How Severus Spends His Summer Hols

A/N: Yes, I know it’s been a month since I’ve updated, but unfortunately real life reared it’s ugly head. Right now it seems like things are back on an even keel… at least I’m not contending with an ice storm at the moment.

This chapter gave us fits to write an has been rewritten too many times to count. I know it isn’t the longest, but we do have the next chapter partially written. Things are going a bit wonky for the folks there in Echo. Poor Harry isn’t dealing well with Severus’ family and Allie… well… you’ll see. Quite a bit happens within the next 6000+ words, so please enjoy.


Grant stood at the kitchen sink getting ready to wash the dishes that had been brought back to the Overlook from the hospital. He had a lot on his mind and a repetitious task would help him think. So much had happened that day and honestly, his day had begun way too early because of his own misgivings in what he thought young Harry could handle. He looked up as he heard someone enter the kitchen and smiled when he saw his little son-in-law standing by the refrigerator.

"Hey Harry, do you mind if I help you with the dishes?" he asked, mindful of what Damon had reminded him of earlier. He had to let go and let their little flock do for themselves; he couldn't do it for them.

Harry bowed his head and shrugged his shoulders. "I don't see how it matters," he said sullenly. Opening up the fridge, he retrieved the tea pitcher and set it on the counter then stretched up to get a glass out of the cabinet.

Grant sighed, he knew the boy was disappointed in how things had ended at the hospital and honestly, if he thought there was a way Allie could have managed it, the little witch would have broken her water on purpose.

"I don't think I've ever seen Damon eat so much turkey at Thanksgiving before," Grant said, hoping to cheer the younger man up. "You did a wonderful job with the meal."

"I suppose." Harry set the glass on the counter maybe a bit too hard and curled his fingers around it. "Maybe he just choked it down until he could get home to a better cooked meal." He murmured under his breath as he poured the tea. He'd heard several comments that the meal had been wonderful but it all seemed over shadowed by the fact that one, Allie had gone into labour and two, Grant had cooked an entire meal before he had even gotten out of bed this morning.

He was angry with himself because he had had to borrow a table from Grant and Damon in the first place and now this. Merlin forbid Severus see him acting like a spoiled brat, acting like Allie, especially to his precious 'mother-in-law'. He closed his eyes and sighed. "I'm sorry Grant. I'm just tired. It's been a long day."

Grant took a breath and looked down at the bowl he was scraping out. "I owe you a huge apology Harry. I never ever should have done that. It won't happen again," he said quietly. "If you want me to go, I will." He set the casserole dish on the counter and turned to look at Harry.

Harry looked up at Grant and shook his head. "You don't have to leave unless you want to. I can't exactly throw you out of this house." He picked up the glass of tea and took it out to Severus.

Grant watched Harry go, an expression of shock and hurt on his face, swallowing, he turned back to the sink and began to scrub the dishes. He decided he'd do these up quickly and then ask Damon to take him home; he'd give Harry his space.

Harry took the glass out to Severus and handed it to him then carefully got down on his knees next to the couch. He leaned against Severus' leg and rested his head on Sev's strong thigh. It felt good to be back here in his place. He shouldn't have said those things to Grant; he really didn't have the right to do so, but he was tired of being made to feel like he was just there to be decoration and have Severus' child. He looked up at Severus and sighed. "I'm sorry Sir," he whispered softly.

Severus frowned and looked down at where Harry was kneeling. "Harry, wouldn't you be more comfortable sitting here?" He patted the sofa next to him. "You've nothing to be sorry about, you've just created a memorable meal." The older man didn't know what was wrong with his little husband other than being slightly put out by Allie going into labour during dinner.

Harry shook his head and stroked Severus' ankle. "I just am, Sir. I like being here; it's not too uncomfortable as long as I give Reganne enough room." He ran his other hand over his belly and sighed. He loved being here at Severus' feet. It did worlds of good for him to be there. He needed to be here and sighed once again, closing his eyes as he rested against Severus' leg.

"Very well then, but I want you to shift to the sofa if you become uncomfortable," Severus said as he began to thread his long fingers in his husband's unruly black hair, tugging gently now and again, the weight of his body a comfort to him.

