mom was raped, and kidnapped while she was pregnant with me, and again several years later," Serenity answered.

"Wow. I hope they caught the guy," Josie said.

"They did, only he escaped from prison right before my senior year of high school," Serenity said, scuffing the toe of her shoe on the sidewalk.

"Did he go after your mom again?" Leslie asked.

"No. He went after me." Serenity's words were like a glass of ice water over the mood. 

"He didn't rape me, but he kept me for months, and I was only found when the back to school camp out took place," Serenity answered. She shifted uncomfortably. 

"Okay, how about lunch," Chris suggested. Serenity laughed.

"I have a meeting with Josh's teachers, will you guys wait for me?" Serenity asked.

"Yeah, and we'll walk with you," Chris answered.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Serenity grabbed the latest edition of the school paper on her way into class and sighed when she saw the main article on the front page. There was another assault and rape victim; the fifteenth in the two month period. "Serenity," John said from behind her, making her jump. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," John said with a contrite smile.

"It's okay, it's just been difficult, you know?" Serenity asked. John nodded.

"I hope they catch this bastard. I may be a jerk sometimes, but I don't condone shit like this, it's awful," John agreed.

"I'm glad to hear that," Serenity said with a small smile.

"How's your math class going?" John asked.

"Awful. Math has always been one of my worst subjects," Serenity admitted.

"I'm a math major, I can help you if you want, I mean, you helped me pass Jewish lit, and I totally owe you," John said.

"That'd be great. Come over to my place around six, you can have dinner," Serenity suggested. John nodded and watched until Serenity made it into her classroom before leaving.

Serenity sighed as she left her math class and headed for the student center. Chris, Josie and Leslie were all in class and there was nobody to walk with her. Serenity set her bag on a bench and pulled out a container of pepper spray before continuing on her way to the student center. "Excuse me, do you know what time it is?" Serenity turned around as she looked down at her watch and before she knew it, darkness was closing in.

Serenity looked around her and nearly gasped when she recognized where she was at; she was in the laundry room of one of the dorm buildings. "I see you're awake." Serenity looked up.

"Charlie?" Serenity asked in surprise. The man in front of her was the last person she would expect to have been responsible for the attacks on campus. "Charlie, what are you doing?" Serenity tried to keep her voice calm, even though she was terrified.

"All you little whores, sleeping around with men. And I can't get a date!" Charlie was clearly off balance.

"Charlie, why do you consider us whores?" Serenity wanted to know.

"I see all of you with different men every time I see you. All the women on this campus are the same!" Charlie pulled a knife out from the back of his pants and started waving it around.

"Charlie, I have to go pick up Josh. If I don't show, someone will know something is wrong," Serenity said cautiously.

"And you're the biggest whore of all! Flaunting your little bastard!" Charlie took the blade of the knife and slid it down Serenity's tank top, slicing it in half.

"I'm married Charlie!" Serenity's voice was shaky.

"I've seen you whoring around with John Wilson. Is your brat even your husband's child?" Charlie spat. If Serenity's hands hadn't been restrained, she would have slapped him.

"I've been tutoring John in his literature classes, and he's going to be helping me with my math class; there is nothing sexual going on!" Serenity was growing a little hysterical. A noise in the hall distracted Charlie and Serenity kicked out at him, knocking the knife out of his hand and sending him flying across the floor. Serenity looked up and tried to get the knife but Charlie got it first and slashed at her with it, slicing Serenity in the arm. She cried out and clamped her uninjured hand over the injury and looked for something to hide behind when someone from behind Charlie hit him over the head. Serenity looked up to see Campus Security rushing the room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"How are you feeling?" Gavin asked after finally being allowed into the exam room.

"Shaky, but I'm okay," Serenity said, shivering as Gavin ran his thumb over the bandage on her arm.

"How did they know where to find me?" Serenity wanted to know.




Love is a Miracle Ch. 08-09



"A group of girls went to do some laundry and heard you and Charlie talking and called campus security," Gavin answered.

"Thank god for college freshman," Serenity joked and Gavin laughed. "Where's Josh?" Serenity wanted to know.

"He's with Josie and Chris," Gavin said, looking up as a doctor walked into the room.

"Mrs. Cline, I'd like to take you down for a CT scan since you said you blacked out, but before we take you down, I need to know, is there any chance that you could be pregnant?" the doctor asked. Gavin and Serenity looked at each other. "Well, I'm on birth control, but I got pregnant on it before, so I guess it's possible," Serenity said slowly, swallowing hard.

"Okay, so I'll add a pregnancy test order to your blood work and put a rush on it. When we know, we'll let you know. In the mean time, I'll update your tetanus shot and get you started on some antibiotics," the doctor said before leaving the room.

Gavin and Serenity looked at each other again. "Gavin, what if ..." Gavin pressed a finger to Serenity's lips.

"Then we'll deal," he promised.

"I can't handle another baby right now." Gavin pressed his lips to Serenity's and when she seemed calmer, he pulled away. 

"Serenity, I love you, and if by some chance you are pregnant, then we'll figure it out. I'm not going anywhere, not even if you want me to," Gavin said gently. Serenity sat quietly, fidgeting with her fingers and looked up quickly when the doctor walked back into the room.

Gavin glanced at Serenity before taking a sip of his coffee and wrinkled his nose. "The coffee machine sucks," the doctor said with a chuckle. "I have results of your pregnancy test. It was negative, so we'll get you down to radiology and get that CT scan as soon as we can," he added before leaving the room. Serenity sighed in relief. Gavin took another sip of his bad coffee to hide his disappointment. Before Serenity or Gavin could say anything, an orderly came to take Serenity down for her CT scan. 

-Two hours later-

Serenity and Gavin returned to the apartment armed with a prescription antibiotic and a box of condoms. They were exhausted from the hours they spent in the emergency room. "Are you okay?" Josie asked, giving her friend a hug.

"I'm fine. He didn't cut me very deep, I'm just tired from everything that's happened," Serenity answered. 

"I'm just glad he was caught," Chris said. Everyone agreed as Gavin handed everyone a bottle of water.

"Everyone's welcome to crash here, since it's so late, but I don't want to hear any body having sex out here," Gavin said. Everyone laughed.

"Don't worry, sex with my girlfriend while my sister is the room is not high on my to do list," Chris said laughing. Leslie wrinkled her nose and slugged her brother playfully in the arm. 

-Meanwhile-

Ally and Bobby sat in the middle of the living room, being grilled by Jake. "Dad, this isn't necessary," Allyson said softly.

"It's completely necessary. Bobby has asked for my permission to propose to you, and I want to take the time to get to know him better," Jake said with a grin.

"He's already proposed dad, this is just you being stubborn," Allyson said, turning to her mother for help.

"I don't think he's being stubborn enough," Dylan said with a grin that mirrored his father's.

"Dylan, you are not helping!" Ally exclaimed, frustration bubbling through her.

"I'm not supposed to help, you're my younger sister," Dylan teased.

"You're only older than me by three minutes!" Allyson growled. 

"Enough!" Ashira said, hiding a smile. She gave her husband a warning look and he grinned sheepishly.

"Ally, if you love Bobby, then you have our blessing to marry him, BUT, your mother and I would prefer that you wait until you graduate from college, and don't give us any grandchildren until then either," Jake said. Allyson squealed and gave her parents a big hug.

"Now let me see that ring," Ashira told her daughter. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

-3 months later-

"Serenity, it's Mel, is Gavin around?" Serenity smiled when she heard her step-mother's voice over the phone.

"He's with Josh at the park so I can get some study time in, why, what's up?" Serenity asked.

"I just had a few questions for him. Can you have him call me when he gets a chance?" Melinda answered.

"Sure, no problem," Serenity said. "How are David and Chrissy doing?" Serenity wanted to know.

"They're doing well. David is taking a lot of college prep classes and Chrissy has started learning how to play the Violin," Melinda said.

"That's good. Did mom call and tell you guys about Ally?" Serenity asked.

"Yes, including the fact that Jake and Dylan gave Ally and Bobby one hell of a time," Melinda said laughing.

"I'm just glad dad cut Gavin some slack," Serenity said dryly.

"Yeah, but he wanted to wring his neck; Mark too," Melinda agreed.

"What is it about men giving their daughter's boyfriends a hard time?" Serenity wanted to know.

"When you and Gavin have a little girl, you'll understand," Melinda said with a laugh. 

Serenity looked up as the door opened. "Here's Gavin Mel," she said, handing Gavin the phone and taking Josh who was protesting loudly over being brought home.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Sere, are you okay?" Gavin asked, knocking on the bathroom door. Serenity opened the door and Gavin's eyes widened when he saw how pale she was. "You're still sick?" Gavin wanted to know, helping Serenity back to bed.

"I think I have the flu," Serenity groaned.

"Sere, you've been sick for two weeks," Gavin said pointedly.

"I've been really run down," Serenity reminded Gavin. It had been nearly two weeks since Melinda had called for Gavin and in those two weeks, there hadn't been a single day that Serenity wasn't sick for at least a few hours.

"Maybe you should see the doctor," Gavin said gently, brushing a strand of hair out of Serenity's eyes. "Do you have classes today?" he asked after a moment.

"Yeah, at eleven. I think I'm going to stay home," Serenity answered. Gavin frowned but didn't say anything; he knew Serenity never liked to miss classes unless she had to.

"I have to work, do you want me to call Josie or Les to come stay with you?" Gavin asked.

"That'd be helpful," Serenity admitted. Gavin pressed a kiss to Serenity's forehead before heading into the kitchen.

-2 hours later-

"Sere?" Josie called, stepping into the apartment. Serenity appeared in the doorway between the hallway and the kitchen. "Gavin wasn't kidding when he said you were feeling bad," Josie commented.

