#alexis stevens

Although she tried to keep it down, the water from last night started to come back up and she rushed into the bathroom. As she threw up, Jo felt Alex's hand on her back, rubbing up and down, and a cold wash rag on the back of her neck. Her vomiting let up and she took a deep breath, but kept her eyes closed as she sat back and rested in Alex's arm. 

“Are you okay?” Alex asked as he grabbed a baby wipe from the counter and wiped it across her lips and cheeks. 

Jo only nodded as she turned and wrapped her arms around him, burying her face in his neck. Then she took off her watch and threw it across the room. “He got my watch’s number and texted me.”

Alex swore and shook his head. “We can block him again. Jo.” 

“He'll just get another number like he always does. I’ll have to change my number again,” Jo cried out tears collected in her eyes. She did want to have to do this.

“Well, after today hopefully he’ll be in jail for a long time,” Alex tried to assure her.

“We both know the trial wouldn’t be that easy,” Jo whispered as she dreaded the day.

“I'm sorry,” Alex whispered, kissing her head and holding her tightly. 

“It's not your fault,” Jo whispered to him.

“I know, but still.”

They stayed together on the bathroom floor, for a little while as Jo's stomach settled and even a little after that. Just holding each other and preparing for the day ahead again. 

Then they heard the blankets rustling and Luna's little voice. “Mama?” 

“We're over here sweet girl,” Jo said, picking up her head and looking back at the bedroom.

Soon they heard the soft padded footsteps of Luna’s pajama feet onesie as she appeared in the doorway, dragging Ellie behind her. She rubbed her eyes and Jo opened her arms. Luna smiled and ran into her, curling in her lap as Alex held them. Luna pursed her lips and gave her a good morning kiss before she grabbed Alex’s face and gave him a morning kiss as well. Jo loved that Luna involved him in their little morning ritual.

“Are you two up for a little bit of breakfast?” Alex asked as they got up, he put Luna on his hip and offered her a hand. 

“Maybe not a plate full of waffles, but some oatmeal sounds good,” Jo said as she followed them downstairs.

The three of them went downstairs to see that Link was already rushing around with his morning coffee. Scout was in the playpen in the living room already dressed and ready to go. Link ran around grabbing lunch, Scout’s bag, and work folders, all while trying to eat a bagel. 

“Out out,” Luna said as she started to do a full body wiggle in his arms and Alex set her down.

Luna went straight over to the playpen wall, standing up on her toes to see over the side. Scout greeted her with eager excitement as he pressed his face into the screen. Jo just laughed as they pressed against the mesh and lifted Luna up and over into the playpen so she and Scout could hug each other. They held hands as they started to dance to the baby shark music video that was playing on the TV. 

“Those two really missed each other. Scout asked about her all the time,” Link said, taking a pause as he smiled at the two toddlers. 

“Yeah we missed you guys too,” Jo said with a smile.

“So I know you have to be at the courthouse at nine, but I have to work. So Meredith and I are gonna meet you there when they call your case,” Link said as he paused while getting his lunch and he looked back at her.

“Yeah, sounds good and I’ll be okay. I've got Alex,” Jo said as she glanced at him with a little flash of a smile. 

Alex gently smiled and put a hand on her back. Jo leaned into him as he put his arm around her waist. She loved that she was able to rely on him again. This was the one thing she had missed. Having the kind of intimate support that only came from a romantic partner and someone who knew her body and soul. Jo knew that Alex would defend her and protect her, in the way that only he could. She needed that if she was going to face Tom. 

Suddenly her nausea came back as the remainder of their upcoming court appearances loomed over her. Jo looked out at the skyline trying to focus on something other than throwing up. She stepped away from them and Link and Alex paused. She knew they were watching her closely. Jo looked out to the skyline as she wrapped her arms around herself. She tried to steady herself and see the ocean through all the morning fog, but it was too thick. All she could see was a light gray haze. 

“It’s going to be okay, Jo. You're strong enough to face this. And I'm here too, you’re not alone,” Alex said, breaking the silence and Jo nodded, but she continued to stare out at the fog. 

Link and Alex exchange a few words that she didn't hear. A few moments later, there was a cup of coffee being pressed into her hands. Jo wrapped her hands around the mug and took a sip before she looked over at Alex. He stood next to her for a moment and he seemed to know what she wanted as he wrapped his arms around her shoulders and she leaned into him. 

Jo closed her eyes and breathed in his morning scent. It was only his and not the cologne that he wore. She had missed his scent and now it was hers forever. Jo wanted to stay here in his arms. As she felt the sun on her cheek, she looked up to see the clouds parting as the wind blew them away. The sun broke through in patches and warmed her cheek. With the sun out, it was time to face the day. 

Alex got them all breakfast, but Jo barely ate any, despite how he pressed her to. She was too nervous and nauseous. She knew she would throw it all up if she ate anything. Link left for work after giving her a hug and a little bit of extra reassurance before he left. Then Jo took Luna upstairs for a bath and shower as they got ready together. She focused on getting Luna ready for the daycare where they would drop her off, then go to court. Jo did her daughter's hair and then put her in a comfortable outfit, even putting on her shoes and packing her diaper bag, before she got fully dressed herself. 

As Jo got out her makeup, she looked at herself in the mirror. The bruise had faded and were gone but she still had her sling and cast. She hadn’t been wearing the sling despite the fact she knew she should, but today she put it on over her blouse. Just as she was finishing getting dressed and struggling to put on her boots with one good hand, Alex came into the bathroom. He was all ready to go in his shirt and suit jacket and he was wearing his cologne again. He instantly knelt down to help her into her boots. 

“Ready to go?” Alex asked as he finished zipping them up and sat back.

Jo let out a sigh as she looked back at the bed. She wished she could crawl back into the sheets, pull Luna and Alex with her, and cuddle with them like they had this morning. She wanted it so badly that her heart ached. Although she knew she had to face this. She’d spent over a month in Kansas and she couldn't run away from it anymore. Mustering up every bit of strength she could, Jo stood up. They were ready, she was ready to face this. 

……………………………………………………………………

Alex grabbed Luna's diaper bag as Jo picked up Luna and put her purse on her shoulder. They collected the paperwork that her lawyer said they would need and the file from the hospital in Kansas. Then they got out the door and into the elevator as they made their way downstairs. Alex watched her closely as Jo focused on taking deep breaths and looking at Luna. It was easy to distract her with Luna in her arms as a toddler wiggled around and hummed to baby sharks. Jo hummed back and sang it to her. Even Alex joined in as all three of them sang the song.

“Yay!” Luna shouted, throwing up her arms as the song ended before she started clapping. 

Jo couldn’t help but laugh as her toddler cheered for the song and she started to sing it again. “Baby shark do do do do do.” 

The doors to the elevator opened and they walked to Jo's car. As they turned the corner around the garage, with the car in view Jo froze. Alex immediately stepped in front of her and even Luna stopped singing baby shark. 

“Jo,” Tom said as he jogged towards them from where he had been waiting, leaning against Jo's car.

“You stay the hell away from them,” Alex said as he held up his hand to Tom, stopping him in his tracks a few feet away from them. 

Tom set his jaw and glared at Alex. For the first time, Alex got a good look at him. He was tall with light strawberry blonde hair, a strong jawline, and an overpowering nose. His blue eyes held a sort of intensity that made him uneasy, but as he blinked they turned to a sparkling blue of soft water. 

“Jo please just let me explain, I'm so sorry for everything. I was having a bad day and I took it out on you. I'm so sorry,” Tom started to go on and on with his excuses. 

Jo reached out and grabbed Alex's arm in a death grip and he could hear Luna whimpering as she hid herself and her mom. Alex knew he had to get him away from them. 

“You need to leave Jo alone. The only place I want to see you is in court or behind bars. If you don't leave in two minutes, I'm going to call the police for the violation of the restraining order.”

Tom quickly looked him up and down, with a scoff. “Look man, this is none of your business.” 

“It is my business when it concerns Jo. I'm her husband and I'm here to protect her from you,” Alex said glaring as he took a step towards Tom getting a little satisfaction as he stepped back but Jo still gripped his arm and held him back. 

“You mean her ex-husband?” Tom said with a little smirk as he shook his head. “Of course, you'd go back to your asshole of an ex. You were always hung up on him, Jo.”

“Tom, you need to leave!” Jo said as she stepped to set the side of Alex and glared at him, having found her power. Alex put a hand on her back in silent support as she stood up straighter and stronger.

“Come on, just let me explain and we can avoid all of this messy court drama,” Tom said with a pitiful little pleading look, he reached out as if to grab her.

Jo instantly darted behind him and Alex grabbed his arm and pushed him away. Tom took offense to that and wound back to hit him, but Alex was quicker. He punched Tom square in the jaw, hard enough to send him back as he fell on his ass. 

“Alex!” Jo shouted in shock, but he held his hand back, gesturing for her to stay back as she gripped his arm again. 

“Fuck, you bastard. I'm going to press charges!” Tom said as he wiped away the blood from his lip and stood up. 

“Yeah go ahead,” Alex said, challenging him before he pointed to the camera in the corner. “We’ll show the video to everybody about how you violated the restraining order and tried to hit me first, just even you being here gives me justification to protect Jo and Luna.”

Tom growled as he set his teeth, but as he glanced at the camera again he started to whimper as he grabbed his face and made a show of acting all hurt. He limped his way out of the garage sparing them one last glance before he went out onto the street. Alex waited and watched him until he got in his car and drove away.

When he turned back to Jo, she let out a shaky breath, but her face was filled with relief as she reached out and hugged him. She held him tightly and Alex gave her a squeeze. He pulled back and held her cheek, putting one hand on Luna’s back as well.

“Are you two okay?”

Jo again let out a shaky breath, but she nodded even though tears collected in her eyes. “We're okay. Are you okay?”

Alex looked down at his hand, it was a little bruised and his knuckles were bleeding, but he just shrugged it off. He knew how to lay a punch without getting himself hurt. “I'm fine Jo, don't worry about me.”

“I can't, because of anything ever happened to you… I just, I don't want to lose you again Alex,” Jo said as she reached out and hugged him again, Luna getting squished between them. Luna reached out with her little hands and wrapped them around his arm as well, as he was hugged by both girls.

“You won't lose me, Jo. I promise you.” 

Jo only nodded as she hugged him tighter, even Luna didn't want to let go and they stayed for a minute. He held his girl, his girls. Alex realized how much they meant to him, but he knew he would never do anything that would take him away from them. He also realized how deep the love Jo had for him was. Tom was right in a way, she had never gotten over him. She had never stopped loving her and now he didn't have to. He could love her forever and that's what he would do. 

……………………………………………………………………

Between the witnesses at the park and the video of the parking garage, that Jo's lawyer gets her hands on surprisingly fast, the court case was a slam dunk. It still took a week for the trial to go commence, Jo still had to testify, and the defense still made their case, but the jury didn’t need to think twice about inditing him. Tom was charged with assault and battery and given six months, and Jo was granted a permanent restraining order against him. Seeing him in cuffs and being led away was all the satisfaction Jo needed. She let out a breath of relief, but there was still a ball of anxiety inside her. This led her to throw up in the bathroom a few minutes later. She felt like she lucked out in not having to face Paul in court. She knew how stressful that would have been, given how stressful this. Yet, it was all over and she never had to do it again. 