Severus looked back to Damon, a small smile on his lips, little Sarah lay sleeping in Damon's lap, peaceful after the rough ride home. She'd not wanted to leave Max or Davy. "So, do you think she'll give birth tonight or tomorrow?" he asked. When they'd left the hospital Allie's water had broken, but her labour had stalled, so it was anyone's guess as to when the newest Sorens would make his grand entrance.

Damon shrugged. "I don't know nothing about birthing no babies." He grinned at his son, one hand stroking across the little girl's long red hair. "She had a time with Sarah but it was mostly hard labour according to Max. This being a boy there's no telling. Davy said he'd call us with updates. He offered to pick up the elder Sorens when they arrived."

Severus nodded at the mention of the younger man. "Greg married himself a good one with him," he said as he stretched his long legs out and rubbed the back of Harry's neck. He smiled down at the top of Harry's head fondly, not caring that his young husband couldn't see him. "When are Max's parents arriving?"

Harry grunted when Severus stretched then purred as the long fingers began to ease an ache he hadn't realized was there. He spread his legs a bit wider settling his belly between them and getting comfortable against his Master once more.

Damon nodded at the two of them. It was good to see Sev happy although he was worried about Harry being down in the floor for too long. Not his place though. "They both have come a long way. I was leery at first when Grant told me he'd hired the boy but it seems to have worked out fine."

He leaned back into the recliner and looked back towards the kitchen wondering what Grant was doing. "The flight is supposed to be in at ten. That's got to be a hell of a trip from Anaheim. Did you know Gregory offered to get them here in a private plane?"

Severus raised an eyebrow at the mention of Gregory's offer. "My, my, seems Davy has certainly married well, doesn't it?" he said as he looked down at Harry and then took one of the large throw pillows from the sofa, passing it down to him.

"Harry you don't have to sit on the sofa, but I would like for you to sit on the pillow," he said, his voice gentle to take the edge from the order he'd given. He didn't want the young man to develop clots or cramps in his legs. "Go on, you heard me."

Grant appeared in the doorway a moment later, drying his hands on a dishtowel. "Damon, I'm ready to go," he said quietly before he turned to go back into the kitchen to wait.

Harry gave a nod and using Severus' leg as leverage, heaved himself to his feet. He looked at Damon then Severus and sat down on the sofa, wiggling his feet slightly. "Pins and needles," he said softly. He took the pillow and wrapped his arms around it then leaned against Severus.

Damon looked back over his shoulder and then to Severus, his eyebrow arched in confusion. "What the hell was that?" He sat the recliner back up and moved Sarah to his shoulder. "Grant, come back here."

Severus wrapped one arm around Harry, pulling him closer as he looked at Damon, shrugging his shoulders. "I don't know, perhaps he's tired?"

After a moment, Grant appeared in the doorway once more. "Yes Damon?" he asked as he looked at his husband.

Damon lifted a hand to his husband and pulled him closer. "You really ready to go home?" He searched his face, looking for something that had upset the little man.

Grant nodded. "Yes, if that's alright. I'm a little tired," he said as he patted Damon's shoulder and then gave Severus a small smile.

Harry cringed. "Goodnight Grant." He said softly and turned his body into Severus' side, hiding his face.

Damon looked back and forth between his husband and his sons. Shaking his head, he stood. "All right," Sliding Sarah into a more comfortable position, he bent, placing a kiss to Harry's head and patting Severus on the shoulder. "You did a fantastic meal today, Bit. Well done."

Grant slipped his jacket on and smiled to Severus, nodding to Harry. "Thank you for inviting us, it was wonderful," he said as he went to stand back in the doorway.

Severus looked curiously at Grant and then down at Harry and shook his head. Someday he might understand, but today wasn't the day. "Be careful driving home. Damon, I'll talk to you tomorrow, let me know if you hear anything on Allie."

"Will do." Damon gave Severus a look and shrugged before ushering Grant out the door.

Harry looked up at Severus when the door closed. "I'd like to go see Doctor Marsha tomorrow if that's ok and she can get me in." He had grown comfortable with his therapist and knew she was a safe cove to turn to when something was bothering him.

Severus looked down at Harry curiously and nodded. "Alright, we'll call first thing in the morning. Are you alright Harry?" he asked concern etching his face as he looked at the smaller man. "You can talk to me, you know."

Harry sighed and nodded. "Yes, I suppose." He looked up at his husband then back at his robe. He played with the hem on the fabric for a moment before speaking. "I feel unsettled and anxious." He slid back down to the floor and swallowed.