"Holy hell!" Leslie agreed. Serenity gave a small laugh. "I've never seen the flu make somebody look that bad," Leslie said. Serenity rolled her eyes as she grabbed a bottle of ginger ale from the fridge.

"Don't you guys have classes today?" Serenity wanted to know, heading into the living room.

"We're staying with you. Gavin said he had an important meeting that he couldn't miss and we promised to sit with you and help with Josh," Josie answered.

"Thanks," Serenity said with a yawn as she stretched out, laying her head on her pillow and pulling an afghan over her, watching her friends sitting in the two remaining chairs in the living room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Sere, is this your date book?" Leslie asked. Serenity nodded.

"Why?" Serenity wanted to know. Leslie handed the calender over to her friend and Serenity's eyes widened. "Shit." Serenity's voice was quiet and had a slight tremble. Serenity's eyes widened even more when Josie handed her a box.

"We brought this because Gavin said you've been sick for two weeks," Josie told her friend.

When Gavin returned home later that evening, he had a broad grin on his face. "Sere, I have a surprise for you," Gavin called. Serenity walked out of the living room and gave a small smile when she saw the bouquet of peach roses. "Do you remember when Mel called a few weeks ago?" Gavin asked. Serenity nodded. "We're opening a restaurant just off the strip; a little family joint. Mel's staying in Riverside and you and I will be running it," Gavin said excitedly. He studied Serenity's face. "What's wrong?" Gavin asked.

"I have a surprise for you too," Serenity said softly. Gavin waited expectantly. "I'm pregnant Gavin," Serenity said finally.



Love is a Miracle Ch. 10



CHAPTER TEN

"How are you doing?" Gavin asked Serenity as he watched her and Josie putting colorful place-mats on the tables.

"Good. Are you sure about this?" Serenity asked.

"Positive. It's time we start doing stuff that we both want to do," Gavin said. 

Serenity smiled. Gavin had always wanted to own his own restaurant and Serenity was half way done with her general education classes for her degree. "How are you feeling?" Gavin asked, stepping up behind Serenity.

"Better," Serenity answered. Gavin gave Serenity a quick hug and looked up as the front door opened. He straightened, nervous now that Serenity's family had entered the restaurant. 

"It smells good in here," Melinda said with smile. 

"Thanks," Gavin said, looking even more nervous when he saw who walked in the door next. "Mel, what did you do?" Gavin wanted to know as chefs from almost every restaurant on the strip walked into the diner.

"This is a run through dinner service," Melinda said with a grin. Gavin swallowed hard but looked relieved when he saw that Serenity and Josie had finished setting the tables. 

"Go ahead and sit where ever you like," Gavin said. 

Serenity gave Gavin a reassuring smile and took her place behind the register. "Josie, why don't you and Leslie start passing out menus and getting drink orders," Gavin suggested. Josie nodded and watched as Leslie walked out of the bathroom, wiping her hand on a paper towel. Leslie through the paper towel away and reached for menus. Gavin gave Serenity's hand a squeeze before disappearing into the kitchen.

"I'd like to welcome everyone to A Taste of Home, and thank you all for coming. My name is Serenity, and the man in the back is my husband Gavin. All of the recipes you will taste today come from either Gavin's childhood kitchen or my childhood kitchens. The special of the day is my Bubbe's famous pot roast which is cooked and served with some Yukon Gold potatoes, baby carrots and some pearl onions. I assure you, it's amazing," Serenity said as Josie handed out a menu to the last person sitting.

By the end of the night, everyone was exhausted, but despite his exhaustion, Gavin was incredibly hyper. "How much did you get in tips?" he asked Josie.

"Close to two hundred dollars," she said in awe.

"These are professionals. If the service they receive is exceptional, then they let the wait staff know," Melinda said with a smile.

"We got lots of great comments too," Serenity chimed in, leafing through the pieces of paper.

"How are you doing?" Gavin asked Serenity. She smiled a little.

"I'm good," Serenity answered as Chris and John walked in the restaurant with Josh.

"Someone missed his parents," Chris said. Serenity reached out for Josh who wrapped his little arms around Serenity's neck as if she were suddenly about to disappear.

"Did he cry a lot?" Gavin asked. 

Chris nodded then shook his head. "At first, yes, but after a little while, he stopped." Chris sniffed the air. "It smells good in here. Have you cleaned up yet?" he wanted to know. Gavin laughed.

"What'll be guys?"

"That pot roast smells great," John said. Chris nodded.

"No problem," Serenity said easily, going into the kitchen. Serenity came back a few minutes later with two carryout boxes brimming with food. "Gav, I'm going to take Josh home and get him to bed. I have some studying to do," she murmured. Gavin nodded.

"There isn't too much more here to do, Josie, why don't you go with her, Leslie can help me clean up," Gavin suggested. Leslie nodded and she said good-bye to her friends before following Gavin into the kitchen.

"What's wrong with Serenity?" Jake asked as he and Mark helped Gavin take out the bags of trash.

"Nothing, why?" Gavin said as he fiddled with the lock on the dumpster.

"She looked tired," Jake answered. They tossed the full bags into the dumpster before returning to the restaurant.

"Jake, Serenity's fine. She's taking classes and taking care of Josh. She has a lot on her plate, but I promise, she isn't sick," Gavin told his father. Jake studied Gavin's face closely before nodding.

"So, what are your plans now?" Mark wanted to know.

"I'm pretty much putting my culinary career on the line. If this doesn't work out, it'll make it very hard to get a job here on the strip," Gavin admitted.

"And if you fail at this, how will you support Sere and Josh?" Ashira asked.

"I won't fail. I'm good at what I do, and between the recipes I've learned working for Mel and for Bobby, and the recipes that Sere brought to the relationship, I won't fail," Gavin answered.

"You seem confident," Melinda said with a smile.

"I know I can cook. I finished third in my class and you never would have hired me as your head chef if you didn't think I had the skills to succeed," Gavin told her. 

"You're right, I wouldn't have," Melinda agreed. They finished cleaning up and after saying good night, Gavin got in his car and drove away.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"Your dad suspects something," Gavin murmured, sliding onto the bed behind Serenity. Serenity leaned back into Gavin with a sigh.

"Oh?" Serenity sighed as Gavin's fingers slid down her arm.

"Your dad asked what was wrong with you," Gavin said.

"Jake or Mark?" Serenity wanted to know.

"Jake," Gavin answered.

"It figures. He's had mom pregnant so many times that it's hard to remember a time growing up when she wasn't knocked up," Serenity said with a laugh. Gavin grinned.

"You're exaggerating," he teased.

"A little," Serenity admitted. 

She moaned as Gavin started rubbing her back. "You worked your ass off tonight, I should be rubbing your back," Serenity said, arching into Gavin's fingers.

"Yeah, but you're pregnant, you're more than entitled to a little pampering," Gavin reminded Serenity. "Are you really feeling better?" Gavin asked.

"Yeah, not as queasy," Serenity answered.

"Good. You did a great job tonight," Gavin said, smiling to himself as Serenity let out a sound of contentment as he dissolved a knot in her shoulder. 

"Gav?"

"Hmm?" Gavin nibbled on an ear lobe.

"I need you," Serenity whispered. Gavin grinned as Serenity turned around to face him.

"You're beautiful," Gavin said, before lowering his lips to hers. Serenity moaned as his hands found her breasts and cupped them gently.

"I love you," Serenity whispered.

"I love you too," Gavin groaned, his fingers fumbling with the buttons on Serenity's shirt. "What's your hurry?" Gavin asked with a chuckle as Serenity pushed her pajama pants down hurriedly.

"I need you now!" Serenity said, lunging for him. Gavin chuckled and his eyes widened with surprise when Serenity used the scissors on her night stand to cut his boxer shorts off of him. 

"Patience woman," Gavin said with a hoarse laugh as Serenity pushed him back on the bed and settled over him.

"Patience is for the weak," she said, sighing happily as she felt him fill her. Gavin groaned as Serenity began sliding up and down him, squeezing him tightly. Gavin pulled Serenity's head down and pressed his lips to hers in a hungry kiss. Gavin's eyes widened as Serenity paused half way back down his hard shaft and clenched, squeezing him gently. "Holy christ woman!" Gavin groaned. After a few more movements, Gavin grasped Serenity's hips and gently rolled her over onto her back. "No more games," he groaned, thrusting hard and fast inside her. Serenity cried out as Gavin lowered his mouth to a tender nipple and began sucking gently. 

"Harder," Serenity pleaded. Gavin obliged with a grin, thrusting so hard and so fast that the springs of the mattress started creaking. "Gavin!" Serenity cried out as he gently pinched the nipple that he wasn't sucking on. Gavin winced slightly when Serenity's nails dug into his shoulder blades but her breathing and cries spurred Gavin faster, harder, deeper. Serenity came with a shuddering scream; Gavin followed not long after and bellowed loudly as he emptied his seed deep inside her.

"You okay?" Gavin asked as he watched Serenity stand on shaking legs.

"Better than okay," Serenity answered with a smile as she walked into the bathroom. Gavin chuckled and followed Serenity. 

"Did I hurt you?" Gavin wanted to know.

"No," Serenity assured him, turning on the tub. Gavin looked like he wanted to say something else but Josh began crying from his room.

"Enjoy your bath," Gavin said, pressing a kiss to the top of Serenity's head before leaving the bathroom and walking into the nursery.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Serenity, wait up!" Serenity turned around and waved as she saw John heading towards her.

"Hey John," Serenity said with a smile.

"How are things going at the restaurant?" John wanted to know.

"They're going great," Serenity answered.

"How are you doing?" John asked.

"Not too bad," Serenity said. 

"What are you doing Saturday night?" John asked.

"What do you want John?" Serenity counter questioned.

"My parents are coming into town and they want to meet the people that have made the phone calls threatening to expel me go away," John answered.