The rest of the day was a blur. Alex never left her side, having one hand on her back most of the day. He guided her out of the courthouse as they went to the daycare to pick up Luna. Then they went home, where Jo let all of the stress leave her. She collapsed on the couch as she did every night after the trial, but she didn’t have to get up and do it all again tomorrow, she was free. 

She curled up and Alex sat down next to her and pulled her into his lap. Luna soon crawled up next to her as Alex held both of them and they put on Bluey. Jo looked up at him and Alex smiled at her and leaned down to kiss her head. She knew he would never leave her again and she fell asleep in his arms. Knowing she would always be able to. 

Jo woke up in the late morning the next day, to Alex singing “Sweet Child O' Mine”, by Guns N' Roses. Luna laughed and babbled along as they danced in the kitchen. He was holding her as they made waffles together, the sweet smell filling the room. Jo got up as she watched them together for a moment. She sneakily hid behind the stairs and took a video of them. Alex put Luna in the high chair and fed her some of the eggs and bacon he had made, while he sat next to her and stole some of the bacon, much to her squealing protests.

“Hey, don't you know sharing is caring?” Alex said with a smile as he tried to steal another piece of bacon from her before she slapped her hand on it. 

“Dada nooo,” Luna protested, dragging the word out as she shook her head at him and glared in the most adorable way. 

Jo gasped as she heard Luna call him dada and Alex seemed just as surprised. She froze as she watched them, her phone still recording it all. She waited for Alex to react, but a wide smile stretched across his face. It made Jo's heart swell as well. 

“Alright alright, I'll get some of my own,” Alex chuckled as he held up his hands before he reached for the plate of bacon on the counter behind him. “So you want to call me Dada?”

“Yeah Dada,” Luna said, pointing at him.

“Well, we'll have to talk to your mom about that one, but it's okay with me kiddo. I'd love to be your Dada,” Alex said with a sparkling smile. 

“It's okay with me,” Jo said, as she put her phone away, revealing herself to them as she came over to them and they both looked up at her in surprise.

“Hi Mama,” Luna said as she smiled and waved to her. 

“Hi baby,” Jo said as she waved back.

But Alex looked up at her with hope in his eyes, yet he was still unsure. “Are you sure, Jo?”

She smiled, but couldn't help the tears that collected in her eyes at the sweet moment. “I'd love it if you were her dad. When I decided to adopt her, it was so soon after we got divorced. I always wondered what it would have been like if we had done it together. If you had been her dad from the beginning. But, I think you came in at the perfect moment. When she and I needed you most.” 

Jo pulled him up by his hands and leaned in, cupping his face with her hands as she kissed him. Alex melted into her as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into him. Jo loved it when he pressed up against her and she lifted up on her toes to reach him better. Luna excitedly squealed as she always did and they pulled away with a laugh as they looked back at her. Jo let out a sigh of relief as she smiled and leaned against him as he held her, she was so wonderfully happy in this beautiful moment. She wished she could stay here forever, surrounded by his love and her daughter but, there were a few people missing from this family moment. 

They spent the rest of the day playing with Luna and doing nothing at all. Jo tried not to think about Tom. She would tell herself it was all over and she didn't have to think about it anymore and every time she looked at Alex and Luna, she didn't. Alex made her mac and cheese when dinner time rolled around and Link and Scout joined them. She and Link caught up a little bit and he even talked to Alex. Link was even civil to Alex which was good. She was glad the two most important men in her life were getting along.

However, she couldn't help but feel like there were a few people missing from the table. The toddlers were quiet as they ate and she, Link, and Alex had a bit of casual conversation. It was nothing like the active table at the farmhouse, with the twins shouting about their day or whatever play scene they were doing. With Izzie trying to get them to calm down, but Alex playing along, and Luna’s excited giggles. 

“Do you think you'll still want to take a few more days of leave from work,” Link said, as she came out of her head and glanced over at him. “Or do you want to try and jump back right in?”

“I don't know,” Jo said as she pushed her food around her plate.

“Don't you like it?” Alex asked as he pointed at her plate with his fork. “It’s your favorite brand.”

“Yeah it's great, I just miss Izzie's homemade mac and cheese,” Jo said with a sigh as she gave up and put her fork down. 

“Yeah, there's nothing like one of Izzie’s homemade meals,” Alex agreed and reached over to give her hand a squeeze.

“I wish Izzie and the twins were here,” Jo said as she gave him a sad smile. “I know the trial just ended, but I miss them.” 

“Okay, well, let's see if we can get the tickets changed so they can come out sooner,” Alex said easily and she knew he understood the need for their whole family to be here.

“What do you say, Luna, should we get Eli and Lexus here soon?” Jo asked, looking back at her as Alex wrapped his arms around her waist and they stared down at Luna.

Luna easily smiled and happily wiggled with her whole body. “Lexus and E-lee!” 

They double cheeked with Izzie to make sure, but she eagerly agreed to it and they looked at flights, booking one for tomorrow afternoon. Alex's smile grew as they bought them, Jo’s smile did too as she couldn’t wait to see her family again. However, they all agree to tell Luna and the twins in a phone call the next morning. 

……………………………………………………………………

The next morning Jo and Alex got Luna up at 6:30 am. She was so sleepy, but it was 8:30 am in Kansas and they had arranged a call with the twins before school. Jo picked up her baby from her crib, putting the knitted hat back on her head. Luna stretched, her arms going up and her feet pressing out in her footie pajamas before she settled and curled up in Jo’s arms as she laid her head on her shoulder. 

“Where E-lee and Lexus?” Luna said, turning her head and looking around like she did every morning as if they would be there. 

“They're still in Kansas baby girl,” Jo said as she kissed her forehead. 

“But they'll be here soon, if you want to call them?” Alex asked with a sneaky smile. 

Luna eagerly nodded and they all curled up in bed together. Alex wrapped his arm around her shoulder as Jo leaned into him and Luna turned around as she reached out and grabbed Alex’s hand as he held her too. Jo grabbed the phone and quickly called them for a video chat. Although she expected Izzie to pick up, the second the call connected Eli and Alexis popped up on the screen. 

“Jo and Luna! Mama, it's Jo calling,” Eli said excitedly.

“Hey I'm here too,” Alex said with a frown. 

“Hi Daddy, hi Luna, hi Jo,” they both said as they waved and tried to squish their face into the screen. 

Luna squealed with delight as she reached out for the phone, touching the screen but was disappointed when she couldn't touch them. Although the twins laughed as she covered the camera. Izzie appeared in the back as she wiped her hands on a kitchen towel.

“Hey, it's so good to see you guys,” Izzie said as she leaned forward and smiled.

“We miss you guys a lot,” Eli said, with a nod as he frowned. 

“We miss you too,” Jo said as she tried to keep her smile from getting too big.

“I can’t wait to see you in Seattle, but are you and Luna coming home, Jo?” Alexis asked, with a pleading pout. 

“We’ll see sweetie,” Jo said, with a small smile.

“What?” Alex asked as he glanced over at her with his eyebrows raised.

“Well, are you guys getting ready for school?” Jo asked as she avoided his gaze and smiled at the twins.

“Yeah, we're going on a field trip so Mom let us sleep in and now she’s packing our bags,” Alexis said as Eli nodded in agreement. 

“We’re gonna be on the bus for five hours!” Eli said with his eyes wide.

“Bus bus,” Luna babbled as they all laughed and smiled.

“Yeah, but Mama’s coming with us and we can do a new activity book and watch a movie,” Alexis said as she looked back at Izzie who nodded in agreement.

“Oh, yeah, I heard about that trip,” Jo said, unable to keep her smile contained. 

“Me too,” Alex said with an equally wide smile. “But I heard that it was a plane ride to Seattle.”

“For real life?!” Alexis asked with wide eyes as Eli’s jaw dropped and he looked back at Izzie.

“Yeah for real, as soon as you guys are ready to go, we'll get going to the airport,” Izzie said as she smiled at them and she looked just as excited as they were.

“You guys are going to be here this afternoon and we're so excited to see you,” Alex said to the twins, but they didn't respond with words. 

They finally lost it as Alexis screamed and they all covered their ears. Eli was all giggles and wiggles as he turned around to hug Izzie. He hugged her as he stomped his feet in excitement. When Alexis finally stopped screaming she did her happy little dance, waving her arms around and shaking her hips. 

“Wait, does this mean we have to stop our phone call,” Alexis asked as she paused and looked back at Izzie.

“Yeah, can we talk to Luna while you get all packed up Mama?” Eli added as he came back to sit in front of the tablet. 

“I'm ready to go right now,” Alexis exclaimed as she grabbed her backpack and put it on. 

“Baby, you're not even wearing shoes,” Izzie said with a laugh. “But yeah, I'll put the bags in the car so you guys can talk with Luna for a little while.” 

“Yay, Luna so much has happened you left!” Eli started to say.

“Yeah, so Zoe laid two eggs in one day,” Alexis exclaimed as she formed her hands into circles to represent the eggs.

The twins told her all about every new thing on the farm and Luna babbled back to them. They also mentioned that Willam thought that Sally was pregnant again, but it would take a whole year for the baby to be born. Suddenly something clicked inside of Jo as she put her hand over her mouth. 

“I'll be right back,” Jo said as she gave Luna to Alex and went to the bathroom. 

Alex didn’t think twice about it as he nodded and stayed with Luna as the twins asked him about Seattle. Jo ran to her bathroom and shut and locked the door behind her before she picked up the box of tampons. The entire time she had been in Kansas, she hadn't gotten in her period. She had it a week before she left, but hadn't slept with Tom since then, but she had been sleeping with Alex. Jo searched around for the box of pregnancy tests she kept in the cabinet, just in case. She pulled one out and stared at it for a while as she thought about Alex. 

There was a reason they never had a kid before. Jo was so adamant about her birth control and using condoms. But she had left her birth control in Seattle when she went to Kansas and hadn't started it until after they started sleeping together. They’d used condoms and pulled out until it took effect. She didn’t even think it was a possibility. But here she was, and her period was a whole week late. Jo stared at the box of pregnancy tests and took one out.

……………………………………………………………………

The rest of the day was a blur. Jo and Luna napped together after an exciting and early morning. Then they had a late brunch before they headed to the airport. Luna was eager to see them as she kept asking about Lexus and E-lee over and over again. Soon enough they were waiting for them at the airport. It wasn’t much later that they spotted Izzie holding the twins' hands as they walked through the gates. 

The second they got close enough, Izzie let go of their hands. The twins took off running as they made a beeline for them. Alex bent down and opened his arms to hug them, but to his surprise, only Alexis crashed into his hug. Eli ran up and hugged Jo’s waist before she bent down so he could hug her and Luna before they traded. Eli then hugged Alex and Alexis hugged her and Luna. 

“I really missed you,” Eli exclaimed as he pulled back, but still clinging on to Alex.