"I was rude to Grant earlier," Harry murmured softly and bowed his head. "I apologized to him though."

"I'm sure Grant understands, love, I wouldn't worry overmuch about that," Severus said trying to reassure the little man. He leaned forward, carefully picking Harry back up, settling him back on the sofa. "Are you upset over Allie?"

Harry made a face but allowed Severus to settle him back at his side. He shrugged and thought about some of the things the woman had said and her appearance. "I'm scared," he said softly. "I can't have this baby if it's going to be like that. She looked like she was in so much pain and the things she said to Max..." He looked up at Severus. "I don't hate you, Husband."

Severus breathed out slowly, mentally chastising himself for taking Harry with him up to Allie's room to say goodbye. The little witch had been screaming and cursing like a banshee at Max and hadn't been able to keep a civil tongue in her head. When he'd asked Max if the contractions were that bad, he'd been shocked to find that the contractions had stopped and Allie was simply throwing a fit.

"Harry, I can't ever imagine you behaving in such a disgusting manner, no matter what," he said as he rubbed one hand over the young man's swollen belly. "Max will make certain you are as comfortable as you can be."

Harry looked up at Severus. "People in pain do strange things, Husband," he said with soft sincerity and unwanted knowledge on the matter. He sighed and shook his head. "I don't want to be displayed like that in the hospital. Is there someplace else I can have the baby? Can we do it here in our home?"

Severus thought about his request for a moment, it really wasn't too far fetched really; after all, he'd been born at home. "I suppose. We'll need to clear it with Max though, make certain he thinks it will be all right. It would be nice to welcome her into her new home, wouldn't it?" he said as he leaned over, pressing his lips to Harry's hair. "Who would you like there?"

Harry blinked up at him. "Other people have to be there?" he asked slightly panicked. "I don't want anyone to see me like that... other than the doctors. Max for me and Gregory for Reganne, right? They have to be there right?"

Severus rubbed his husband's arm. "That's right Harry, no one else has to be there, I just didn't know if you'd want Molly or Grant there with you," he said, his voice low and steady to calm his flighty husband. "Gregory doesn't have to be there, I don't think. I'm fairly certain Max can take care of Reganne."

Harry bit his lip trying to decide which one would be the lesser of two evils, Molly or Grant. He took a deep breath, remembering the exercises Doctor Marsha had taught him to breathe through when he felt like he was losing control. Severus' hand on his arm helped too and he looked back up at his husband. "I think I'd like Molly to be here but not there, does that make sense? Ron and Hermione too?" He stopped and thought for a moment. "I want Gregory there. Please. Max shouldn't have to divide his attention between the two of us."

Frowning, Severus looked down at Harry. "Love, no one will be in the room with you that you don't want. Everyone can wait in the living room or go home. I don't want you uncomfortable. We'll talk to Max tomorrow as well." He was a little surprised and hurt that Harry didn't want Grant there, but he'd not say anything about it, he wasn't the one that was delivering their child after all. "Do you need to rest for a bit?"

"Thank you, Husband." Harry smiled at him, grateful that Severus hadn't asked about Grant. Having Max and Gregory there to see was going to be hard enough. "I need pie I think, Severus or at least Reganne does, chocolate with the whipped cream, please?" He gave Severus another winsome grin.

"Your desire is my command," Severus said with a smile as he disentangled himself from Harry and stood up. In the kitchen, he found that Grant had not only put away the food and washed the dishes, but also dried and put them away for Harry. Cutting two generous portions of pie and topping them both, he brought them back in and handed one to Harry. "You don't need to worry about the kitchen, it's taken care of."

Harry blinked. "Thank you." He looked down at the pie and stuck his finger in the Cool whip. "He didn't have to do that." He sucked his finger in his mouth then licked the tip of it making certain all the sweet dessert was gone. "I'll call him tomorrow and thank Grant properly."

"See that you do, Harry," was all Severus said as he tucked into his own snack. "You and Davy did a wonderful job with the meal. Everyone was very impressed."

Harry broke off some of the flaky crust and dragged it through the whipped topping. "Thank you, Husband. I'm happy you enjoyed it." He popped the piece in his mouth and looked up at Severus. "Thank you for not letting Grant bring his meal." He said softly and looked at his plate. "I'm sorry. I overheard you and Damon talking."