"I was going to work at the restaurant for a few hours in the morning. I'll talk to Gavin, I think it's his night off. He made Chris learn all of the recipes so that he could help out," Serenity said. "What did you have in mind?" she wanted to know.

"Maybe we could meet for dinner?" John suggested.

"I'll talk to Gavin," Serenity promised. "You still willing to tutor me in math?" she asked. John nodded. "Good. Meet me at the apartment around eight," Serenity said before walking away.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Ally, check it out!" Bobby said excitedly. Allyson smiled as she looked around the apartment Bobby had found for them. 

"Why a two bedroom?" Allyson asked. Bobby shrugged.

"You never know what will happen, better to have a second room in case a friend needs a place to stay," he answered with a grin.

"I can't believe my dad gave his approval," Allyson murmured as Bobby reached for her hands.

"I think he was afraid that your mom would make him sleep on the couch for the rest of eternity," Bobby joked. Allyson laughed and studied the ring on her finger. "Do you like it? I can get you a different if you want," Bobby murmured.

"I love it," Allyson assured him.

"Good. It was my grandmother's," Bobby said. Allyson smiled and kissed Bobby. 

"Show me the rest," she murmured. Bobby grinned and led Allyson to the master bedroom.

"Oh my Gosh!" Allyson's eyes were wide. The bedroom was large with a walk in closet that was almost as large as the bedroom. The closet merged in with the master bedroom which contained a vanity and a large hot tub. "Bobby, how can we afford this?" Allyson asked. 

Bobby smiled. "We have enough," he assured her. Allyson threw her arms around him and squeezed tightly. "I love you!" she squealed. 

Bobby grinned. "I love you too," he murmured in her ear. Bobby pressed his lips to hers and kissed her tenderly. "Are you sure you're okay with waiting?" Allyson asked as Bobby's hands cupped her breasts and squeezed gently.

"Don't get me wrong Ally, if you gave the okay, I'd have you down on the ground in a minute, but you want to wait until we get married and that's fine with me," Bobby assured Allyson, kissing her again. "Why, are you having second thoughts?" Bobby asked. 

"It is getting harder and harder to fight it," Allyson admitted. 

Bobby grinned. "I love you Ally, nothing will change that," he promised. "If you change your mind on waiting, that's cool, but if you don't, that's fine too," Bobby added. The alarm on his phone went off and Bobby sighed as he turned off the alarm. "Our parents will be here in a few minutes," he said.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Are you sure you're okay?" Josie asked Serenity as they sat in the lecture hall, waiting for the professor.

"I'm just tired," Serenity said, finishing her juice. Serenity stood up and walked over to the trash can to throw the bottle away and on her way back to her seat, her knees started to buckle.

"That's it, you're going to the infirmary," Josie said, grabbing her notebook off of the desk and shoving it into her back pack. 

"What's going on?" Chris asked, walking into the room.

"Sere nearly passed out," Josie answered. "Can you help me get her to the infirmary?"

"Sere, you're pregnant again, right?" Chris asked. Serenity nodded. "Then we're taking you to the ER, not the infirmary," Chris said, grabbing Serenity's laptop and shoving it into her backpack.

"What about Josh?" Serenity wanted to know.

"I'll call Gavin to come get him," Josie said.

"No! He's at the restaurant," Serenity exclaimed. 

"We can't leave him in the day care center," Josie reminded Serenity.

"Les doesn't have classes today and she's listed as an emergency pick up," Serenity said. Chris gave his sister a quick text message before helping Josie get Serenity out of the building and to his car.

-4 hours later-

"Sere?" Serenity looked up to see Gavin crouching down next to her. "You okay?" Gavin asked worriedly.

"I'm fine, really," Serenity murmured, pushing herself into a sitting position. "The couch is comfy," she joked.

"Why didn't you call me?" Gavin wanted to know.

"You were working," Serenity answered.

"I don't care if I'm in the middle of an EKG, if you're having some health issues, you need to tell me. I can't take care of you if you don't," Gavin said gently but sternly.

"I have a father Gavin, in fact, I have two of them," Serenity grumbled.

"I'm going to chalk that up to being tired and not feeling well. I love you Serenity, and while you maybe an adult, you can't do this on your own," Gavin murmured, touching a hand to her cheek. "What'd the doctor say?" he wanted to know.

"The morning sickness has me a little dehydrated. He gave me something to help with the nausea and told me it should kick in within twenty four hours. I get to take tomorrow off, but if I manage to keep things down tomorrow, I can go back to class," Serenity answered.

"You're pushing yourself too hard," Gavin murmured.

"I have a lot to do Gav, my class work won't get completed on its own," Serenity pointed out.

"That's true, but you have help available if you ask for it," Gavin reminded Serenity. "You're pregnant Sere, you need to be taking care of yourself, or you need to let me take care of you," Gavin said gently before pressing his lips to hers. "C'mon, let's go to bed," he added, lifting Serenity into his arms and carrying her into the bedroom.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"What is going on Serenity?" Ashira wanted to know as her daughter let her into the apartment.

"I'm fine, I just got a little dehydrated," Serenity answered, returning to the kitchen.

"You're supposed to be resting," Gavin accused, taking the soapy coffee mug from Serenity and placing it back in the sink.

"I can wash a few dishes," Serenity protested.

"Go sit," Gavin instructed.

"Serenity Faith, tell me what in the world is going on," Ashira said, crossing her arms over her chest. Before Serenity could answer, Josh started fussing from his room.

"I have him, go and sit down," Gavin said again as he dried his hands and headed out of the kitchen. Serenity sighed but walked into the living room and sat down.

"I'm fine, really," Serenity said, cringing as she saw the look on her mother's face. 

"Serenity," Ashira warned. Serenity sighed and mumbled something so low that Ashira couldn't make heads or tails of it. "Speak more clearly this time," Ashira advised.

"I'm pregnant," Serenity said with a sigh.

"Again? Haven't you heard of birth control?" Ashira wanted to know.

"It failed," Gavin said, walking into the room. 

"Antibiotics again?" Ashira asked.

"No, actually, I had an allergic reaction to one that didn't have the hormones in it; I was breast feeding and since I had the reaction, the doctor said I couldn't be on any birth control for a year," Serenity answered.

"And the condom broke," Gavin added, anticipating his mother's next question.

"You are both insane," Ashira said, shaking her head.

"We'll manage," Gavin told Ashira, passing Josh off to his grandmother.

"He's gotten so big," Ashira marveled.

"He's almost a year old," Serenity reminded her mother.

"I can't believe it. I remember when you were born," Ashira said, shaking her head.

"Moooommm!" Serenity groaned. Gavin laughed and planted a kiss on the top of her head.

"I need to go down to the restaurant, I'll be back in a little while," he promised before leaving the apartment.



Love is a Miracle Ch. 11-12



CHAPTER ELEVEN

"Sere, you got some mail from Ally," Gavin said, walking into the apartment. He dropped the envelope on the couch next to her and Serenity tore it open.

"It's a wedding invitation!" Serenity exclaimed. "They're getting married in a small ceremony in two months!" she added.

"That's great," Gavin said.

"But I'll be huge!" Serenity complained. Gavin rolled his eyes.

"Pregnant Sere, not huge," Gavin corrected.

"Same thing," she said grumpily.

"What has your panties in such a knot?" Gavin wanted to know.

"I didn't sleep well," Serenity admitted.

"I knew that already," Gavin said, sitting down next to her. "What's bothering you?" he wanted to know.

"I'm feeling really overwhelmed. Josh's first birthday is in a few weeks and I didn't do very well in the classes last semester, and I'm bigger then I was with Josh and ..." Gavin covered her lips with his.

"You're worrying too much," Gavin said gently. Serenity opened her mouth to protest but Gavin shook his head. "Sere, come with me." Gavin led Serenity to the bathroom. "Look in the mirror, what do you see?" he asked. Gavin shook his head when he heard Serenity describe her self as fat and unattractive. "Serenity Faith, you are the most beautiful woman I've ever laid eyes on, and you aren't fat, you're pregnant, and I for one, find that a huge turn on," Gavin chastised.

Serenity looked like she didn't believe him but the kiss Gavin gave her took her breath and any doubts away.

-2 weeks later-

Serenity used her key to let her into the diner; it closed almost four hours earlier and Gavin still wasn't home. Serenity walked behind the bar and gasped when she saw Gavin kissing another woman. "I wondered why you hadn't come home. Now I see why," Serenity said bitterly.

"It isn't what you think Sere," Gavin protested, pushing the girl away.

"You're cheating on me with Maria?" Serenity asked, her eyes wide.

"No Sere, I swear," Gavin pushed Maria away and hurried towards Serenity who was backing up towards the door.

"Stay away from me!" Serenity cried, bumping into a table. Gavin caught up with her and grabbed Serenity by the hand.

"Serenity, she kissed me, I swear, I don't want Maria. I love you," Gavin murmured. "You're the mother of my children," he said, his eyes pleading with hers.

"You make me sick! Just leave me alone!" Serenity exclaimed, pulling away from Gavin before running from the diner as fast as she could.

"What's the matter? Can't the little breeder figure out her station?" Maria asked, wrapping her arms around Gavin's waist. Gavin pulled away from Maria, and spun around to face her.

"Let's get something straight you little bitch," Gavin growled. "Serenity is my wife and I love her. The fact that you had to use a knife to keep me where I was for you to try and jump my bones should prove that you don't attract me in the least." 

Gavin stalked to his office and scribbled out something before handing it to Maria who had followed him. "This is your check for the last two weeks including tonight. Get out and don't ever come back. If you do, I'll press charges against you for attempted assault," Gavin growled. He pushed past her and headed for the front door.

"Gavin?" Maria asked. Gavin turned around, his hand on the door knob. "She doesn't deserve you," Maria said, holding up a small pistol to Gavin's chest and firing.