“Yeah, we missed you a lot!” Alexis said, smiling up at her with a brilliant smile and sparkling eyes. 

“That's very true we did miss you all a lot,” Izzie said as she finally reached them and pulled Jo in for a hug, as she leaned in to kiss Luna’s cheek. 

Jo let out a sigh of contentment as her family hugged her. It finally felt like home and it was a feeling she played with in her mind. When Izzie let her go, Eli managed to pull Luna from her arms and hold her. She's not sure how this gangly little boy was able to hold her toddler, but he somehow did. He looked so effortless as he held her. 

They head down to collect their bags and the twins go on and on about the plane ride and how it wasn't scary and they didn't have any turbulence. 

“Thank God we're here,” Izzie said as they started to walk down to get their bags.

“Were these two hooligans really that bad?” Alex said, looking down at the twins with a wink as they giggled. 

“No they were angels of course, but they talked about Seattle the whole way here and started to make a very serious agenda.”

“Yeah, we have to go to the Space Needle right away, Daddy!” Alexis said as she tugged on his arm.  

“Why don't we drop stuff off at the penthouse then we can go,” Jo offered as Izzie tagged with a nod.

“I want to see the ocean and the beach and everything!” Eli said as his eyes went wide, she was sure he would have held out his arms if he wasn’t holding Luna. 

“Don’t worry bud, we have the whole week to see everything you guys want to,” Alex said with a reassuring nod.

Of course, they do just that. They spend the week around Seattle doing different activities and going to different places. Although, some days they just go to the park and hang out at the penthouse. They often go out for dinner and dessert and ice cream, there's lots of ice cream. Jo’s days are filled with activities and parks and she thinks about what it’d be like if they spent the summer here in Seattle, but she longs to spend the summer in Kansas. She thinks of long hot summer days on the farm and cool summer nights with the fireflies. The thought of them returning to Kansas without her looms over her until that day arrives. 

……………………………………………………………………

They've all dreaded this day and Alex felt like he had to drag everybody out of bed and get them going somewhere they don't want to go. The twins try every trick in the book to get them to stay. Even Luna threw a massive tantrum. All Jo could do was sit there on the floor with Luna as her baby screams and cries because she didn’t want them to leave either. 

Alex decided to go with Izzie and the twins for a week as the majority of his stuff was still in Kansas. He would spend the week with them before returning to Seattle. Jo didn't want him to leave, although she knew he had to. She clung to him for the rest of the day and tried to spend every moment with him. Yet, soon enough they were all piling into the car and heading to the airport and Jo felt like she hadn't had enough time with them.

Far too soon all of them are standing before the TSA check as they all say their final goodbyes. Jo had run off to the bathroom a few minutes ago, leaving Luna with him for a minute. They all hugged each other and said their goodbyes, or at least they tried to. 

“I don't want to leave Luna. Can't she and Jo come with us?” Eli asked from where he sat with Alexis and Luna in the stroller.

“I'm not going anywhere without Luna and Jo,” Alexis protested as she hugged Luna and peaked her head out to glare at him as if it was his fault they were separated. 

Eli had hopped in the stroller with Luna to hide the second they got to the airport. Luna had wrapped her arms and legs around him as he held her. Alexis had joined them and wrapped herself around Luna as well. They held the toddler hostage, although Luna didn't mind. She snuggled up to both of them sensing the impending goodbye. 

“I know you guys don't wanna leave, but you'll see Luna and Jo soon. They’re already planning a visit in a few weeks,” Alex said as he kneeled down in front of them and tried to put a better spin on the separation. 

Izzie could only sigh and shake her head, looking just as grieved to leave as they were. The overhead intercom announced the first boarding for their flight. Alex knew they had to leave now if they wanted to make it. 

“Come on guys it's time to go,” Alex said as he put his hands on their knees, he didn't want to force Luna from their arms, but he had a feeling he would have to. 

“No!” Both of the twins protested with Luna's voice chiming in as they all turned to hug each other.

“Let's just give them a few minutes,” Izzie said as she crouched down next to the twins running her fingers through Luna's hair and giving them all a sympathetic smile. 

Alex sighed as he stood up and put his hands on the stroller as he fidgeted with the handle. Jo had over-packed it with activities and stuff, movies, and shows to distract Luna on the drive home. Alex didn't think it would be any distracting her from the tantrum that would ensue as she grieved the departure of her new found siblings. He wished he could stay to help her, but he had to go too.

Suddenly, Jo came running back with a large smile on her face. It was a complete turnaround from the anxious and sad expression she’d had before. He also noticed that she had an extra bag across her shoulder. 

“I got it,” Jo happily announced with a large smile as she waved two tickets at them. 

“Yay, you got it!” Izzie said as she smiled and clapped her hands together and stood up.

“Got what?” Alex asked as he raised an eyebrow but he recognized the tickets in her hand.

“Two tickets for us to go to Kansas,” Jo said as all of the kids looked up at them with their eyes wide. “It’s on the same flight a few rows back from you guys, but I don't think it should be an issue.” 

“What?” Alex asked as a smile spread across his face. 

“Well Izzie and I weren't sure if we would be able to get on the same flight, let alone on the same day so I secretly packed a bag for me and Luna and left them in the car just in case. We didn't want to get the kid's hopes up, so we didn't tell them and I wanted to surprise you too, because I wasn't sure if you actually wanted to go back to Kansas or if you wanted to live in Seattle again? But that's where I wanna be. I love the farmhouse and it feels like home.”

“Are you sure?” Alex said suddenly worried as he looked into her eyes. “Do you really want to leave your home?” 

“Alex, my home is you and Luna, and Izzie and the twins and I don't want to be without my home. Kansas has been more of a home to me recently than Seattle.” Jo said as she smiled at all of them before she looked back at him and placed a hand on his chest.

Jo looked up at him as she smiled full of love and Alex smiled too. He was going home with all of his family. He didn't say anything, he just wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. Jo excitedly giggled against his lips as she kissed. When they pulled back, he kept his arms around her. 

“Besides, I need my family and you full time now that I'm pregnant.”

Jo let out the excited smile she had been hiding by biting her lip as she put a hand over her belly. He took in her words as his brain froze. The words 'I'm pregnant' bounced around in his head. Jo was pregnant. Jo was pregnant and they were going to have a baby. A baby. His and Jo's baby. 

“Mommy, what does pregnant mean?” Alexis asked as Alex still processed the news.

“It means that there's a baby growing in Jo's tummy and you guys are going to have a new baby sibling in a few months from now,” Izzie said with a smile that said she knew about the baby.

“We're gonna have a baby sister?” Alexis exclaimed as she shrieked with excitement. 

“We're having a baby sibling!” Eli excitedly shouted as he stood up in the stroller.

“Baby!” Luna said although she didn’t understand what it meant, she was still excited about whatever baby she was getting.

“We're really having a baby?” Alex asked as the contagious excitement bloomed into a smile that his cheeks could hardly contain. 

“Yes,” Jo said, equally excellent as he leaned in and kissed her again.

“I love you and I can’t wait to go home with you,” Alex said, before putting a hand over her belly. He marveled at the fact that their baby was inside her.

On the farm in Kansas, he was happy, he had his kids and the barbecues, homework everything he wanted as a father. But a part of him had always missed Jo and Seattle. He missed the love of his life and he thought he missed the city. But being in Kansas with Jo felt perfect. They had been together in Kansas and his heart had been whole and he knew hers was too because they were together again.

“Alright, let's go home,” Izzie said with a smile as all of the kids cheered.

Jo placed a kiss on Luna's cheeks, hugging her close just for a moment before she pulled back. Luna puckered out her lips insisting on another kiss and Jo indulged her with one last peck. Then she sat up and looked around the room, remembering where she was and the events that led her here. Reality was never quite as pleasant as the moments she had with her daughter. 

Jo let out a sigh that turned into a yawn and as she stretched she felt the soreness in her cheek and her wrist. She tried not to let her pain show as she held her wrist close to her chest. She was thankful that she had wrapped it again last night after her shower as it hurt worse than before and she suspected that it was more than just sprained. 

As Luna crawled away and started playing with the fringe on one of the throw pillows, Jo knew she should get up. She wanted to check the time as it looked to be late morning, but she couldn't bear the thought of picking up her phone and seeing a voicemail or text from Tom. She knew she would have to face him eventually, but for now, she wanted to ignore him. 

The thought of going back to Seattle, of facing Tom was the last thing she wanted to do. She would have to file a police report, contact a lawyer, do an interview, then there would be a hearing, and she would have to go to court. She would have to face him again and watch everyone fall for his lies as he pretended to be sweet and say that it was all just one big misunderstanding. 

She was prepared to do all of that to Paul, but back then she had years to gain the courage to do so. She also had Jenny and Alex by her side, and his abuse wasn't fresh on her cheek. Jo was once again a domestic abuse victim, but worse of all her daughter had seen it happen. She hated that she had put Luna through that. Her daughter had watched him hit her. The sound of Luna's cries that afternoon and the look of fear in her eyes was something Jo would never forget. It was never something she wanted her daughter to witness, but it was a situation she had put her in.

Jo sighed as she leaned against the headboard, she pulled Luna into her lap. She held her, wrapping her arms around her and pressing a kiss to her forehead, just because she could. Luna looked up at her and smiled, her big toothy grin. She was still missing a few teeth as her canines hadn't come in yet. But Jo thought that made her smile more adorable. None of the fear or sadness lingered in her and for that Jo was grateful. She was grateful that Luna was young enough that she wouldn't remember this and she would do her best to ensure that her daughter would never see something like that again.

However, unlike with Paul or Myers, she couldn't just run away and let Alex fix it. She had to go back to Seattle to file charges and get a restraining order. Doing so would risk putting her daughter in that situation again. Even if she did get a restraining order, she knew all too well how difficult it was to get and that most men didn't abide by it. She didn't know how long she could stay here, especially considering that this was Izzie's home. Yet, she could stay right here in this moment that she had with Luna, at least for a few seconds longer until she smelled her dirty diaper.

“Alright little miss, let's get you changed,” Jo said, picking her up and going over to the diaper bag in the corner. 

She quickly got Luna changed and dressed for the day before doing the same for herself. If she was going to face her ex-husband's ex-wife she figured she should at least wear pants. Jo finished getting dressed while Luna played with her stuffed animals. As she picked out a shirt, she heard a pair of little voices in the hallway. 

“No Lex, Daddy said to leave them alone,” A young boy's voice, that she assumed was Eli's, came from behind the door.

“I just want to see if they're awake yet,” Lex or Alexis said and Jo could tell that she was right up against the door.

“But Daddy said,” Eli said, trying to get his sister to listen but she cut him off.

“I am listening to Daddy. I'm not going to bother them,” Alexis said and the doorknob creaked as she tried to turn. Luckily Jo had locked it that morning, but she still rushed to put on her shirt. 

“Alexis Andrea Stevens,” an older woman's voice that she assumed was Izzie, interrupted the twins.

“I was trying to stop her Mommy,” Eli said in a rush as she heard his footsteps run away.