So this was what was on Harry's mind. "He didn't do it to slight you Harry, he was just worried because he hadn't been able to help you. Damon took care of it and he won't do it again," Severus said with a sigh. "You shouldn't eavesdrop."

Upset at Severus' defense of the other man, Harry looked at him. "He did it because he didn't think I could do it myself and it back fired on him," he snapped angrily. "I did a better job with Davy's help than he could." He looked down at his plate then back at Severus. "I... I'm sorry, Husband." He put the plate aside and slid down off the couch to his knees then bent and rested his head on Severus' foot.

Setting his plate and fork to one side, Severus looked down at Harry, a thoughtful expression on his face. "That's why he wanted to leave early, isn't it? You said something about that."

Harry closed his eyes and nodded. "Yes Sir. He tried to apologize and I shrugged it off. Then I apologized and he offered to leave." He looked up at Severus and swallowed. "I told him he didn't have to leave if he didn't want as it wasn't my decision either way." He looked back down at the floor.

"I just don't want any one else thinking I can't take care of you. It's bad enough he's always calling me when he has time to make certain I've done something properly. Reminding me to do certain things just so." He looked back up at Severus, tears forming in his eyes. "I know I'm screwed up, Sir but I'm learning."

"Yes, you are learning and doing well. I'll speak to Damon," Severus said. He'd had no idea that Grant's mothering was getting on Harry's nerves, but he would take care of it. "Come up here and finish your snack and then I want you to lie down for a few hours."

"Yes Sir." Harry wiped at his face and nodded as he climbed back up on the sofa. He picked up the plate and toyed with the fork for a moment. He was quietly wondering how much he could push Severus tonight. "Husband, do we have to go shopping tomorrow? Grant said we have to get up at three in the morning and he would be here at four."

"No Harry, we don't have to do anything you don't wish to," Severus said as he finished his own pie. "Would you rather not go at all?"

Harry shrugged. "There were a few things I would have liked to look at but I don't want to get up that early. I know we need a table too, but can it wait?" He looked up at Severus and set his pie aside. "I'm really tired, Husband. Can I go to bed now? I don't want any more of the pie."

"It can certainly wait Harry, in fact, why don't I find one online and order it?" Severus asked as he stood and then helped Harry to his feet. "Let's go tuck you in." With a hand between the younger man's shoulders, Severus carefully guided him to the bedroom and then the bed. "Don't worry about supper, I'll eat leftovers, alright?"

Harry let Severus tuck him in and nodded. "Thank you, Sev." He yawned, covering his face and sighing as he closed his eyes, snuggling down into the bed. "I'm sorry I was rude to Grant," he said sleepily. "I really didn't mean to be hateful."

Severus leaned down and kissed Harry's forehead. "Grant shouldn't have meddled Harry, don't fret," he said as he stood up, straightening the blankets over his husband. Now he had to call Damon.

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Grant moved silently around their kitchen, putting the last of the clean dishes away before going back to their bedroom to lie down, the outburst from Harry weighing heavily on his mind. Making a decision, he walked out to the living room where Damon was watching a football game.

"I don't think I'm going to hit the sales in the morning," he said before leaning down to kiss the top of Damon's head and going to the spare bedroom to check on Sarah. "I'll call Severus and let him know."

Damon stared after his husband in shock. "Is the world coming to an end? I hear my credit cards rejoicing at that statement." He stood and followed Grant to the bedroom. Leaning against the doorframe, he watched Grant. "What prompted the cancellation of your trying t o put the checking account into the negative?"


Grant shrugged as he finished checking on Sarah and went to their bedroom. "I've got nearly all of our shopping done and really, I'm too old to be doing things like that anymore," he said as he turned back the top quilt and sat down on the edge of the bed. "I'll call later and explain to Severus, he can take Harry if the boy still wants to go."

Damon arched an eyebrow. "You're too old to be doing that? The king of crying credit cards?" he walked into the bedroom and sat down next to his husband. "What wrong, Pet?"

Grant smiled at his husband and let his hand rest on the man's knee. "I can make them cry louder if I wait until the sales are over," he teased. "I'm just tired and don't feel like getting up early this year is all. Is that all right? I thought you'd be jumping for joy not to have to go with me and play defense." He turned and lay down on his side, sighing softly. "Want to take a nap with me?"