"Who is it?" Serenity asked, looking through the peep hole. Her eyes widened when she saw uniformed police officers standing on the other side of the door. Serenity fumbled with the locks and opened the door quickly. "May I help you?" Serenity asked.

"Are you Serenity Cline?" one of the officers asked. Serenity nodded. "There was a shooting at a diner called A Taste of Home," the officer began. Serenity's heart began to race.

"Gavin," she whispered.

"He was the one shot ma'am. He's being taken to Desert Springs Hospital. Can we escort you to the hospital?" the officer said.

"Let me get dressed and get my son," Serenity said, the last words she said to Gavin ringing in her ears.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Mrs. Cline?" Serenity looked up as a doctor approached her.

"How's my husband?" Serenity asked, her voice just above a whisper.

"He's stable for now. The first bullet came very close to his aorta and for that alone, he's lucky to be alive. The second hit his shoulder," the doctor answered. Serenity paled visibly. 

"Will he live?" Serenity asked, as if afraid to hear the answer.

"Barring infection, he should make a full recovery," the doctor assured Serenity. "You can go in and see him now if you'd like," he added. Serenity followed the doctor into Gavin's room and sank down into the chair beside the bed. 

It had been nearly twenty-four hours since Serenity's half hearted attempt at getting sleep and she was anxious. Josie and Chris had picked up Josh and had taken him home. Serenity stared at an unconscious Gavin, waiting for him to open his eyes, praying he wouldn't hate her for leaving like she had. "I'm so sorry," she whispered, laying her head down next to his, covering Gavin's hand with hers.

"Don't be," a hoarse, scratchy voice came from the bed. Serenity sat up.

"Gavin, you're awake!" Serenity exclaimed. "Do you remember what happened?" she asked. Gavin nodded. "Maria shot me," Gavin said, glancing over his arms. 

"Why?" Serenity wanted to know.

"I wouldn't fuck her," Gavin answered. "There was something you didn't see. She had a knife pressed to my stomach, that's what was keeping me there. She dropped it when you barged in," Gavin said. 

Serenity dropped her gaze to the floor. "I don't blame you for jumping to the conclusion you jumped to. I probably would have to," Gavin told her, his voice soft. Serenity locked her eyes with his and found herself beginning to cry again. "Sere, don't do that," he pleaded.

"I was so harsh with you," Serenity whispered.

"Don't cry," Gavin said, reaching out and wiping the tears away. Serenity looked up as a nurse walked into the room.

"I'm glad to see you're awake Mr. Cline," the nurse said. She checked Gavin's vitals and jotted them down on his chart. "I'll get the doctor," she added before walking away.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Serenity asked.

"I'm fine, how are you doing?" Gavin countered. Serenity smiled.

"We're good," Serenity murmured, resting her hands on her ever growing abdomen.

"For the love of God Serenity, you look ready to pop," Jake joked, giving Serenity a hug.

"Another two and a half weeks to go," Serenity said.

"And you drove out here?" Mark asked.

"Ally's my sister. I wouldn't miss this for the world," Serenity told them.

"She's nervous," Ashira said, greeting her family in the foyer of the Synagogue. 

"She has a right to be," Serenity murmured.

"How are you feeling?" Ashira asked.

"Ready," Serenity admitted. Ashira laughed.

"I remember how that feels," Ashira said.

"Mom, Ally's freaking out," Sara said.

"I've never seen so many weepy women," Dylan grumbled. Serenity laughed and gave her brother a hug.

"Don't you have a girlfriend Dy?" Serenity asked.

"No," Dylan said.

"I'll go talk to her," Serenity volunteered, glancing at Gavin before following Sara to the bride's room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Ally, it's normal to be nervous, but you look so beautiful. Bobby loves you, and I'm sure he's nervous too," Serenity said, sitting down on the couch next to her sister.

"I'm not scared about getting married," Allyson said, fiddling with her bracelet.

"You're scare about the wedding night," Serenity guessed. Allyson nodded. 

"Ally, Bobby will be gentle with you. He loves you, or he wouldn't have asked you to marry him. It'll be okay, I promise," Serenity promised her sister.

"Does it hurt?" Allyson asked.

"You mean mom hasn't talked to you about this?" Serenity asked in surprise.

"She tried," Allyson admitted.

"The first time, yes, it hurts, but after that, oh my God, it's amazing," Serenity told her sister.

"Amazing?" Allyson repeated.

"Oh yeah," Serenity nodded. "Spectacular even," she said with a grin. "However, I recommend some kind of birth control," she added.

"I already thought about that. I love Josh dearly, and I can't wait for your new baby, but I definitely don't want to have one right now," Allyson said, holding up a package of birth control pills.

"Ally, you haven't started taking them," Serenity reminded her sister after popping the plastic lid off.

"I didn't need them," Allyson murmured. Serenity chuckled. "What?" Allyson asked.

"They take about a month to kick in," Serenity told Allyson. Allyson's eyes widened and her mouth formed an O. "Get some condoms from Dyan, I'm sure he has some," Serenity said with a grin. Allyson laughed.

"Yeah, dad gives him a new box every month, even though he hasn't had a girlfriend in over six months," Allyson giggled. Serenity grinned.

"You ready?" Ashira asked, poking her head in the door way. Allyson nodded.

"Just some first time jitters," Serenity said quietly. Ashira smiled.

"She kept ducking the talk," Ashira shook her head with a small chuckle. Jake smiled at Allyson. 

"You look beautiful," he murmured. "Five minutes ladies," he added, looking at his wife with a look that made Ashira blush.

"Eww," Serenity joked. Ashira laughed.

"You know we had to have ..."

"Yeah, mom, I know, but I don't to think about it," Serenity said with a grin. "Oh, you need to get a box of condoms from Dy. Ally has the pill, but didn't think to take it before tonight," Serenity said as she saw Gavin motioning her over. 

Serenity walked back over to Gavin who stood with Melinda. 

"Did you leave Josh with Josie and Chris?" Melinda asked.

"Yeah, we figured it would be a really long trip and he's too young for it," Serenity answered, rubbing the small of her back.

"You okay?" Gavin asked.

"I'm fine, just a sore back, it comes with the territory," Serenity said with a small smile. Gavin nodded. 

"Okay, let's get this party started," Jake said, rubbing his hands together.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Serenity leaned into Gavin as they swayed together on the dance floor.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Gavin whispered.

"I'm fine," Serenity said, catching a glimpse of her sister dancing with her new husband.

"I love you," Gavin murmured, nibbling on Serenity's ear. Serenity giggled and tightened her grip around Gavin's neck.

"How's your shoulder?" Serenity wanted to know.

"It's great," Gavin promised. It had been over a month and a half since the shooting and while his wounds were still tender, and the things that had been said still cut deep, but their relationship was on the mend. 

"How about a break?" Gavin suggested ten minutes later. Serenity nodded and allowed Gavin to lead her back to their table. Gavin studied Serenity's face. "Sere, are you all right?" Gavin asked again.

"For the millionth time, I'm fine," Serenity said through gritted teeth. Gavin saw pain in Serenity's eyes.

"Contraction?" Gavin asked softly. Serenity nodded. "How long?" Gavin wanted to know.

"Since right before Ally walked down the isle," Serenity admitted.

"We're going to the hospital," Gavin started to stand up.

"Gav, wait," Serenity pleaded. He sat back down. "I'm fine for now, they're twenty minutes apart, we have plenty of time. I want to wait until Ally and Bobby leave," Serenity said softly.

"Sere," Gavin protested.

"My water hasn't broken yet, please Gavin, let's not spoil this for Ally," Serenity pleaded.

"Okay, for now, we'll stay, but let me know if they get too much closer," Gavin caved. 

"Good luck," Serenity whispered, giving her sister a tight hug.

"You too," Allyson said, eyeing Serenity's pregnant belly. Serenity smiled.

"When you get back, you'll have a new niece or nephew to spoil," Serenity promised. Allyson grinned.

"I can't wait to meet him or her," Allyson said, reaching for Bobby's hand.

"Take care of her or I'll hunt you down," Serenity threatened. 

"And she has me to back her up on that," Dylan said, putting a hand on his sister's shoulder. 

CHAPTER TWELVE

"Breathe," Gavin coached.

"I am breathing!" Serenity yelled, her nails digging into Gavin's hand.

"Yelling won't help," he reminded her.

"So help me God Gavin, if you don't stop ..." Serenity's comment turned to a scream.

"Can't you give her something?" Gavin asked the doctor.

"We've given her morphine and it's too late for an epidural," the doctor told Gavin.

"I so hate you right now," Serenity said with a tired groan. Gavin winced; he knew she didn't mean it, but it still hurt to hear, especially after what had happened with Maria. The contraction eased as Serenity leaned back against Gavin who rubbed her arm soothingly. "I'm sorry Gav, I don't hate you," Serenity whispered.

"I know hun," Gavin said, squeezing her hand gently. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Bobby, I'm scared," Allyson whispered.

"So am I," Bobby said, brushing a strand of hair behind Allyson's ear. "Turn around," he added. Allyson turned around and Bobby slid the zipper from her neck to just above her rear. Bobby helped Allyson to her feet and slid the dress down her arms. "You are so insanely beautiful," he breathed. Allyson blushed as Bobby studied her near naked body. The gown had left no room for a bra, and now that the dress was in a pile on the floor, all that covered Allyson was a white satin thong. Bobby kissed Allyson gently, letting his fingers brush down her sides, coming to rest at the hem of her thong. Allyson gasped as Bobby's fingers slipped past the hem of the thong and skimmed her outer folds. "Relax," Bobby murmured, sliding the panties down her legs. 