“I just wanted to check and make sure they were okay,” Alexis said as Jo heard her let go of the door handle. 

“Alexis, your father and I told you to leave them alone for a reason. They’ve had a long night and they deserve some peace and quiet,” Izzie said to her in a stern voice as Jo quietly sat back down on the bed. “I don't want you trying to disturb them again young lady.”

“Yes Mom,” Alexis said in a way that was so much like Alex, she could almost see the way that Alexis was ducking her head, with the same guilty look that he got.

“Come on, sweetie. Let’s go eat,” Izzie said as Jo heard their footsteps retreat down the hall. 

Jo listened closely and she could hear the family talking and running about in the living room and kitchen. As she sat on the bed as she wanted to wait until the absolute last moment to go out there and face them all. If she could, she would sneak out the window, but of course, she couldn't do that. She did want to see Alex again and Luna would want breakfast soon.

As if reading her thoughts, Luna came over to her. She held her favorite stuffed animal, a large grey Elephant named Ellie. Luna didn't go anywhere without Ellie or her pink pom pom knitted hat. Luna held out her arms for Jo to pick her up. 

She also opened and closed her fist, using the baby sign language sign for milk. “Mama!”

“Alright baby,” Jo said, reaching down to pick her up and put Luna on her hip. “Let's go get some milk.”

After grabbing a fresh sippy cup from the diaper bag, Jo unlocked the door and peeked out into the hallway. She knew she shouldn't be as anxious as she was, but given the circumstances, a little anxiety was bound to pop up. From where she was, she could see that the living room was empty and she slowly stepped out. She could hear their voices and eventually, she heard Alex too as he replied to something Alexis said. Jo paused at the end of the hallway staring into the kitchen. Alex was behind the stove making waffles and eggs, Alexis and Eli were sitting on the stools at the counter, mixing up some more batter, and Izzie sat next to them drinking coffee and reading on her tablet. 

Of course, the kids spotted her first and the twins looked at her with matching Karev smiles. “Hi!”

Suddenly all four of them looked at her and Jo realized the family life that she had just walked into. “Um hi.”

For once in her life, Jo was happy that Luna had no fear of strangers, along with her bubbly personality, as she immediately waved her hand and said, “Hi.” 

“Hi baby,” Eli said, immediately hopping down and running over to them with Alexis hot on his heels as he reached out and took Luna’s hand. “You must be Luna.”

“And you must be Jo. You're really pretty, just like in Daddy's photos,” Alexis said looking up at her with a wide smile that matched Alex’s. 

Jo was a little distracted by the twins and how much they looked just like Alex. Eli was the spitting image of his father except for his eyes that matched his mother’s. Alexis seemed to favor her mom a little bit with her blonde hair, but she was all Alex with that Karev smile.

“Jo, hey come sit down,” Alex said, putting down the spatula and coming over to put a hand on her back. He led her towards the kitchen counter and unfortunately right towards Izzie. Unlike she thought she would, Izzie greeted her with a warm smile as she got up. 

“You must be Jo. It's so nice to finally meet you,” Izzie said as she pulled her in for a hug. Jo was surprised at the amount of affection Izzie was showing to her.

“It's nice to meet you all as well,” Jo said as she awkwardly hugged her back with her free arm.

“I hope you don't mind, but I want you to know that Alex told me everything,” Izzie said as she pulled back. “I just want to make sure that you feel safe and comfortable here, and that you know, you can stay as long as you want to.”

Izzie gave Jo a warm smile, which surprised her. She thought that Izzie would be mad when she found out that she was there and would ask her to leave. Jo knew that she certainly wouldn't want her husband's ex-wife staying with her. However, if the circumstances were reversed, she wouldn't hesitate to take Izzie in. 

“Thank you,” Jo said with a smile, accepting Izzie’s kindness.

The entire time Alex had kept his hand on her lower back in the way that he used to. Jo was surprised by the amount of affection he was showing her in front of Izzie. She looked over at him as he gave her a soft and reassuring smile before he led her over to the free spot at the counter. 

“I should get some milk for her,” Jo said, although she let Alex pull out the chair for her as she sat down and put Luna in her lap. 

“I'll get it,” Alex said, taking the sippy cup from her. “I also ran out this morning and got a high chair.”

Jo looked to her left to find one of those little clip-on chairs at the counter and quickly slipped Luna into it.

“Is Luna allergic to anything?” Izzie asked as she put a plate in front of both of them filled with eggs, blueberries, and waffles. 

“Um no, and thank you,” Jo said as she took the plates and cut up the Waffle for Luna.

The twins moved their chairs over to sit next to Luna, at the end of the counter. Izzie and Jo moved things away so they could put their plates up. Alex came back with the milk for Luna and started making more waffles. Then Izzie sat down next to her and gave her a cup of coffee that Jo practically inhaled. 

“So Miss. Jo, are you still in love with our Daddy?” Alexis was so cavalier in the way she asked in between bites of her waffle.

However, Jo was so surprised that she spat out her coffee and coughed. Alex instantly came over and rubbed her back, but she caught the way he blushed. 

“Alexis,” Izzie quickly reprimanded her, her eyes wide.

“Sorry Miss Jo,” Alexis said, not looking the least bit sorry, as she ducked her head and Eli giggled.

“I'm sorry Jo, they're just into everybody's business and they just like to know what's going on,” Izzie said kindly, putting a hand on her arm.

“Yeah, like another certain someone I know,” Alex said although he smiled over at Izzie who just sipped her coffee with a shrug. 

Jo was certainly taken aback by everything. She was still trying to figure out Alex and Izzie's relationship dynamic before she’d had her morning coffee. Then she caught Alex’s smile. He looked over at her, giving her a wink before he went back to the waffle iron and turned the bacon on the stove. She blushed as she looked down at the plate in front of her filled with eggs, waffles, and bacon. 

“Did you make all of this?” Jo asked, taking a bite of the fluffy cheesy eggs as they melted in her mouth.

Alex had always loved cooking breakfast, but his skills never extended past coffee and waffles. Most mornings they would just get coffee and breakfast at the coffee shop down the street or in the hospital cafeteria as they both grew up on school cafeteria food. If he ever tried to make breakfast at home he would always burn the eggs, although her breakfast making skills weren't much better.

“Yep, I actually learned how to cook quite a few things,” Alex said with a smile flipping the omelet up in the air, as he did the trick, Luna and the twins clapped before Alex put a piece of it on each of their plates. 

Luna grabbed the whole piece of omelet and shoved it into her mouth as both of the kids laughed. Eli tried to show her how to use her fork although Luna had no interest in doing so. 

“I don't know how you lived with him for so many years without him knowing how to cook anything,” Izzie said with a little laugh and a shake of her head.

“Yeah, Daddy used to burn eggs all the time when he got here. Then I taught him how to make good eggs.” Eli said, setting up a little in his chair all proud.

“One time, Alex tried to cook eggs on Waffle Sunday at Meredith's house and I don't know, I guess you got a little distracted and ended up filling the room with smoke. It was so bad that even Amelia said that you should be banned from the kitchen.”

“Oh yeah, because I seem to recall someone else playing a part in that distraction,” Alex said, looking over at her and raising an eyebrow at her. He flirted so easily with her.

“So can you cook other things now?” Jo asked as she ignored his flirting. 

As much as she wanted to enjoy it, she just couldn't. Not when the bruises from her ex-boyfriend were fresh on her cheek. 

Alex of course quickly caught on and frowned as he looked down and went back to cooking. “Yeah, I can cook a couple of dinner dishes now, fried chicken, green bean casserole, lasagna, and even spaghetti.”

“Yeah, but Daddy makes the best pizza!” Alexis said excitedly, her mouth still full of food. 

“Chew before you speak kiddo, otherwise no one's going to be able to understand you,” Alex said, quickly correcting her.

The kids and Alex went back and forth between their favorite dinner dishes. It was nice for Jo to watch, especially as he doted on Luna. The way he interacted with his kids wasn't the same as how interacted with the kids on the ped’s floor or Meredith’s kids. He was more affectionate and interactive with them. He was so happy to just talk with them. Watching Alex be their dad was just so natural. 

“Oh hey Jo, I made you some muffins last night and some homemade mac and cheese that you can have for lunch later,” Izzie said as she quickly got up, Jo tried not to stare at her as she presented her with the muffin. Izzie just gave her a warm smile as Jo took one. “Alex said that mac and cheese is your favorite and given everything that's happened I wanted you to be able to have some comfort food.” 

“Thank you,” Jo said, a little astonished at how kind Izzie was to her. 

“Of course,” Izzie said as if it was nothing. “Let me know if either of you need anything.”

“I want a chocolate muffin,” Eli said as he stood up on his stool and reached for the basket before Izzie pulled it out of his reach. 

“You can have one after lunch buddy,” Izzie said, pulling the plate over to where she and Jo are sitting out of all the kid’s reach.

“How come Miss. Jo gets to have a chocolate muffin for breakfast?” Eli asked, sitting back and wrinkling his eyebrows just like Alex did.

“You guys are having sugar syrup dipped waffles with whipped cream, you've had enough sugar for one breakfast,” Alex said, giving Eli a look.

“Does Miss. Jo get an extra chocolate muffin because of her hurt face and wrist?” Alexis said looking at her curiously innocent and her question as the three adults froze.

“Yeah, how come your face is all purple and your wrist is wrapped like that? Did you fall and trip?” Eli asked, staring at her with equally curious eyes.

“Yes, that's exactly what happened, before I left to visit you guys I fell at the park with Luna,” Jo said as she easily lied to the two of them, glancing over at Izzie and Alex to see them still holding their breath. 

“I'm sorry that happened, falling down at the park hurts,” Alexis said with a solemn nod. “Do you need an ice pack?”

“No, but thank you for offering sweetie,” Jo said before the twins went back to their breakfast. She glanced over at Alex and Izzie to see how they had reacted to her explanation and saw them both let out a sigh of relief. 

After the awkwardness dissipated, everyone settled in and ate breakfast. Afterwords, the three kids rushed off to play in the living room and Jo watched from her seat as they all played together. It surprised her how well the three kids instantly got along. They started to pretend they were on a safari with Luna's elephant and a few other stuffed animals. After he finished cooking Alex went and joined them on the carpet. They all played and then started to set up one of the giant puzzles Alexis had gotten out and Alex gave Luna one of her pacifiers so she wouldn't put the pieces in her mouth. 

Luna has always been such a social butterfly. She certainly didn't get it from Jo, that was all Val. Jo watched how Luna accepted Alex almost instantly, crawling into his lap and happily sitting there as he played with her. It almost hurt to watch as this was what could’ve been, should've been. Just watching him and Luna was everything she had ever dreamed of. Everything she told herself not to want after Alex left. 

The sound of Izzie starting the water for the dishes pulled her out of her head as she picked up her plate. She wanted to grab Luna’s too, but it was impossible with only one working hand, so she left it for now. 

“Do you want me to help you?” Jo asked as she brought her plate over.

“No, no, you're a guest here, you shouldn't have to help me clean,” Izzie insisted as she took the plate from Jo.