Damon eyed Grant for a moment then sighed. He'd let it go for now. "Oh, the hard ships of retirement." He smiled at his little husband, lay down next to him and pulled Grant on top of him. "That's better." He wrapped his arms around Grant and squeezed him tightly.

Grant laid his head on Damon's chest, listening to the strong heart beating rhythmically, sighing softly before he spoke. "I'm still going to be punished for this morning, aren't I?" he asked, somewhat expectantly, half hoping Damon would take it out of his hide so he might feel a little better.

Damon shrugged. "Do you need a spanking?" He ran his hands down Grant's body and cupped his bottom, squeezing hard on the rounded cheeks.

"Something worse probably," Grant said as he shifted his slight weight on top of the man, wincing slightly as his bottom was manhandled. "Whatever you think is appropriate."

Damon raised an eyebrow and looked at his husband. "What do you think you need something worse for?" He was beginning to worry about his little husband.

"For how I behaved and cooking the meal like I did. I shouldn't have done that," Grant murmured, his eyes closing sleepily, the effects of the turkey working its magic on him. "I really hurt Harry and I never meant to."

Damon nodded. "You, at least, realize that you did and I've already doled out your punishment for the extra meal. Did you apologize to him?"

Nodding, Grant stifled a yawn behind his hand. "I don't think he likes me much," he whispered softly. "May I sleep now, please? I don't want to talk anymore."

Damon closed his eyes and nodded. "Go ahead Injun." He rubbed Grant's back soothingly and thought about all that had happened today, wondering what he had missed.

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Severus waited until he knew Harry was sound asleep before he called over to Damon and Grant's, a little upset by how Harry perceived things with Grant. He let the phone ring four times and was about to hang up when he heard someone pick up on the other end. "Hello? Hello?"

Damon grunted. "'Lo?" He wondered who was calling to interrupt his turkey induced sleep.

"Da? It's Severus, I was calling to let you all know Harry won't be going along on the shopping trip in the morning," Severus said as he leaned back in his chair and picked up one of the books he'd been reading.

Damon sat up and carefully dislodged Grant from his chest. He covered his husband back up and quietly left the room, closing the door softly. "Sev, Grant's not going shopping. He said he was going to call you later and cancel the trip." He yawned and padded into the kitchen to pour himself a glass of tea. "What the hells going on with those two?"

Severus shook his head, "I don't know, Harry said he was rude to Grant that he knew about the meal he'd cooked. He says he just wants Grant to stop treating him like a baby, that he can take care of me without his guidance."

Damon nearly dropped his glass of tea. "What?" He asked softly. "When did this start?"

"I think today was the first time Harry's said anything to him, but he was upset over the Allie incident as well."

Damon nodded slowly and thought about what happened today. "I'll ask him about it later. He said something to me about hurting Harry but he said he apologized. He wanted me to punish him too."

Severus sighed, not happy about having this conversation. "I don't think I'd worry overmuch about it Da. Harry's pretty emotional right now, you know, so he may just be overreacting."

Damon sighed. "I guess Sev but you know how Grant can be. Are you certain he's overreacting? I'm not excusing him or Harry but I don't want there to be hard feelings. I care about all of you."

"Do you think Grant's been smothering him?" Severus asked with a grimace, he well knew how dogged the older man could be over certain things.

"I have no idea Sev. I really don't. I wouldn't see how he could because he's been down at the office but then again we are talking about Grant, so it's entirely possible. I love the little fucker but he is a great busybody. He learned from the best at my mom's knee." He chuckled lightly.

"I'll talk to Harry and see if maybe he misunderstood," Severus said as he rubbed a hand over his eyes, letting his hand drop to the arm of the chair with a grunt. "I really hope they don't have a problem."

"That makes two of us but I'm telling you it might be nothing but mother-in-law syndrome." Damon sighed. “Grant went through it with mom and I wouldn't be surprised if Grant had unintentionally done it to Harry. You know he cares about both of you."

"I know he does and I know he'd never hurt Harry intentionally," Severus murmured as he looked to the bedroom door and shook his head. "Harry's just been a bit touchy lately. Did Jason get home alright?"