He led her to the bed and pushed her gently back down on the bed. "I'm not going to hurt you," Bobby promised, trailing kisses down her neck, to her breasts and down her stomach before gently licking her at the core of her femininity. Allyson gasped again and her hips arched off the bed. Bobby chuckled and placed a hand on each of her hips before he sucked gently on her clit. Allyson was gasping and moaning as Bobby teased her with his lips, tongue and fingers. "Still scared?" Bobby asked, his lips still pressed against her pussy; the vibrations caused by his words caused Allyson to gasp and shake her head. Bobby smiled against her and without moving his head out from between her thighs, Bobby quickly removed his suit and stretched his body above his new bride's. Allyson made a sound of disappointment as the pleasant sensations stopped. "I love you," Bobby whispered in her ear, as he lined his hard cock at her entrance. Before Allyson could react, Bobby had plunged into her hard and fast, but surprisingly gently. Allyson cried out loudly when she felt her hymen being torn and Bobby came to a rest while he played with her nipples.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"You're almost ready to push," the doctor told Serenity. Serenity groaned as Gavin wiped sweat off of her forehead.

"I need to push now," Serenity pleaded.

"Not yet. Only one more centimeter to go," the doctor said. Gavin resisted the urge to wince as Serenity's nails dug into his hand for what seemed to be the millionth time that night. Serenity groaned loudly as another contraction gripped her body and held firm.

"I swear to God Gavin, you are never touching me again," Serenity threatened. Gavin couldn't resist the urge to smile and he just shook his head.

"If you say so," he murmured.

"You're ready," the doctor pronounced ten minutes later. "Next contraction, push," he added. Gavin watched the nurses' flutter of activity. The contraction came not even thirty seconds after the doctor's declaration and Serenity pushed hard, screaming a little with the force of the pain.

"Breathe through it, try not to scream, you'll just wear yourself out more," the nurse advised.

"It hurts," Serenity moaned as the contraction ended.

"Again," the nurse demanded as another contraction rippled through Serenity.

"It really hurts," Serenity whispered.

"Ally, you okay?" Bobby asked in concern, seeing a tear trickle down Allyson's cheek.

"It hurt," she whispered.

"Does it still hurt?" Bobby wanted to know, unsure if he'd be able to hold still much longer. He sighed with relief when Allyson shook her head and began thrusting slowly, gently. When Allyson gasped and started lifting her hips to meet his, Bobby picked up the pace, thrusting harder, faster, more savagely. 

Allyson gasped as she felt the sensations rush over her like a rapid before a waterfall. 

"Bobby!" Allyson exclaimed. Bobby moaned in response, a smile on his face.

"Let go," Bobby whispered, thrusting harder, deeper. He watched the reactions cross Allyson's face and couldn't hide the grin when Allyson was pushed over the edge. She came with a glass shattering scream, Bobby not far behind her. They lay together, Bobby still buried deep inside, his arms around Allyson. "I love you," he whispered.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Serenity screamed and fell back against the pillow as the baby slid out into the doctor's waiting arms. She smiled and closed her eyes in exhaustion when she heard the baby's loud wails.

"Congratulations, you have a girl!" the doctor exclaimed. 

Gavin grinned and kissed Serenity's forehead. "I love you," he murmured. Serenity moaned in response and Gavin just chuckled. "She's beautiful Sere, look," he said softly a few minutes later. Serenity opened her eyes to see the doctor handing her a baby wrapped in a blanket.

"Is she okay?" Serenity wanted to know.

"She's perfect," the doctor pronounced.

-Hours later-

"What do you want to call her?" Gavin asked.

"Madeline Rose, if that's okay," Serenity murmured, studying her new daughter's tiny face.

"It's perfect," Gavin agreed, giving Serenity a gentle kiss. "I'll go call your mom," he added, standing up and slipping out of the room.



Love is a Miracle Ch. 13



CHAPTER THIRTEEN

"Sere, why didn't you say anything at the wedding?" Allyson asked her sister. Serenity wrapped her finger around the cord of the phone.

"It was your day Ally, I didn't want to spoil it for you," Serenity answered.

"Are you kidding me? It's the coolest wedding present ever!" Allyson told her sister. Serenity laughed.

"How was your honeymoon?" Serenity wanted to know.

"Amazing. I can't believe Bobby saved up enough money to take us to Hawaii," Allyson gushed. Serenity laughed. "He's such a sweetie. You guys will have adorable children," Serenity said.

"Dad said he would personally rip Bobby's balls off if I got pregnant any time in the next four years," Allyson said with a giggle.

"He's all talk. Dad wouldn't do anything that would hurt you Ally and you know it. I will say having kids and taking classes is very difficult," Serenity told her sister.

"I'm sure. Why don't you and Gavin come out to Boston between fall and winter semester. We'll watch the kids and you Gavin can have some R&R," Allyson suggested.

"I'll talk to Gavin about it, but I have to go, Maddie just woke up," Serenity said, hanging up the phone and walking into her bedroom.

-2 years later-

"Ally, it's great to see you!" Serenity exclaimed, giving her sister a big hug. 

"Thanks, Ms College graduate!" Allyson said with a grin. "Oh my God, is that Josh?" Allyson asked in surprise.

"I know. He's going on four, I know it's hard to believe," Serenity said as Gavin walked up carrying a sniffling Madeline.

"She fell," Gavin said, passing Madeline off to Serenity. Serenity sighed but headed into the house to clean up her daughter's scrapped knees.

"So how are you doing?" Serenity asked Allyson.

"Not too bad. We've been busy with school work and I hardly ever see Bobby any more. I got a call from Dylan last week, is he coming today? I have to kick his ass," Allyson said, handing Serenity a band-aid.

"He's supposed to, what's up?" Serenity asked.

"Do you remember my friend Mari?" Allyson wanted to know. Serenity nodded. "Every time Dylan comes to Boston to visit, they hook up," she continued. Serenity slapped her forehead with her hand. "What?" Allyson asked.

"Dad has been yelling at Dylan constantly lately. According to mom, and you didn't hear this from me, every single woman he's dated in the last eighteen months have showed up pregnant, claiming he's the father," Serenity said softly. Allyson's eyes narrowed.

"How many?" Allyson inquired.

"Three," Serenity answered. Allyson shook her head. "I know, it doesn't sound like Dy," Serenity agreed. 

"What doesn't sound like me?" Dylan asked from behind them.

"That you've knocked up three of your exs," Allyson said, turning around to give her brother a cold look.

"I didn't. I swear on my life that I've only had three girlfriends, and one of them is Mari," Dylan said, raising his hands up in the air.

"And are two of them claiming to be pregnant with your kid?" Allyson asked. Dylan nodded.

"But they both had new boyfriends within days of me breaking things off. In fact, I broke up with them because I got them doing drugs and you know that isn't cool with me," Dylan said.

"What would you say if I told you Mari was pregnant?" Allyson asked softly. Dylan's eyes widened.

"Then I would believe it if she said it was mine," Dylan said finally.

"Okay, what's going on with you three?" Jake asked an hour later, cornering his children, his arms crossed over his chest.

"Nothing," Serenity, Allyson and Dylan said at the same time.

"But I think someone is flirting with Sara," Dylan added. 

"She's only thirteen!" Jake growled starting to walk away.

"It's just David Dad, he won't do anything," Serenity said, giving her brother a dirty look.

"What was that look for?" Jake asked.

"How'd you even see that?" Dylan asked in surprise.

"It's a parent thing," Jake answered.

"Dylan knocked up my friend Mari," Allyson announced. Jake turned on his son.

"Four babies in one year?" he asked, a look of bitter disappointment on his face.

"I swear Dad, there is no way that the three girls out here could have gotten pregnant by me. I dumped two of them months before they came around saying they were pregnant and the third one, I was a study partner at school, I never even touched her other than bumping her hand while reaching for a pencil," Dylan said, his eyes wide.

"And Mari?" Jake wanted to know.

"Unless she's being seeing someone else or was raped, if she's pregnant, then yes, it's probably mine," Dylan admitted.

"Damn it Dylan, what about condoms? I know I gave you some," Jake growled.

"Dad, you can yell at Dylan later, please don't spoil my graduation party," Serenity pleaded. Jake turned to Allyson. 

"And I suppose you're pregnant too," he said dryly.

"Woah! I'm married dad, so if I were pregnant, then what's the big deal? Second, as far as I know, I'm not," Allyson said, raising her hands up.

"You're causing a scene," Ashira hissed, walking up to them. "Jake, go cool down, Dylan, I suggest you consult a lawyer and demand your women to take paternity tests," Ashira added. 

"I'm sorry for ruining your party," Dylan said later that night as he, Allyson and Bobby camped out on the living room floor of Serenity's apartment.

"It's okay, just start using condoms, please. I don't need a crap ton of nieces or nephews running around out there," Serenity said, laying her head on her brother's shoulder.

"The kids are out," Gavin announced as he walked into the living room carrying bowls of chips and cups of soda on a large tray.

"Thank God," Serenity groaned. Gavin laughed.

"So how's the diner?" Dylan asked.

"Going great. Business is booming," Gavin replied, handing his brother a cup of soda. 

"So when are you two going to have a baby?" Dylan asked his twin. Allyson choked on a chip and soda shot from Bobby's nose, his eyes wide. He looked at Allyson who had recovered and shrugged.

"We haven't really thought about having children," Bobby said finally.

"But we'd like one eventually," Allyson added. Serenity slapped her brother's shoulder gently.

"Don't you know by now not to be so abrupt?" she teased.

"How about you two?" Dylan asked his older sister.

"Aren't the two we have enough?" Gavin asked with a chuckle.

"I don't know if I want to go through that again," Serenity added.

-The next morning-

"Ally, are you okay?" Serenity asked, standing in the doorway of the bathroom.

"I feel awful," Allyson groaned. Serenity frowned and walked into the bathroom and knelt down next to her sister, holding her hair as Allyson retched again. 

"Where's Bobby?" Serenity wanted to know.

"He and Dylan and Gavin took the kids out for breakfast this morning," Allyson said, laying her head against the side of the tub.