“Really, I don't mind,” Jo said, grabbing a rag and starting to wipe down the kitchen counters where the kids had been. “I know how messy Alex can be in the kitchen and it seems like the twins are just like him.”

Izzie laughed and shook her head. “I know, we have a deal that whoever cooks doesn't have to clean the dishes, but I swear he makes twice as much mess as I ever do. Sometimes I wonder if it's worth it? I know he doesn't do it on purpose though and he helps out when he can.”

“Yeah, we had a similar thing when we were married,” Jo said thinking back on it trying not to get lost as the memories came back to her.  

Yet, it was so hard to do when Alex was right in front of her. She couldn't help but stare at him as he played with the kids. He was completely in his element like he always was whenever he was around kids. He goofed around with them and an easy smile graced her lips as she stared at him.

“Was Alexis right, do you still love him?” Izzie asked as she moved away from the sink to talk to her. 

Jo now knew where Alexis had got it from, it seemed that Izzie wasn't afraid to ask her about her and Alex's relationship either. Yet, she didn't answer her, she just looked back at Alex and watched him play with her daughter and his kids. Being here, after everything, was like stepping through a portal into a new world. It was what would have been if he had never sent the letter.

She tore herself away from Alex as she glanced back at Izzie. “The truth is that I don't think I’ll ever stop loving him. Yeah, I moved on but not really. Still, I don't think I'll ever be able to get over how he left me.”

“I'm sorry, part of that was my fault,” Izze said as Jo looked back at her, she stopped scrubbing the pain she had in the sink and looked out the window in front of her. “When I made the decision to use the embryos I did so knowing that Alex had moved on and that I was doing it alone. I had always planned on doing it alone, in fact, I never wanted Alex to be a part of the twin lives. We were so young when we got married and I never truly got to know Alex or see him grow up like you did. So when he walked into our lives a year ago I resisted his presents. I didn't want anything to do with him.”

As Izzie spoke, Jo just stood there. She never imagined that the circumstances between Izzie and Alex were anything, but welcoming and happy. She always imagined that Izzie had welcomed him back with open arms and that they had been an instant family. She was surprised to hear that wasn't the case. 

“I said that if he wanted to even see the twins, much less become their father or get custody of them, that he had to prove he wasn't just going to take my kids and disappear. I gave him an ultimatum. I told him that he had to leave everything in Seattle behind, including you, and move here. At the time I was selfish, I didn't know or trust you and I didn't want my kids to have another mother. So for the sake of the kids, Alex did what I asked. He left Seattle, he left you, and he moved here. Even then, I didn't make it easy for him. After Alex moved in with us and for the first couple of months, especially during covid, he was a stay-at-home dad to the kids. It wasn't until then that I realized he wasn't the man that I had married. Alex has grown up so much and he's such a good father to our kids.” 

Izzie paused to turn and look over at the four of them playing in the living room. Jo followed her eyes as they both smiled and laughed at the twins. They had half the puzzle done and were playing with lots of excitement and movement. Luna waved around a large piece as Eli tried to get her to put it in place as she now stood next to him. Alex laughed and put his hand on Luna's back and prompted her to give the piece to him. Yet, Luna held it close and ran away with it as Eli chased her. Jo and Izzie laughed as they watched them. Jo had always known this part of Alex. She remembered how they used to babysit Zola, Bailey, and Ellis. Even with the kids on the ped’s floor, it was her favorite version of him. 

“I realized that I couldn't keep the twins from their father and that by doing so I was hurting them. I realized that Alex was such a good father and I also got to know you a little bit from the things he told me. I told Alex that he could go home if he wanted to, but so much time has passed. He knew that you would never take him back and I'm sorry for that.”

Izzie looked truly sincere and Jo nodded as she looked over at her daughter. “I get it. I don't know Luna’s father. He gave up custody of her after she was born, but if he wanted to come back into her life...” Jo took a deep breath and shook her head before looking back at Izzie.

“You'd resist it,” Izzie guessed as she nodded understanding her.

“Honestly, I would be weary too and I wouldn’t trust him, but I'm glad you finally saw the Alex that I know and love. But all of this doesn't change the fact that he still left me and the way that he did it…. I understand that he didn't want to fight you and risk losing the kids. Still, I just wish he had at least talked to me. I wish that he would have told me about them before he left instead of lying to me. I wish….”

Jo trailed off as she looked over to where Alex and the kids were playing in the living room. She couldn't help but imagine that they could've had all of this without the heartbreak. If only the three of them had talked to each other and worked things out between them.

As if Izzie was reading her mind she looked over at Jo and nodded. “If I could go back, I'd do things differently.” 

“I would too,” Jo admitted looking over at her. “I would have marched here to Kansas with the letter and demanded that Alex talk this through with me before we divorced. Yet, if I had followed him here, I never would have met and adopted Luna. She's worth all the heartbreak.”

“Yeah, kids are always worth it,” Izzie said as she put a hand on her shoulder and pulled her in for a hug. 

The hug surprised Jo. Everything about Izzie surprised her, how kind she was, and how she had opened her home to them. Jo found herself melting into her embrace and welcomed her kindness and caring affection. Izzie pulled back and they started doing the dishes again. Jo helped her put away the leftovers in the fridge, as best she could with one hand. Izzie looked over at where Jo was still watching Alex with Luna and the twins and gave her a sneaky smile.

“You know, Alex never really fell out of love with you either. And he's been miserable without you. Now, I'm not trying to push you two together or anything,” Izzie said, holding up her hands along with the dish towel she was drying them with. “But I just thought you should know. Also, he still keeps a picture of you in his wallet and when he talks in his sleep, he always calls out your name. 

“Izzie,” Jo said, rolling her eyes and dragging out her name.

“I'm just saying that in my opinion, the two of you should give it another try,” Izzie said, giving her another smile as she walked by her. 

Of all the things she expected when she showed up in Kansas. Izzie Stevens telling her that she and Alex were meant to be and that they should get back together, was not one of them. Jo let out a sigh as she looked over at Alex. Of course, she knew that he was still in love with her. She would be lying if she said she wasn't still in love with him too. However, she was afraid to try and make it work with him again. Jo knew her time here on the farm wasn't going to last forever. She would have to return to Seattle and she knew that Alex wouldn't come with her. 

Izzie went over to play with the twins and she traded places with Alex before he came over to her. He smiled at her like he used to, with one of his soft and endearing smiles and she found herself easily smiling back.

“Hey, what were you and Izzie talking about?” Alex asked, putting his hands in his pockets.

“You,” Jo said with a smirk as he chuckled and looked down.

“How's your wrist?” Alex asked, gesturing to her wrapped hand as she held it up for him to look at it. “Can I take a look at it?”

Jo nodded before looking over at Luna and the twins. She knew that when he unwrapped her wrist, he would see the bruised handprint of her abuser. She didn't want the kids to accidentally see it and get scared.

“Come on,” Alex said, putting a hand on her back and leading her away. 

He let her outside onto the porch and over to the porch swing as they sat down together. Jo took a second to look at the farm in the daylight. The house had a luscious green lawn that led up to the gravel driveway. Across the road, there was a pasture with horses and a barn probably belonging to the farm up the road. The entire area was surrounded by trees and beyond that were fields and fields of a kind of plant Jo didn't know. It reminded her of their trip to Iowa. Although Iowa had low hills that went up and down whereas Kansas was completely flat. 

“May I?” Alex asked, reaching out to handle her wrist with a delicate touch.

Jo nodded as he started to unwrap it. She knew it was bad when she first wrapped it back in Seattle, but it had swelled since then. Just as she suspected there was a clear black and blue bruise of a handprint on her wrist. Jo was still shocked to see it and her heart rate picked up as she felt her anxiety rise. When she glanced up at Alex she saw his nostrils flare and he clenched his jaw. She knew what he was thinking and she knew what he wanted to do. However, as he glanced up and caught her eye his anger disappeared as his look changed to one of worry for her. He then let out a breath and focused on her.

“Does it hurt to flex your fingers,” Alex asked as she moved her fingers before trying to make a fist, but pain shot threw her wrist and she muffled a cry. It was definitely more sore than yesterday. 

“I think it's sprained,” Jo said, as Alex clenched his jaw again.

“Still, we should go in, get an x-ray, and,” Alex said, but Jo quickly cut him off.

“Do we have to? It's just a sprain and I've already wrapped it,” Jo said pleading with him. 

“Jo,” Alex said in a soft familiar tone, gently pleading with her in a way she knew all too well. “You know it might be more than that.”

“They're going to ask how this happened,” Jo said looking down at her wrist and the bruises in the shape of his hand, a visual reminder of his abuse. “They're going to ask and I'll have to tell them what happened, what he did. Then they're going to take pictures and the police are going to get involved. I know what happens. I've worked with other abuse victims. Paul put me in the hospital before, but he'd always lie and say I fell. I was never brave enough to tell the truth, so this would be the first time and I'm not ready to be a victim again.”

“Jo,” Alex said again in that same soft tone.

He used to use that kind of tone with her on late nights when she was tired. She just stripped out of her scrubs and crawled into bed. But he would use that soft, kind voice to get her to eat a few bites of food and drink some water before she passed out.

“Alex please,” Jo whispered in her own desperate voice. 

Alex sighed as he looked down and started gently rewrapping her wrist. “I never could resist you when you whispered my name like that, but I have to this time. You're wrong, Jo. You're not a victim. You're a survivor and you're so strong. You got yourself and your daughter out of a dangerous situation and a dangerous relationship. That makes you a survivor and the strongest woman I know.”

“I want to but, I don't know if I can do this,” Jo said, she couldn't help the tears that filled her eyes and she wasn't just talking about the ER visit. 

Alex pulled her in for a hug, wrapping his arms around her. “You can, and I'll be right there with you every step of the way.”

Jo broke in his arms. They had always been her safe haven, her refuge, and the place she could let herself feel everything. She let out a sob as she buried her face in his neck, determined not to let any of the kids in the house hear her cry. Alex held her like he used to. His arms wrapped around her and held her up as she curled up in him. She let herself be held by his arms. In his arms, she felt truly safe in a way that no one else could make her feel. Although she let out a few tears as he rubbed his hand up and down her back, she felt herself relax. 

“Mama!” Luna shouted as the screen door slammed open and both of them quickly looked up to see Luna toddle into the porch as Eli held the door open for her. 

Jo pulled away and quickly wiped her eyes before turning back and managing to put on a smile as she picked up Luna with one arm. “What's this baby?

Luna thrust a soft stuffed gray elephant into her face. “Ellie.”

“Yeah, what about Ellie?” Jo said as she smiled at Luna. She was grateful for the distraction as she let out a breath and truly smiled.

“Ellie,” Luna said before she bubbled a string of sounds and rested her head on Jo's shoulder and Jo started to sway back and forth on the porch swing.

Just last night, she had sat there crying, but now she leaned against Alex and watched Luna play with the elephant. Eli and Alexis came out with stuffed animals of their own, a little tiger and an alligator as they started to play with Luna. The sad moment was replaced by a happy one. 