"I'll never understand pregnant people." Damon sighed. "Yeah, Davy dropped him off before heading out to the airport. He called a few moments ago. We still don't have a baby yet. They upped the pitocin too to start her up again. Davy said it was a good thing we left when we did because she got even worse."

"She got worse?" Severus said the disgust evident in his voice. "I know that upset Harry. If I'd known she was behaving like that, I would have never taken him up to her room. He wants to have the baby here at home, so I'll have to talk to Max about it."

Damon's eyes widened. Memories of Grant and the screaming, all the bloody sheets filled his mind and he shook his head even though Severus couldn't see him. "No, don't let him. Talk him into going to the hospital, Sev." He swallowed. "I was born at home and I know times have changed but that's some scary shit to go through."

Severus heard a note of something that sounded close to panic in the older man's voice. "Da, are you alright?"

Damon took a deep breath. "Yeah, I'm fine." He rubbed his face for a moment. "Just... some bad memories. Talk to him about it though, Sev. If he still wants to have it at the house make certain Max and Gregory are there... just in case. Grant and I will be there too."

Hoping Harry would change his mind before the time came; Severus didn't mention Harry not seeming to want Grant there. "I'll make sure they are both there, Da and if there's any chance of a complication, he'll be having the baby at the hospital, so don't worry," he said, hoping to reassure the man. "I thought about calling over to the hospital to see how Max is holding up, do you want me to call you back?"

Damon sighed again. "You can if you want. I'm worried about Max too. You all take care Sev."

"You as well Da, get some rest if you can, you sound tired," Severus said before he hung the telephone up and stood, stretching for a moment before whistling for the dogs to go out for a short walk in the snow.

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Gregory pulled his cell phone from his pocket and called his husband to check on him as well as Max's parents. He laid back on the sofa in the doctor's lounge and laid his pager on his chest, closing his eyes as he waited for Davy to answer.

Davy sat up straight in the hard chair he'd been half dozing in at the airport as his phone began to trill and vibrate in his pocket. "Hello," he murmured sleepily, not having checked whom the call was coming from.

"Hello sexy." Gregory purred to his husband. The sleepy voice sounded so welcoming to him and he wondered how much longer it was going to be before he could go home with Davy. "How are you doing? Has the plane arrived yet?"

"Mmmmm," Davy growled as he heard his husband's sexy voice. "Not yet, it was delayed in Chicago. Has she spawned her devil child yet?" He'd been disgusted with the woman's childish behaviour. Yes, he knew childbirth was horribly painful, but the way she'd been acting was just too over the top to be excused.

Gregory laughed. "Davy, that's not nice, he's half Max's too. But no, there's still no baby although she is finally in full labour. It will most likely be well into the wee hours or first thing in the morning. It's a slow labour but steady and hard now with all the pitocin they gave her."

"Have you had a chance to take a nap or anything?" Davy asked as he looked out the huge windows and onto the tarmac. "It's snowing again, so I don't know when they'll be here. I really wish they'd apparated or taken a port key."

"I'm lying down now in the lounge, wishing you were here." Gregory said; as he closed his eyes and listened to Davy breathe. "More snow, eh? Well, be careful. If the flights delayed again get a hotel room up there. Don't try and drive back in it. Max's father is a Muggle and you know you can't Side-Along Muggles. They don't sense portkeys either."

Davy let out a sigh of frustration and leaned his head back against the chair. "I wish I were there too, I miss you. Oh, did I tell you, Rich called and left a message on our machine."

Gregory sat up. "Really?" He hadn't seen his best friend in ages. Richard Montgomery had gone to med school with him and they had become fast friends. "What did he have to say?"

"That he's ended his research program out in Portland and would like to know if we could put up with his company for awhile until he decides what he wants to do next. Said he was planning to drive out sometime next week if we didn't object," Davy said as he tried to recall the entire message. "I don't mind if he stays with us, do you?"

"Where did he think he was going to stay? Damn right, he's staying with us." Gregory grinned. "I'll call him and tell him he has to stay for Christmas. You don't mind, do you?"

"I don't mind at all, when I get home, I'll start getting the spare room ready for him, alright?" Davy chuckled; he could hear how happy his husband was at the prospect of Richard staying with them.

Gregory's pager went off and he stood as he checked the page. "That's Mrs. Sorens, Pet. I have to go. Let's hope this time she can deliver that baby, her and Max both are miserable. Be careful and call me if you get back on the road tonight. Leave me a message if I don't answer."