"Any chance you're pregnant?" Serenity asked softly. Allyson looked at her sister, wide eyed. "I noticed you avoided the alcohol yesterday," Serenity said, rubbing Allyson's back as she began throwing up again.

"I don't know," Allyson said when the nausea finally came to an end.

"Are you late?" Serenity asked.

"No, yes, maybe," Allyson pushed herself up off the floor.

"How about a real answer?" Serenity asked with a grin.

"A couple of days," Allyson said.

"C'mon, we're going to have a girl's day out," Serenity said. She waited for Allyson to brush her teeth before scribbling a note for Gavin and led her sister to the car.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"Are you sure you're okay?" Serenity asked her sister as they returned to the apartment.

"I'm fine," Allyson murmured.

"How was your girl's day out?" Gavin wanted to know as they walked in.

"Interesting," Serenity answered. "Where are the kids?" she asked.

"Napping," Gavin answered with a grin. Serenity smiled.

"Buy anything good?" Bobby asked, walking into the living room. Allyson nodded.

"Can we go back to the hotel Bobby?" Allyson asked softly. Bobby looked at her in concern, but nodded and saying goodbye to Gavin and Serenity, followed Allyson out the door.

"What's wrong with Ally?" Gavin asked.

"She's pregnant," Serenity answered.

"That's good, right?"

"Not when it's etopic," Serenity said with a sigh. Gavin shook his head and pressed a kiss to the top of Serenity's head.

Allycat: I need your help.

Peaceful: What's wrong Ally? Are you alright?

Allycat: I guess. Bobby and I are having problems. All we've done since we've been home is fight.

Peaceful: What about?

Allycat: Apparently I'm the only one at fault for getting pregnant.

Peaceful: : rolls eyes : Keep in mind Ally that Bobby  is  a guy. He's probably just worried about you. When is the surgery scheduled for?

Allycat: The day after tomorrow. I'm scared Sere.

Peaceful: Have you told Mom and Dad yet?

Allycat: I don't want to worry them.

Peaceful: You know they'll want to know.

Allycat: I'm not calling them Sere, so just give it a rest.

Peaceful: Okay, okay! Do you want me to come out? I can be there by tomorrow morning.

Allycat: What about the kids? 

Peaceful: Gavin's grandparents are taking them for the weekend. They're picking them up tonight.

Allycat: It might be a little easier if you came out, but if you can't, it's cool.

Peaceful: I'll talk to Gavin and I'll be out there by tomorrow night at the latest. I need to go start making lunch for the kids. I'll call you when I know my flight info.

Allycat: Thanks Sere.

"Thanks for coming Sere," Bobby said as he and Serenity stood waiting for the elevator to get to the parking garage.

"She's my sister Bobby, and she needs some support. Do you really believe that she's the only one to blame for her getting pregnant?" Serenity asked.

"No. I'm just having a hard time dealing with this," Bobby answered.

"So is Ally," Serenity said softly as the elevator door opened.

"How long is this going to take?" Serenity asked Bobby after the nurse wheeled Allyson away.

"A couple of hours," Bobby answered, shifting uncomfortably.

"She's going to be okay," Serenity said softly. 

"I know," Bobby murmured, sitting down in a chair.

"How are you doing?" Serenity asked, watching her brother randomly flip through a magazine. The look on his face betrayed his nervousness.

"I hate this," Bobby grumbled, throwing the magazine on the seat next to him. "I mean we hadn't discussed having kids any time soon, but I never wanted this," Bobby told her.

"She thinks you blame her," Serenity said. Bobby shook his head.

"Never," Bobby denied. Serenity studied Bobby's face and smiled.

"You need to tell her," Serenity said, patting his hand.

"I don't know what to say," Bobby admitted.

"Tell her how you feel, but keep in mind, Ally will be hurting for awhile. This can't be an easy situation for her," Serenity murmured.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

-Years later-

"Hey mom!" Serenity looked up with a smile as Josh jumped off the school bus and ran towards her, Madeline following behind him.

"How was school?" Serenity asked as the kids dropped down on the law next to her.

"Great! I made the spelling bee!" Josh exclaimed.

"That's awesome sweetie!" Serenity said with a smile. She noticed a look on Madeline's face.

"What's wrong Maddie?" Serenity wanted to know.

"The boys keep picking on me," Madeline complained.

"How?" Serenity asked. Josh rolled his eyes.

"Doug Stevens was making fun of Maddie for reading instead of playing video games at lunch," Josh said.

"Just ignore it Maddie, they'll stop," Serenity advised.

"That's easy for you to say," Madeline grumbled, getting up and walking into the house. Serenity looked up as a car pulled into the driveway and Serenity grinned when she saw her half brother David get out of the car. 

"What are you doing here?" Serenity asked, giving her brother a hug. "Hey Sara," Serenity greeted her half sister with a big smile and hug. "Wow is life complicated," she thought, watching as Sara slipped her hand into David's.

"We came to Vegas to do what thousands of people do when they come to Vegas," David answered.

"Gamble?" Serenity asked.

"Nope," Sara shook her head.

"Eat?" Serenity guessed.

"We're eloping," David told his sister.

"What!?" Serenity exclaimed.

"We've been dancing around each other for years," Sara added.

"Mark is going to have a cow," Serenity warned David. "And so will Jake," she told Sara.

"We don't share any blood," Sara reminded Serenity.

"Besides, I think Jake would kick my ass more if we didn't at this point," David said, a sheepish grin on his face. Serenity smacked her head into her hand and then swatted at her brother with the back of her hand.

Serenity sighed and shook her head.

"I thought you were smarter than me, Mr. I'm going for my second PhD," Serenity said.

"It broke," David shot back. Serenity held up her hands with a small smile.

"If Mark or Jake ask, I didn't know about this before hand," Serenity told David.

"You're right, you didn't," David agreed. 

"You eloped already?" Serenity asked in surprise.

"Last month," David admitted.

"You've been here for a month and you haven't come see me?" Serenity turned to Sara. "How far along are you?" she wanted to know.

"Six weeks," Sara answered. "No, we didn't know before we decided to get married," Sara added. Serenity shook her head.

"You're insane," Serenity declared, leading her brother and sister into the house.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Wine?" Gavin asked, opening a bottle of white wine. David accepted some, but Serenity declined.

"I'll just stick with soda," she murmured, setting glasses of Coca-Cola in front of Josh and Madeline. At nearly thirteen, Josh was a surprising 5 foot 9 inches. His hair had changed from a dark brown, nearly black to a light brown, that in the sunlight, appeared almost blond. He had his father's green eyes. Madeline had Serenity's blond hair and blue eyes.

"So how are things going with Mark and Mel?" Gavin asked David. David shook his head.

"Chrissy's doing okay, she's at UCLA, planning on going into teaching, but Wyatt, he's causing major problems," David said with a sigh.

"Yeah, dad said something about Wyatt talking back to his teachers," Serenity said softly. David nodded.

"Dad found a joint in his car," David murmured.

"I can't believe he'd be that stupid," Serenity whispered. Conversation stopped when David's cell phone rang.

"What's up dad?" David asked after checking the caller ID. He paled visibly and hung up with a sigh.

"David?" Serenity asked in concern.

"Wyatt and his friends were in a car accident." Serenity looked at her brother expectantly. "None of them made it," David said softly.



Love is a Miracle Ch. 14-15



CHAPTER FOURTEEN

"How are you doing?" Sunshine asked Mark.

"Not very good, but I'm trying to keep it together for Mel," Mark answered. Sunshine followed Mark's gaze to where David stood, his arm draped protectively over his mother's shoulders.

"What were they doing out that late?" Sunshine asked.

"Who knows. At this point, what does it matter?" Mark asked wearily. Sunshine gave him a hug before returning to Trevor and her children, Doug and Jason.

"Mel, can I help you with anything?" Ashira asked. She, Sunshine and Crystal had surrounded their friend, wanting to do anything they could to help their friend, their sister through her time of pain.

"Can you bring my son back?" Melinda asked Ashira.

"I wish I could. If I could, you know I would, in an instant," Ashira whispered.

"That was awful," Serenity told Gavin after they had returned home. Gavin nodded.

"I feel so bad for Mark and Mel," Gavin said with a sigh.

"I don't know how Mel is going to handle this," Serenity murmured. Gavin nodded.

-2 weeks later-

"Hey Mark, how are things?" Serenity asked after answering the phone.

"Not too great. Mel's letting the restaurant run itself. She hasn't been in since Wyatt died and things are going down hill. Is there anyway you could send Gavin back to Riverside for a while?" Mark wanted to know.

"I'll talk to Gavin tonight when he gets home," Serenity promised.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Bobby, I have to tell you something! Bobby?" Allyson called, walking into the apartment. Bobby poked his head out of the kitchen and gave her a wave while he listened intently to the voice on the phone. "Who was that?" Allyson asked as Bobby hung up the phone.

"My boss. He wants to send me to Switzerland to the sister company," Bobby said with a grin. Allyson looked stunned. "Isn't it great?" Bobby was ecstatic. Allyson nodded slowly, but her expression gave her away. "What?" Bobby asked.

"Switzerland is so far away from our family," Allyson murmured.

"It isn't like we have kids tying us down Ally," Bobby reminded her.

"I don't want to move that far away from my family Bobby," Allyson said stubbornly.

"There's a huge pay increase in it," Bobby argued.

"I'm not moving Bobby. If you want to take the new job, go right ahead, but I will not go with you," Allyson said, grabbing a bottle of water out of the fridge.

"What the hell is your problem?" Bobby snapped. 

"My problem? My problem is you're married to your work! Everything you've ever done was to get ahead in work. I wanted children, but because all you wanted to go for promotion after promotion after promotion and have hardly been home! I'm usually asleep by the time you get home from work and you leave before I even wake up. We only see each other on weekends, because your office is closed! We're supposed to be married Bobby and we're practically strangers!" Allyson shouted. 