Jo glanced over at Alex to see a dreamy smile across his lips and a longing look in his eyes as he stared at her. She knew what he was thinking. He had dreamed of having a baby with her and now he was watching her be a mom to Luna. Jo smiled as she looked at Luna. She would be lying if she said she had never thought about what it would be like to raise Luna with Alex. She looked at the twins and watched them play for a moment before glancing back at Alex. It seemed that he was thinking the same thing. 

“Hey Luna, you want to accompany your Mama to the hospital with me?” Alex asked, reaching out to her and smiling as he tickled her chin.

“No,” Luna said, developing a pout as she pulled the elephant to cover her face. 

“We don't really like the hospitals,” Jo said, leaning her cheek against Luna's head.

“Yeah, that's something you share with your Mama,” Alex said with a light-hearted smile.

Jo sighed as she kissed Luna's head and made the elephant dance for her. 

“You're not alone in this Jo,” Alex said, leaning in and putting his arm around her.

“Okay.”

As the sun set the kids grew sleepy. They moved to the porch and each claimed their preferred parent. Luna was the first to fall asleep in Jo's arms as the two of them sat on the porch swing. Luna’s little head rested on Jo's shoulder grasping at the pink knitted hat that she wore. Eli was curled up on Izzie's lap as they sat on the porch chair together. He had long since given up on the fight to sleep. Izzie ran her fingers through his hair as he snored. William was sitting on the chair across from Izzie.

Alexis was the last kid awake. The kid's mug of hot chocolate was in her hands as her eyes lazily stared at the fireflies. She sat on Alex's lap facing the fields and leaned against him. He gently moved the porch swing back and forth with his foot as Jo leaned against him. Alexis would be out in a matter of minutes, but she still fought it, like she did every night. 

Will finished strumming the song he had been playing and stood. He put his guitar around his shoulder as he got up. 

He stands there for a second just awkwardly with his hands in his pockets. “Well I should get going, It’s late and I gotta be up early to get the motor fixed on my tractor.” 

“Yeah, let me know if you need any help with that,” Alex said with a nod, he’d helped Will out a couple of times in the past year and he liked learning about the farm engines. 

“I’ll bring you boys some lunch if you’re still working on it by then,” Izzie said as she smiled at him so soft and sweet.  

“I’d appreciated that, Izzie,” Will said, his southern accent dropping with honey as he said her name and he ducked his head and nodded.

Jo smiled, but Alex rolled his eyes and she leaned over to swat his arm. It was ridiculous how Will and Izzie acted around each other. He’d watched them for a year as they tiptoed around each other, with some smiles and longing looks. If he and Jo could figure their relationship out in a week these two should have long ago. 

“We should get these three to bed,” Jo whispered, staring down at Eli and Luna before looking over at Alexis, who didn't even protest her words. 

Will nodded and headed out walking down the gravel road with his lantern and old dog Ruthie by his side. Izzie watched him go with a longing sigh before she got up with Eli. Jo got up as well as she followed her and the two of them slipped inside the house to put the kids down. Jo paused in the doorway to look back at him and nodded for him to come inside.

“Come on Lex,” Alex said as he lifted her up, setting her on her feet. 

She wobbled before he picked her up again and took her cup. She wrapped her arms around his neck, laying her head on his shoulder. As she snuggled into him, he smiled and rubbed her back, she'd be out before they got to the bedroom. Izzie held Eli and they trudged upstairs to put the two kids to bed. They were already in their pajamas and as sure enough, Alexis was asleep as he laid her down and tucked her in. 

Alex loved this time that he got with his kids. Getting to be there when they woke up until the moment they fell asleep. Then trying to get every moment in between on days he worked. He loved getting to hold them and put them to bed. It was something he didn't get to do when they were babies, but he got that time with them now. 

When he and Izzie came back downstairs they both started the nightly routine. They cleaned up the rooms and did the dishes from dinner before they usually settled in for the evening. Alex looked around for Jo, as he was picking up a couple of Luna's toys. He spotted her through the window standing on the porch again. She had her mug of tea in her hand as she stared into the fields. 

He paused, staring at her. He wanted to go to her. They hadn't had any alone time since they talked that afternoon a week ago. Although since then they had fallen into a familiar love. They had agreed to keep things between them as they started their relationship again. Things felt so new, like they did the first time. Back then when they started dating the first time, they had already been friends, he had already said he loved her, she was living with him, but they hadn't slept together until a week after. 

Here he was as history repeated itself. A week after they confessed their love and they hadn’t even spent the night in each other’s bed. Not between the three kids running around and demanding all their attention. Jo kept the same schedule as her daughter, going to bed and getting up with her, as she slept more. It was a rare chance to see her alone. 

“Go to her,” Izzie said, giving him a nudge as he came out of his trance. 

Alex still seemed frozen as Izzie took the toys from his hands before pushing him forward. He just stared at Jo as his feet walked forward out to the porch. Jo looked back when she heard the door open and caught his eye, giving him a sliver of a smile. They stood there in silence for a heartbeat, just staring at the fireflies and trying to figure out what to say. 

He looked back through the window to see Izzie pretending to do the dishes as she watched them. When she saw he had caught her, she quickly turned back to the sink. Not waiting to kiss Jo with a crowd he looked out into the dark night but saw the light on in the barn.

“Come on,” Alex finally said, taking her mug of tea and putting it on the table.

Then he took her hand and led her down the steps over to the barn. It was an older, but well kept barn. The exterior reminded him of the barn where April almost got married except it was a deep red. Jo let him pull her along as they reached the barn's side door and slipped in. They quietly slipped past the horse's stalls and healed up to the hat loft. The hay tickled his legs and he wished he’d worn pants instead of shorts. However, Jo didn’t seem to mind it as they kicked up the hay and it danced around the edges of her summer dress. 

It reminded him of how the fireflies danced around her and she reached out, cupping her hands as she caught one. Before the kids had grown sleepy they had been catching fireflies. Jo held one in her hands for a moment before it flew away. Alex watched her hold it out for Luna, who almost ate it, but seemed just as fascinated with the bugs as Jo was. Luna called them flashlight bugs or at least tried to. Alexis and Eli encouraged her to pronounce it with a slight southern accent that made Luna giggle.

He grabbed a horse blanket and threw it down so they could sit together. They looked out at the farm through the open hay door. Will often forgot to close it, but Jo nor Alex minded as they sat down on a haybale and felt the cool night breeze seek in. He wanted to reach out and hold her. To wrap his arms around her waist and lay his head on her shoulder. He wanted that familiar intimacy and touch with her. He wanted to hold her and have her lean into him like she used to. He knew that in the days since their talk, the hurt between them had lessened. Everything seemed to fade away and time dried their tears. The gentle night seemed to wash them anew.

Alex forced himself to look away from Jo and stare up at the sky. The stars became visible in the sky that had turned to pink and purple in the twilight. As he peeked at her again he knew that she was much more beautiful than anything the night had to offer. However comically romantic and poetic that was. He knew she'd tease him for writing poetry again, but Jo made him a sappy romantic. She took her eyes off the fireflies and looked over to catch him staring. But she just smiled and he saw a hint of a blush on her cheeks as she looked back at the fireflies. 

“I haven't seen fireflies since the last time we were in Iowa,” Jo said, turning to look at him as he smiled.

“I remember that night,” Alex said looking back at her as well.

Jo had never lived in a place where she could see the fireflies, and he remembered how fascinated she was by them the first night they were in Iowa. The night after that, he took her out into a field where he used to go as a teenager. He set out a blanket and they sat in the field watching the fireflies. Alex loved how excited Jo was as she watched the fireflies light up the night. It was one of his favorite memories of her.

“I loved that whole trip,” Jo said as she glanced at him, before looking at the fireflies again. “That week we spent in Iowa with your mom was one of my favorite vacations. Because it was the first time I had a family vacation. And I loved your mom.”

“She loved you too, better than she loved me I think,” Alex said as he laughed and shook his head.

“No, she loved you, you’re her special boy,” Jo said as she laughed too, teasing him now.

“Yeah, I guess I always was,” Alex laughed, but he couldn't deny it. His mother loved him and he loved her just as much. 

“Have you seen your mom recently?” Jo asked as she glanced over at him with an out of place raised eyebrow. 

“Yeah, I've been up to Iowa a few times now that I'm closer. I've taken the kids up there too. She loves them and she liked getting to know Izzie. She even taught her how to knit.” 

“Helen's tried to teach me how to knit twice now. The second time, I wanted to make a simple baby hat, but I just ended up with loose knits and added rows. Then all the yarn got in a big tangle and Luna got the end of it and crawled around the table laughing as she went. This of course made a bigger mess. I felt so bad because Helen and I spent the entire night cutting it off the table legs. But she said she just loved how I tried and how happy Luna's laughing was.”

Alex's smile fell the second he realized she wasn't telling a story from the time his mom visited them and brought all those baby hats.

“My mom's met Luna?” Alex asked, waiting for Jo to confirm it.

Jo's smile fell to a soft grin. “Yeah, I called her when I was looking for you before the letter arrived. After the divorce, she kept calling. She wanted to check up on me. When I adopted Luna I told her and she insisted on coming to meet her the second she got vaccinated. She spent a week with us when Luna was nine months old. She adores Luna and insisted I keep all the baby hats she made for our babies. They still fit her as she was so tiny. Luna loved all of them, but the pink one with pompom is her favorite because it's from her Nana. I'm sorry we never told you. But I dungy want you to know and Helen didn't want to lose out on a relationship with me or Luna. And she wanted a relationship with you and she loved the twins too. So she agreed not to tell you about her visits. Sorry, I never told you.”

“No it's okay,“ Alex said with a shake of his head. “You loved my mom and she adored you. I'm glad that you still had her in your life.”

Jo nodded a silent thanks. Alex stared out hay door again. He thought about how much this night was so different and yet so similar to that night in Iowa. Years had passed, and they had grown apart, but come back together. She had come back to him and he was hers again. Here he was watching the fireflies with her again. 

“I wanna love you like I did before,” Jo said as she turned to face him, she reached up and cupped his face with her hands as she stared into his eyes. “Before all of this. Before Kansas, and Izzie, and our kids. I wanna be in love with you like I was, but without easing all of this. With Kansas, and Izzie, and our kids…. I'm sorry, I feel like I'm not making any sense.”

“No, I understand you, I always have,” Alex said with a little smile as he reached out and held her waist, pulling her into him as she sat in his lap. “You want it to be like we had never divorced. Like we had worked things out and come to Kansas together. Like we met the twins together, co-parented with Izzie together, and raised Luna together.”

Jo nodded as she leaned her forehead against his. “I want to be with you. I never stopped loving you, and maybe that's foolish, but I don't care. I love you and I wanna trust you like I did before, and be with you.” 

“I want that too. I know you have no reason to trust my promises, but I promise you that I'll love you forever, Jo. I never stopped loving you either, even in Kansas, even with Izzie. I love you, deeply. More than my heart can contain.”

“You always understand me. I do trust it when you say you love me and never stopped loving me. Maybe more now because of everything.”