"Alright. I'm just going to hang out here. I'm wondering if their flight will be cancelled. Good luck with the baby. Will you call and let me know?" Davy said quickly, knowing his husband's time was running short. "I'll call and leave a message when we leave the airport."

Gregory pulled open the door to the lounge as he slipped his lab coat back on over his scrubs. "Will do, gotta go, love you." He hung up the phone and slid it back into his pocket as he ran for the stairs to take him back up to Labour and Delivery.

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Max exited the delivery room tiredly, his steps slow and a look of utter exhaustion on his face. His son was born and Allie was all right. Well physically she was fine.... mentally, he wasn't so sure.

Leaning against the hallway wall, away from the other people milling about, Max pulled his cell phone from his pocket and dialed the number to the Wolffe's house to share his news. Perhaps not all of the news, but at least the good.

Damon rolled over and glared at the phone. Realizing just whose number it was, he jerked the phone off the holder and answered it. "Well, what did you hatch this time?"

Max chuckled, the sound almost sad to his own ears. "A little boy. Well, not so little. He weighs ten pounds six ounces. Did I wake you up?" he said softly as he ran a hand through his hair, closing his eyes as he leaned back.

Damon laughed. "That's not a baby that's a toddler. You did but that's all right, we're glad to get the news. How are they doing?"

"They are both alright. I'll be bringing the baby home tomorrow most likely," Max said as his wife's words replayed in his head.

"Tomorrow? Already?" Damon sat up in the bed, listening to Max. He didn't understand this in and out mentality of the hospitals. "You sound tired, son. You want us to keep Sarah for another day?"

Nodding even though Damon couldn't see him, Max sighed. "If it wouldn't be too much trouble. My mom is going to help me find a nanny or something. Do you think Grant would be pissed if I took a few more days?"

"Nanny? What the hell do you need one of them for?" Damon looked over at his sleeping husband and the little girl who hadn't wanted to go to bed without Baby and her Nonnie. Carefully, he climbed out of the bed and padded into the living room. "We've already got you out on paternity leave, Max. I think Grant will be all right for another week."

"I'm going to need someone to be here at the house to take care of the kids and the house, Damon. Allie's decided she isn't coming home," Max said as he let his body slide down the wall until he was sitting on the cold tile floor.

Stunned, Damon sat there for a moment not saying a word. "Max..." He trailed off not knowing what to say. "What happened? Do you need me to come up there?"

"She doesn't want to be a wife and mother any more. Says she's outgrown us and can't stand the sight of me," Max said quietly. "I knew this was coming Damon."

Damon made a face. It hurt to hear the acceptance and heartache in Max's voice. "Are you certain it wasn't the drugs or the hormones talking? I know she's been acting a bit wild since we all came home from South Dakota, but surely she didn't mean it." He might not like the woman but he never thought she'd just take off and leave her kids.

"She said she’s in love with someone else, Damon. I'm done with the fighting. Allie just wants out and I'm going to let her go," Max replied, his voice close to trembling as he realized he was closing the book on the life he'd had for the past nine years. "It's the best for the kids too, you know?"

Damon's jaw dropped. "She's what? Never mind, don't answer that. You sit right there, I'm coming up to the hospital." He stood and walked into the laundry room, grabbing some jeans and a t-shirt off the bar over the folding table. He set them down on the table and wrote Grant a note on the marker board beside the fridge, erasing out the grocery list to do so. "Do you need me to stop and get you anything from the house?"

"No, I'm fine. You don't need to come out Damon. I'm a big boy," Max said, a broken sob catching in his throat. "How am I going to tell Sarah?" He stared at the white wall in front of him, his vision blurred by the tears that were welling up in his eyes. He wasn't crying for himself, but for his children. Allie had made it clear that she never wanted to see them again, wanted to forget she'd ever had them.

Damon pursed his lips. "I'm walking out the door now, Max. Don't go anywhere." He hung up the phone and stripped of his pyjamas, changing into his clothes, quickly. He toss the sweats into the laundry room and left the phone on the table as he went back into the living room for his boots, jacket and keys. He sidetracked to get his wallet out of the bedroom, trying to be as quiet as possible and still hurry. Dammit, he should have known that girl was going to continue to be trouble from the day she'd collapsed in his bar.