"Ally, calm down and lets talk about this," Bobby said, raising up his hands.

"Have you accepted the job in Switzerland?" Allyson asked.

"No, not yet," Bobby answered. 

"Are you planning on accepting it?" Allyson asked.

"I want to. Ally, I love you, you know that," Bobby said.

"No Bobby, I don't," Allyson said softly.

"How can you not know?" Bobby asked incredulously. 

"You've hardly talked to me in weeks, and the last time we had sex was nearly three months ago!" Allyson exclaimed.

"Ally, I've been busy with a major project," Bobby protested.

"Too busy to say more then hello and good night!?" Allyson wanted to know.

"Sometimes, yeah," Bobby agreed. Allyson grabbed her jacket from where she had laid it and turned away. "Where are you going?" Bobby wanted to know. Allyson turned back to look at Bobby.

"I'm going home," she said softly before leaving the house.

Serenity opened the door and her eyes widened when she saw her sister standing in the rain, which because rain in Vegas was rare, it was pouring. "Ally, sweetie, what's wrong?" Serenity wanted to know.

"I left Bobby," Allyson whispered. Serenity let her sister inside and closed the door tightly behind her.

"Hi Bobby," Gavin said after checking the caller ID. "No, Bobby, we haven't seen her. I'm sure she's fine. If I see her, I'll have her call you," Gavin promised. "What? When?" Gavin asked.

"Have a good life Bobby," Gavin said in disgust before hanging up.

"What'd he say?" Ally asked.

"He's leaving for Switzerland in the morning," Gavin answered. A fresh batch of tears welled in Allyson's eyes before she turned and fled to her room.

"Mom, what's wrong with aunt Ally?" Madeline asked.

"She and Uncle Bobby are having a fight, Ally will be just fine," Serenity said, looking up at Gavin over her daughter's head.

"Done with your homework?" Gavin asked.

"Yup," Madeline answered.

"Then go join your brother for the movie night," Gavin told her. Madeline ran into the living room. "You need to talk to Ally," Gavin said softly.

"I know," Serenity murmured before leaving the room.

"Ally?" Serenity asked, walking into the guest room and sitting down on the bed next to her sister.

"I never even got a chance to tell him," Allyson whispered, her eyes red from crying.

"Tell him what?" Serenity wanted to know. Allyson looked up and gave her sister a small smile.

"About the baby," Allyson said.



CHAPTER FIFTEEN

"Serenity, what are you doing here?" Bobby asked in surprise.

"To give you this," Serenity said, handing out a large envelope. She turned to leave.

"Sere, wait," Bobby said. Serenity looked back at her brother. "Come in, please," he added. Serenity followed Bobby into the luxury apartment.

"Nice place," Serenity said, sitting down on a plush sofa.

"I was hoping I'd be able to persuade Ally to come over, but she hasn't answered any of my calls, emails or called me back. I've left her a few hundred voice mail messages," Bobby said with a sigh. "So what is this?" he asked, shaking the envelope.

"Open it," Serenity told him. Bobby carefully opened the envelope and let the contents slide out into his hand. 

"What the hell?" Bobby asked, flipping through the pictures of a small baby.

"Meet your daughter Beth," Serenity said, standing up.

"What? When?" Bobby wanted to know, his eyes wide.

"She was going to tell you she was pregnant when she got home that day, but you sprung the move here and she was so upset that she just left," Serenity said.

"Why didn't she tell me?"

"She was angry. For any other answers, you need to come to Vegas and ask Ally herself," Serenity said.

"Why can't she come here? I'm in the middle of an important project," Bobby asked, annoyed.

"She just had a baby Bobby! She can't just get on a plane and fly half way around the world!" Serenity shouted.

"She can bring the baby with her," Bobby said.

"For an intelligent man Bobby, you are a fucking idiot! The baby can't go flying half way around the world either, she's too young!" Serenity yelled.

"I'm not used to kids. Speaking of, how's Josh and Maddy?" Bobby admitted.

"They're fine, and you have a beautiful daughter. If you can find the time, you should come and get to know her. And bring Ally something special, she's been through a hard time lately," Serenity said before getting up and walking out of the apartment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"What'd he say?" Allyson asked as Serenity walked into the house nearly twenty four hours later.

"Ally, can it wait a little bit? I'm hungry, thirsty, I have to pee and I feel grungy from being on two planes in the space of forty eight hours," Serenity grumbled. Allyson grinned in spite of her anxiousness.

"Take your time, I'm not going anywhere," Allyson said softly, returning to the guest room. She gazed at her tiny daughter. As she looked at the sleeping infant, Allyson let her mind wander to the events of the past months and smiled as she thought about running into Jason, the youngest son of one of her mother's oldest friends.

 FLASHBACK

"Ally?" Allyson turned around and smiled.

"Hey Jay!" Allyson said. "How are you?" she asked.

"I'm great, you?" Jason wanted to know.

"Not bad," Allyson murmured. Jason's eyes settled on her slightly rounded abdomen. 

"Is Bobby excited?" Jason asked.

"Bobby doesn't know," Allyson said

"What? Why?" Jason wanted to know.

"He took a job in Switzerland and I didn't want to go. He left without me," Allyson answered, her eyes welling with tears. Even after all these months, it still stung. Allyson allowed Jason to take him back to his apartment and explained to her that he was a new professor at the UNVL and aside from Serenity and Gavin, didn't know anyone in Vegas. Allyson smiled when she remembered the tender way Jason made love to her and sighed when her regret came rushing back. Jason had understood, and he even offered to act as a father to Beth if Bobby decided he didn't want anything to do with her. 

"Ally?" Allyson looked up and smiled at her sister. "I gave him the envelope, but I don't know if he's going to come. He wants you to take Beth and go to Switzerland. Allyson sighed.

"It isn't going to happen. He either comes here, or I'm sending him divorce papers," she murmured.

Three days later, Allyson growled in frustration as she tried to feed Beth and make lunch at the same time. She had just poured her lunch from the pan to the bowl when there was a loud knock at the door. Allyson pulled a light blanket over her shoulder, shielding Beth's head and the curve of her breast while she trudged to the door. "Bobby!" Allyson gasped. Bobby said nothing, he just gently nudged Allyson back, walked into the house and closed the door behind him.

"How are you?" Bobby asked hesitantly.

"All right," Allyson answered.

"Where's the baby?" Bobby wanted to know.

"Eating." Bobby looked at her quizzically and Allyson removed the blanket to reveal the baby.

"Wow," Bobby said, his voice revealed his awe. Allyson studied Bobby's face before glancing down at her now sleeping daughter. She carefully eased the baby off of her nipple and quickly covered herself back up. "Can I hold her?" Bobby asked. Allyson studied him for a moment before sliding the sleeping baby into her father's arms. "She's beautiful Ally," Bobby murmured. Allyson smiled and nodded her agreement. 

"Why didn't you call me?" he wanted to know.

"Would it have mattered? You wanted the job in Switzerland," Allyson answered.

"Ally, if you had told me instead of just running out, I would have taken that into account of my decision," Bobby said patiently.

"But you still would have gone," Allyson finished for him.

"I don't know, maybe," Bobby admitted.

"What are you doing here Bobby?" Allyson wanted to know.

"I came to see you and meet our daughter," Bobby answered.

"And if Serenity hadn't flown out there, would you have come back to see me?" Allyson wanted to know.

"Yes. I had a trip back here schedule for next month," Bobby answered. He looked down and studied the tiny baby that slept in his arms and smiled.

"Here, why don't you put her down so we can talk," Allyson suggested, leading Bobby to the room she and Beth shared. Bobby carefully eased Beth into her bassinet before following Allyson back to the kitchen where they each grabbed a glass of juice before returning to the living room.

"So now what?" Allyson asked.

"I want you and Beth to come home," Bobby said.

"Where's home? Boston or Switzerland?" Allyson wanted to know.

"For the moment, anywhere you want to live. I told my boss that I had to move back to the states and he fired me," Bobby admitted.

"What?" Allyson asked in surprise.

"He said he needed me in Switzerland and when I insisted I had to return state side, he gave me a generous severance package and said he'd give me a good recommendation and good luck," Bobby said.

"Are you serious?" Allyson asked, her eyes wide with surprise.