Alex smiled, but he didn't say anything else. He just kissed her. For a second, Jo paused, freezing on his lips as she didn't expect it. He was sure she didn’t want this, a part of him still second guessed her words. He pulled back, but Jo chased his lips. She melted into him and he knew that this was what she wanted. She wanted him again. 

Deciding to let his lips do the talking, he gave himself to her. Jo let her body talk to him as well and pressed herself into him. They were always better at talking with their bodies than they were with actual words. Jo read his body like no one else did and he knew how to read her like a book. They kissed deeply, their lips memorizing each other again. He loved the way she felt in his arms. She was his and his alone and he was hers. Her arms felt like home. He was where he belonged and he’d never leave her again. 

He remembered when they used to sit on the couch at the intern house. They would just make out for hours until they got frustrated and someone pulled off their shirt. Tonight, he didn't reach for the hemline of her dress, he just memorized her lips and held her against him. However, Jo wasn't satisfied with just his lips tonight. As she pulled back to look at him, her pupils were blown, and her honey eyes were replaced with back pools of lust. She breathed heavily against his cheeks. She wanted him, he knew it. 

When she reached for his shirt, he let her pull it over his shoulders. Then, she pulled down the straps of her dress. As soon as the fabric left her shoulders, it fell to her ankles. Quickly, he sought to match her nakedness and undid his belt, desperate to get it off as it suddenly felt too tight. He pulled her down and laid her out on the hay as the fading twilight faded away and the darkness shielded their actions from prying eyes. 

“Are we really doing this on the hay?” Jo asked as she sat up on her elbows.

“It wouldn't be the first time we did it on some grass,” Alex said with a smirk knowing it also wouldn't be the last. 

“I put it in your bag because you left it on the coffee table and I knew the kids were going to spill milk on it in the morning,” Izzie said, holding up his bag as she sat by the door packing her own bag before yelling to the twins. “Alexis, Eli, come on, we got to go.”

“Oh, don't look so grumpy. I used to do the same thing for you,” Jo said, lifting Luna out of the high chair expertly with one arm and putting her on her hip before she looked over at Izzie.  

Jo’s wrist was indeed fractured from her falling back onto the grass and had been set in a blue cast. With Alex’s support, Jo made a report at the hospital and got things settled with a lawyer and the police in Seattle. She pressed charges against Tom, and a hearing was set for two weeks from now. In the meantime, Izzie and Alex agreed to let her stay for as long as she needed to. 

“He used to always leave his case files on the coffee table and we always ended up spilling beer or something on them. So I would tuck them away in his bag, and every morning, he would always ask me, 'Hey Jo, where's my case files?'”

“That's not how my voice sounds,” Alex said as he grabbed the folder from Izzie's hands and sat on the bench to put on his shoes.

“It is,” both of the girls said in unison before they exchanged a look, as his frown only deepened.

“Ellie?” Luna asked, looking around. 

“Oh shoot,” Jo said, looking around and going into the living room. “Has anyone seen Luna's elephant?”

“Ellie was on the coffee table next to my case file, so I put Ellie to bed in the toy bin,” Alex said, grabbing the stuffed elephant from the bin under the end table.

Jo set Luna down and she walked over to Alex as he picked her up and set her on the couch with Ellie.

“Alexis, Eli, come on, we got to go,” Izzie called again as she got up and grabbed their coats. 

“I'm here, I'm here,” Eli said as he came down the stairs one at a time. “But I can't find my math homework.” 

“I put it right here after we finished it last night, remember, buddy?” Jo said, holding up the math homework for him to see.

Jo soon became the twins' favorite grown-up. Especially after she helped them with their math homework. Neither Alex nor Izzie were particularly good at math. Especially with the common core curriculum that the school threw at them. Jo somehow understood it and was happy to help the twins. 

He was surprised by how much she and Luna fit into their family. Jo and Izzie seemed to just instantly click and they were soon friends, best friends even. They just talked about anything and everything. Although their favorite topic was him, much to Alex’s dismay. Alexis and Eli instantly loved Jo and Luna too, and Jo enjoyed spending time and playing with them. Luna loved them as well, she looked up to the two bigger kids and followed them around like a puppy. The twins had always lamented about wanting a younger sibling, and they doted on Luna, constantly pulling her away to play. 

“Thanks, Jo,” Eli said as he grabbed his homework and put it into his bag. 

Luna had climbed onto his back, so Alex picked her up and carried her on his back as he walked over to the kitchen. Izzie was putting breakfast dishes in the dishwasher and Jo was wiping down the counter. Alex smiled as Luna put her chin on his shoulder and covered his face with one of Ellie's elephant ears as she giggled. Jo looked up and caught them and she stared at him with a soft smile. Yet she offered no help as Luna covered his eyes with her hands. 

“Where's Alexis? Shouldn’t she be down here by now?” Jo asked, looking up at the clock. 

“She should be down in a second,” Alex said before finally setting Luna on the counter.

He made a funny face at her as he rolled up Luna's pants. They were a pair of Alexis' old pants that Izzie had gotten out of storage, but they were too long for her. When it became clear that Jo and Luna were staying longer than just overnight, Izzie pulled out all of the twins' things from storage. She had kept everything from when they were little and gave Jo a few extra pairs of clothing and toys. She also let Jo borrow some of her clothes. It was weird to see Jo in the bright floral things Izzie favored. Alex looked over at her in one of Izzie's light purple floral blouses and jeans, though he thought she looked good in anything. Luna kicked his hand, reminding him of the girl he should be paying attention to, and Alex went back to rolling up her pants before glancing at the clock. 

“Alexis, if you ain't down here in five minutes, we're leaving without you,” Alex called out up the stairs as he picked up Luna again. 

“Owey ears,” Luna said, covering her ears with her hands. 

“Sorry Luna and sorry Ellie,” Alex said, leaning down to kiss her hands and the elephant ears as Luna took her hands away and giggled.

“Alex, don't say ain't. It’s not proper English, say are not,” Izzie said, as Alex resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

“We live in the south, Izzie. Technically it's proper English around here. Ain't it so Luna Lu,” Alex said as he tossed her up in the air and her laughter filled the ceiling.

“Technically, we live in the Midwest and just because people say it doesn't mean it's proper,” Izzie said, glaring at him as she adjusted her blouse. “And stop tossing Luna up in the air like that. You’re gonna drop her.”

Alex caught Luna and tossed her back up in the air, just one last time as Jo’s laughter joined Luna's.

“I know Alex is careful with her and it's nice that she has someone who can toss her up in the air like that,” Jo said, smiling as she stared at them, not quite watching his actions, but more so just staring at him and Luna.

Alex couldn't help but smile at her before he looked back at Luna and tossed her up in the air just one more time before he put her on his hip and walked over to the door to grab his coat and car keys.

“I'm ready,” Alexis said as she came running down the stairs, passing by all of them as she sprinted out the door, leaving it open behind her as she ran down the porch steps.

“Did she have shoes on?” Jo asked, pointing to where Alexis had run out the door.

“No, she did not,” Izzie said as she shook her head and Alex rolled his eyes. They were used to Alexis's barefoot runs before she came running back into the house, stopping in the doorway.

“I forgot my shoes,” Alexis said as she sat down and pulled her socks and sneakers onto her dusty feet.

“Alright, let's get going,” Izzie said, grabbing the twin’s lunches and putting them in their bags. They grabbed backpacks, lunches, coats, and everything else they would need as they all fumbled around to get out the door. 

“Are you sure you're okay being here alone?” Alex asked as he handed Luna to Jo and put his bag over his shoulder. “I don't really have anything going on today, so I could just stay home…”

“I'm okay, Alex, really,” Jo said, staring at him for a moment too long. “I'm just thankful that you and Izzie trust me to be in your house alone.”

“Yeah, Izzie didn't let me stay home alone until a month after I got here,” Alex said with a shake of his head, although he knew why.

“Well, in my defense, the last time I met Alex, he was still that frat boy resident that I thought I knew,” Izzie said as she pulled on her own shoes as she glanced over at Jo. “I certainly didn't expect to get the mature man that you know him as. Besides, in the past two days, Jo has actually helped around the house. When you first got here, you didn't even do the dishes!”

Jo's eyes went wide as she looked over at him. “Alex, I thought I trained you better than that?”

“I may not have done the dishes, but I did all the child care, and need I remind you who made breakfast and did the dishes last night and every night for the past few months?” Alex said, glaring at both of them.

It wasn't that he couldn't do the dishes when he first got here. It was just that he learned all of his domestic skills because of Jo. Every time he thought about loading the dishwasher or scrubbing a pan, he thought about the soap that Jo had bought him that smelled like fresh lemons. He thought about the magnet she put on the dishwasher so they would know whose turn it was. How she taught him this little trick to get tough stains off the pans and how every dish in his cabinet was Jo’s. The only reason he bought them was because she refused to drink with him again unless he got actual dishes. So he went to the store and bought pots and pans, silverware, cups, glasses, and plates just because he wanted her to come over again. He was so hopelessly in love with her back then and he didn't even know it. Here he was again, hopelessly in love with her and he knew it, but he wouldn't act on it.

“Daddy, you are a well appreciated member of this household,” Eli said, pulling Alex out of his head as Eli used the same phrase that Izzie said to them when they finished their chores.

“Thank you, Eli. I'm glad someone around here appreciates me,” Alex said, giving him a wink as Jo and Izzie rolled their eyes in sync.

“Okay, are we ready to go yet?” Alexis said, stomping her foot as she waited by the door gripping the straps of her backpack.

“The attitude is not appreciated, young lady,” Izzie said, putting her hands on her hips as she gave Alexis the signature mom look. “Need I remind you that we were all waiting on you this morning and I'm only asking for the same patients from you.”

“But I couldn't find my sparkly pom-pom pen,” Alexis said, pulling the pin out of her pocket and holding it out for them to see. 

“You're in first grade, kiddo. They don't even let you use pens yet,” Alex reminded her, gently tugging on her pigtails. 

“Yeah, but this one is special to me because it matches the pom-poms on Luna’s hat,” Alexis said, holding it up to the hat on Luna’s head as she smiled and all the adults softened. 

“Alright, are we all ready to go, now?” Izzie asked, putting her bag over her shoulders and jingling keys in her hand. 

“Ready,” Alexis said, standing up tall and straight, clearly eager to get out the door. 

“Here, Jo and Luna,” Eli said, handing her a little toy mouse and a book. “This is Mouse and his book. He'll show you what I'm doing while I'm at school and keep you company until I get back.”

“Thank you, Eli, that's so sweet of you,” Jo said, reaching out to pull him in for a hug “Luna, can you say thank you?”

Instead, Luna wiggled out of her arms and Jo set her down. As soon as she did, Luna ran to Eli and hugged his legs as he quickly hugged her back. It was such a sweet moment and Jo and Izzie awed at their cute bond.

“Tank ooh,” Luna said, holding the mouse and inspecting her new friend. 

“You're welcome,” Eli said with a smile, positively blaming at the affection that Luna gave him. “I just didn't want you to be lonely while we're all at school and work.”