"I'm serious," Bobby confirmed. "Come home with me," he murmured. Allyson studied Bobby's face for a moment before smiling and throwing her arms around him.

~~~~~~~~~~~

EPILOGUE

"Would you look at this!" Jake and Ashira looked up and smiled when they saw Lindsey walking towards them.

"It's good to see you Linds," Jake said, giving his old boss a big hug. 

"I can't believe how large this family has grown," Lindsey said in awe. 

"And how many children it spawned," Trevor joked as he, Sunshine, Doug and Jason joined Jake, Ashira and Lindsey.

"You helped spawn two of them," Sunshine said with a grin. Everyone laughed.

"So are things better between Ally and Bobby?" Mark asked, walking over.

"Yeah, Bobby realized he was being a moron with some help from Sere," Ashira answered. 

"Hey mom," Dylan said, walking up with his wife Mari and their son Cory.

"Hi sweetie," Ashira said with a smile. She gave her son a hug then stood with Jake as they watched him join the rest of the family.



Love is a Miracle Ch. 16



 I didn't like how I ended things and when I thought about it, ideas just flew from my mind and into the Google docs. I hope you like it.

Ashira 

THE FINAL CHAPTER:

"Sere, wake up," Gavin murmured. Serenity groaned as she sat up in bed. "I have to get going, I have that challenge," he said softly.

"It's four thirty in the morning," Lily said, rubbing her eyes.

"I know," Gavin said with a grin. He pressed a kiss to Serenity's lips and hugged her close. "I'll call you when I get to Chicago," Gavin promised.

"I love you," Serenity said with a smile as Gavin straightened and walked out the door.

"Mom, I can't find my shoes!" Madeline shouted from the living room. Serenity rubbed the bridge of her nose with her fingers.

"They're in the back hall by the door where you left them and before you ask, your jacket and your purse are there too," Serenity said, setting her coffee cup in the sink.

"Mom, we have to go!" Josh said, tapping his foot impatiently on the floor.

"I know, I know," Serenity sighed as she grabbed her purse from the table. Serenity pulled her keys out from the cavern that was her purse while she waited for Madeline to finish grabbing her things. "You really need to get more organized," Serenity told her daughter as they climbed into the prius.

"I've been working on it," Madeline grumbled.

"Work harder," Josh advised.

"Joshua, that's enough," Serenity said warningly. Serenity dropped the kids off at front of the Synagogue before finding a place to park.

-2 days later-

Serenity smiled as she drove to work, and even though the diner brought in enough money so that they could live comfortably without her working, Serenity loved her job working with the less fortunate kids in the community; helping them find jobs and keeping them out of trouble made her feel really good about herself.

"Morning Lisa, any messages?" Serenity asked as she walked into her office.

"Yeah, a few of your kids have gotten arrested for breaking into a convenience store last night," Lisa said, riffling through the notes in her notebook. Serenity sighed.

"Which ones?" she asked.

"The Jacobs kids," Lisa answered.

"Didn't their apartment building catch fire last week?" Serenity inquired. Lisa checked her notes.

"Yep. They've been living out of motel six," Lisa nodded. Serenity shook her head and dropped her purse into her desk drawer.

"Call the D.A. and see if there is anything we can do to keep May, Steve and Perry out of juvie," Serenity said. Lisa nodded and handed Serenity the rest of her messages before going to her own cubicle.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Mrs. Cline, I don't know what you want me to do here. These kids broke into a convenience store and stole a lot of merchandise," the D.A. said.

"What did they steal?" Serenity wanted to know.

"Some milk, bread, peanut butter ..." the D.A. read from the list.

"They stole food. It isn't like they stole alcohol or cigarettes. Cut them some slack, it's their first offense and May's only eight!" Serenity exclaimed.

"If I don't charge them with B&E and robbery, what will that say to the hoodlums out on our streets?" the D.A. wanted to know.

"That they won't be penalized for trying to stay alive," Serenity said, growing irritated.

"The store owners want them prosecuted," the D.A. argued. Serenity sighed. "Look Mrs. Cline, I feel for these kids, but stealing is wrong and they need to have some consequences," the D.A. added before standing up and walking away.

"May I help you?" a middle aged woman asked as Serenity walked into a convenience store an hour later.

"Is the owner around?" Serenity asked.

"I'm one of the owners, I own this with my husband," the woman answered.

"My name is Serenity Cline. I work with the kids that broke into the store the other night," Serenity said.

"Bob, come out here!" the woman hollered. 

"May I help you?"

"Sir, my name is Serenity Cline, and I work with the kids that broke into your store the other night," Serenity said.

"I'm Bob and this is my wife Kathleen. What can I do for you Miss Cline?" Bob asked, his eyes suddenly cautious.

"And are you here to get those damn hoodlums out of trouble?" Kathleen asked, her voice angry.

"No, they are all old enough to know better. I just wanted to know if you are aware of their circumstances," Serenity said.

"They're just punks," Bob sneered.

"Actually, they aren't." Serenity pulled out some pictures. "Their names are Perry, Steven and May Gibson. Perry, the oldest is sixteen, Steve is fourteen and May is eight. Their apartment building caught fire last week and they've been staying at the motel six. Their mother is a prostitute and a drug addict who can never keep food or money in the home. Surprisingly, Perry has a 3.8 GPA and Steve has a 3.5 GPA. They're both athletes and have never touched drugs or alcohol in their lives, which considering their home life, is outstanding. It also explains why the only thing they stole was food. Neither of the boys are old enough to work more than ten hours a week and they're pretty much the sole providers for the house hold. I'm not trying to excuse what they did, because there were plenty of avenues open to them. I'm simply asking that you ask the D.A. not to be too hard on them. They've never been in trouble before," Serenity said, studying Kathleen as she looked at the photographs of the kids.

"Before we agree to anything, we'd like to meet the boys," Bob said.

"Of course. They are waiting in my office," Serenity said, hiding a smile as she took the photographs back.

"Hey Mrs. Cline," Steve said with a sheepish smile.

"Steven," Serenity murmured, leading Bob and Kathleen into the office. "Perry, Steve, where is May?" Serenity wanted to know.

"Mom kept her home from school today," Perry said, disgust in his eyes. Serenity's eyes narrowed. 

"Why?" Serenity asked.

"Who knows," Steve answered. Serenity looked at Lisa who walked to the outer office and began dialing. 

"Perry, Steve, this is Bob and Kathleen Wilson. They own the store you broke into last night," Serenity said.

"We're very sorry about that. Mom wouldn't give us any money to buy food with and May was hungry," Perry said softly. Bob asked a few questions and after a few moments, asked Serenity if they could speak outside. When they returned to the office a few moments later, Serenity was smiling.

"Perry, Steve, the Wilson's have agreed to drop the charges against you, but you have to work off the debt. I saw the list of charges, you stole over a hundred dollars of food. I'll let you make the arrangements, but you'll report to me before and after your shifts at the store," Serenity told the boys.

"Thank you!" Perry said, his eyes wide with excitement. 

"Don't thank us yet," Bob warned.

"Mom thank God you're back!" Madeline exclaimed as Serenity walked into the house later that night.

"Why was your phone off?" Josh wanted to know.

"I was with a client. Are you channeling your father?" Serenity asked with a small smile.

"Dad's been hurt!" Madeline blurted out. The smile froze and Serenity turned to her son.

"The hotel the challenge was at, the roof caved in. Dad's in the ICU at a hospital in Chicago," Josh told Serenity.

~~~~~~~~~~

Serenity waited in the hall way, her foot tapping nervously on the tile.

"Will you cut that out?" a man snapped.

"Sorry, I'm just a little on edge," Serenity apologized. 

"Mrs. Cline?" Serenity looked up and stood as the doctor approached her. 

"How's Gavin?" Serenity wanted to know.

"Your husband had a large portion of ceiling fall on him and aside from being temporarily paralyzed, he'll be fine," the doctor answered. Serenity breathed a sigh of relief.

"When can I see him?" Serenity asked.

"Give us about twenty minutes to get him into a room, and we'll take you in to see him," the doctor said. Serenity nodded and watched the doctor walk away.

YEARS LATER

"Are you ready?" Gavin asked, opening the door. Madeline turned around, smiled at her father and nodded. Gavin held out his arm and Madeline hooked her arm with her father's, the satin of her dress making a swooshy sound as they walked toward the main aisle in the sanctuary.

"You look beautiful sis," Josh said with a small smile before he led his mother down the aisle. 

Madeline looked around and gave a nervous smile when she saw her grandparents sitting with her cousins, mother and brother. Jake and Mark gave Madeline a smile before scowling at her waiting groom who swallowed nervously. Serenity smacked her father and step father. "Will the two of you knock it off?" she hissed before giving her soon to be son a bright smile. While Serenity was surprised at the romance that had blossomed between her daughter and Perry Gibson, but given all she knew about Perry, Serenity didn't have any issues with the relationship. 

Serenity exchanged tearful smiles with both of her mothers as she watched her only daughter exchange wedding vows with the man she loved. Serenity looked up at Gavin as he slipped his hand into hers. "I love you," Gavin mouthed. Serenity smiled.

"I love you too," she whispered.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Maddie?" Serenity asked, knocking on the partially open door. 

"Hi mom," Madeline said with a tired smile. Serenity walked completely into room and gave smile tinged with sadness as she saw her daughter holding her first child. "Are you okay?" Madeline asked softly.

"I'm fine. I just can't believe you're old enough to have a baby," Serenity said with a grin. 

"Funny, I remember saying the same thing to you once," Ashira said from behind her daughter. Serenity gave a sheepish grin. "So what is my great-grandson's name?" Ashira asked Madeline. 

"Jacob Marcus Gibson," Madeline answered. Ashira and Serenity exchanged a look and they both smiled. Jake had suffered a brain aneurysm the month after trying to teach Cory how to surf. Like so many others, Jake died within hours of the aneurysm rupturing. It had been hard on all of them, but Jake had lived a mostly happy life and that he had loved them all.

"Your grandfather would have been so proud," Ashira said a week later at little Jake's bris.

"Why couldn't we have had the doctor do this?" Perry asked, shifting around nervously.

"It's tradition," Serenity said with a laugh. "Don't worry, dad and Jake were just as nervous when they were in your shoes," Serenity added.

"Jake actually passed out when we had to have this done for Dylan," Ashira said. 

"So how about a second honeymoon?" Gavin asked Serenity as they stood on the back patio of their home, watching the sun set. Serenity looked at Gavin and shook her head. "No?" Gavin looked surprised.

"We just got back from our first honeymoon, which I'm sorry we couldn't take sooner," Serenity said.

"We had kids," Gavin reminded Serenity. She nodded and looked away. "What?" Gavin asked. Serenity gave him a sheepish smile as she handed him a small manila envelope. "What's this?" Gavin wanted to know.

"Open it," Serenity said softly. Gavin slid open the envelope and after looking at the contents, stared at her in shock. "It was a surprise for me too," Serenity murmured. "I'm sorry," she added. Gavin slid closer to her on the wicker couch and pressed a gentle but loving kiss to her lips, the contents from the envelope slipped from Gavin's hands and fell to the floor.

"Don't ever be sorry," Gavin said hoarsely as he pulled away, reached down and picked up the fuzzy ultrasound picture. "Just promise me that you'll be okay," he pleaded. Serenity smiled softly as Gavin pressed the palm of his hand to her abdomen.

"We'll be fine," she promised, placing her hand over his.