“That's very sweet of you, Eli,” Izzie said, putting an arm around his shoulders and leaning in to kiss his forehead.

“Okay, okay, Jo and Luna are gonna be fine. Let's go,” Alexis said, waving her hand to usher them out the door.

“Okay,” Izzie said, rolling her eyes at Alexis' antics. “Now, be sure to tell your teachers that I'm picking you up at school today.”

“And Jo, call me if you need anything. Really anything, I can be back in half an hour,” Alex said, looking over at Jo as he stood in the doorway holding his keys, a little reluctant to leave her.

“We'll be fine, won't we, Luna,” Jo said, looking over at her as Luna nodded so much that her hat fell off, and Alex laughed as he leaned down to pick it up and put it back on her head.

“Well, regardless, we'll both have our phones on us today and call Willy up the road if any happens or any of the animals get loose,” Izzie said, gesturing to the farmer's number posted on the fridge.

“Got it, thanks,” Jo said, glancing back at the number. 

“Okay, goodbye kisses, then let’s go,” Izzie said, leaning down to hold Alexis still so she could kiss her cheek, then leaning over to kiss Eli. “Love you both.”

“Love you too, Mommy,” Eli and Alexis said at the same time. Then Jo held Luna down to them so they could each kiss her cheek. “Bye Luna.” 

“Jo,” Eli said, tugging on her shirt. “You gotta bend down so we can give you a goodbye kiss too.” 

Alex could see Jo smile as her heart melted with love for them. She leaned down so Alexis and Eli could kiss her cheeks and he loved the way she blushed as she stood back up. 

“I love you two squirts,” Alex said, kissing their heads too, despite how he still had to drop them off at school. They wouldn’t let him kiss them at drop-off as apparently, they were too old for goodbye kisses in front of their friends. 

“Bye guys,” Alexis said, giving them a single wave as she ran out the door.

“Bye Mommy, bye Jo, bye Luna,” Eli said, giving them each a hug before running out to join Alexis in the car.

“Bye-bye,” Luna aggressively waved to Eli and Alexis with both of her arms as the twins eagerly waved back to her. 

Alex looked at Jo, staring at her just a little bit too long as he lingered on the porch, reluctant to leave. “Okay, then, bye Jo. Try not to get into too much trouble.”

“No promises,” Jo said, smiling at him as they exchanged the familiar goodbye they used to say to each other. She gave him a soft smile as he reluctantly took a step back before he turned to go.

“No, kiss, kiss,” Luna yelled as he looked back to see her demanding a kiss of her own as she puckered her lips.

“Bye Luna,” Alex said, kissing her cheek before he kissed Jo's lips. “Bye Jo.”

He didn't actually realize what he had done until he licked his lips and tasted her strawberry chapstick. He had turned around to walk down the stairs and froze on the first step. Alex hadn't meant to kiss her. It was just something he had done so automatically. Every day before work, he used to kiss Jo goodbye, and here every day, he would kiss the twins goodbye. So when he went to kiss Luna, he didn't even think twice about kissing Jo as well. 

Alex turned around and saw Jo standing there, wide-eyed. She held her fingers up to her lips as if she could still feel his kiss. Her cheeks, which had been pink when Eli and Alexis kissed her, were now a flaming red. Alex didn't know what to do or say. He didn't want to say that he regretted the kiss because he didn't and he didn't want to say that he did it on purpose because he didn't. Instead, he just looked back at the twins and hurried into the car. 

However, the second he got in the car, the twins jumped on him like vultures.

“Daddy, how come you kissed Jo?” Alexis asked, leaning forward to see him.

“Yeah, Daddy, how come you kiss Jo goodbye, but you never kiss Mommy goodbye?” Eli asked in quick succession as he raised an eyebrow at Alex.

“Umm I, I just, I...” Alex could barely form a whole word, let alone a sentence of an exclamation as the feeling of Jo’s lips was the only thing he could think about. 

“Daddy doesn't kiss Mommy because Mommy and Daddy aren't in love,” Alexis said as if it was obvious, letting out a dramatic sigh with an eye roll that she definitely got from Izzie. “But Daddy and Jo are in love, so they kiss.”

“But I thought that you did love Mommy,” Eli asked, looking at him in the rearview mirror with a slight frown.

“I do, I do love your mom,” Alex reassured them as he turned around to face them. He wanted his kids to grow up in a family knowing that even if their parents weren't in love, they still loved and cared about each other. “It's, it's kind of like what Alexis said. Your mom and I love each other as friends and we love you guys because you're our kids. But I love Jo because, well, she's smart and kind. She cares about you guys and me and Izzie. She understands me and forgives me, and I just… I love her.”

It was the first time he had said he loved her and why since Jo got there and here he was saying it to his seven-year-olds. Still, Alex smiled, sure of his words. He loved Jo and he wanted to love her again. However as he looked back at Jo standing on the porch and talking with Izzie, he knew it wasn't the right time for such a declaration. So he sat back, put on his seat belt, and started the car as he pulled out of the driveway.

“I love Luna like I love Eli. She's the perfect little sister. She's cute and sweet and she's always plays along with us. I loved Jo too, she helps us with our homework and takes us places. She also gives good hugs. But I don't like her like I love Eli. I love Jo like I love Mommy and Daddy. Even though she's not our Mommy or our Daddy. She does a lot of stuff that you and Mommy do for me, and I love her for it,” Alexis said, so sure of her words and free with her love as she had always been. Alexis was so quick to grow attached to people and so willing to love in a way Alex wished he could. 

“I love Jo like I love Mommy and Daddy too,” Eli said as he and Alexis exchanged a nod before he continued. “Daddy, is there a third word for a grown-up who's a part of your family like your Mommy, but not an auntie?”

Alex watched Jo and Luna as she and Izzie talked on the porch. “I don't know, but we can try and think of something. I'm glad you guys love Jo and Luna. I love them too.”

It made Alex's heart swell to know that his kids loved Jo and Luna as much as he did. It was all he had ever wanted since Jo came to the farmhouse. He stopped the car at the end of the driveway as he looked out onto the main road. He also looked in the rearview mirror and saw Izzie leave and get in her car before Jo and Luna waved her off. It was a dream come true. 

“Daddy, if you love Jo, does that mean you're going to marry her?” Eli asked, causing Alex to pause before he turned onto the main road.

“Daddy and Jo are already married. Remember the wedding photos? You can't get married twice,” Alexis said, pointing out with a nod.

“That's kind of true Jo and I were married, but we're not married anymore, just like your Mommy and I aren't married anymore,” Alex said as he turned to go into town. 

“So, if you're not married now, does that mean you are going to marry Jo again?” Eli asked, still confused. 

Alex looked in the rearview mirror. He could see Alexis’s eagerness to answer as she opened her mouth, but he quickly cut her off. “Nobody's getting married right now. Jo and Luna are just here for a little while. Then they're going to go home to Seattle.”

“Oh,” Alexis said, visibly disappointed as she sat back in her seat and looked out the window.

“I wish they could stay forever,” Eli sighed, talking to no one in particular as he looked out the window as well.

“Me too, buddy,” Alex whispered as he focused on the road ahead. 

He couldn't imagine Jo and Luna leaving now. Not when Luna rested her head on his shoulder and fell asleep in his arms. Or Jo looked at him with such soft eyes and a warm smile. It was the same smile that he had fallen in love with and it made his heart ache. 

It was something he thought about every day that Jo was there. He knew that every day was one day closer to them going back to Seattle, but every day they stayed was another day he got to see them. A year and a half ago, Alex had the chance to ask Jo to stay, and he didn't. Yet here he was again with the option to ask her to stay and oh how he wanted her to stay. Back then, he didn't know how to ask her to give up everything for him. But this time he knew that he couldn't be a coward and he had to ask. Even if she said no, he knew he'd regret it for the rest of his life if he never asked Jo to stay.

……………………………………………………………………

Jo stood on the porch steps, frozen as Alex’s kiss still lingered on her lips. It was so automatic in the way that he kissed her. It was the same way he used to kiss her before work every day. Just a quick peck on her lips and then he was gone. But that quick little peck of love was one of her favorites, or it used to be. She brushed her fingers across her lips to double-check that he had actually kissed her and that she wasn't dreaming. She saw Alex pause and glance back at her. His eyes were wide and his cheeks burned red before he rushed down the steps and into the car. Still, she stood there frozen and stared at him. 

“Well, I don't think I've ever seen Alex so smitten,” Izzie said, with a knowing smile.

“What?” Jo asked as her words broke her out of her trance and she looked over at Izzie. 

“I've seen him with women before,” Izzie said with a little smile as Jo just looked at her before Izzie continued. 

“When we were interns, not recently. He hasn't even given a girl a second look since he got here. I never knew why until I saw the two of you together. Jo, I know that you came here because of what happened to you, and I know that you weren't expecting anything from Alex. Still, I think you came here on purpose, whether you knew it or not. I've seen the way the two of you have acted around each other this past week. You still love him and he is hopelessly in love with you. Now, you both have a second chance at things. I think the two of you would be idiots if you didn't give each other that chance.”

“I can’t,” Jo said, automatically as she looked to where Alex was talking to the twins in the car.

“Yes, you can. You just have to talk to him, so what's holding you back?” Izzie asked, reaching out and putting a hand on Jo's arm.

“I, I,” but the words Jo was going to say died on her lips.

Ever since Alex left, whenever Meredith, or Link, or anybody else asked her why she didn’t want to fight for him, for them, Jo always said the same thing. That Alex left her, and he didn't give her a choice in their divorce. She wasn't going to fight for someone she had already lost. Yet, here she was, in Kansas with him, facing the consequences of their actions. For some reason, his decision was a little more understandable and she was a little more forgiving. She looked at the twins and thought. How could Alex not fall in love with them, and how could he not stay with them? Because she had fallen in love with them and she wanted to stay too.

She loved Eli's quiet, observant demeanor. He was so much like Alex in every way. He was so smart and watchful, observing everyone and learning how to help them. He was so kind just like Izzie. She loved Alexis and her bright and happy personality. She was eager to help anyone and loved making them laugh. She also laughed in her sleep like Alex did sometimes. Like Izzie, she spoke her mind regardless of whether she got in trouble. 

She even loved Izzie too. In the past week, they had gotten close and had become friends. She loved how much Izzie cared about everyone. Even her and Luna, when she didn't have to. Izzie was so optimistic, she saw the best in everyone. She also believed that everything would work itself out like she did now with things between her and Alex.

Being here in Kansas, Jo got to know them and became a part of their little family. Loving them now and knowing that she didn't get the opportunity to love them before was a hurt that still lingered inside of her. 

“Jo,” Izzie gently said, bringing her out of her head.

“I don't know. I thought I knew why I could never forgive Alex, but, every day that I'm here... I just, I don't know anymore,” Jo said, shaking her head, her hair bouncing. Luna reached up and grabbed ahold of Jo's strands, and she quickly moved to untangle her daughter's fingers from her hair. 

“Look, I'm not going to be meddlesome,” Izzie said, although Jo just gave her a deadpan look. In the past week, she had learned just how meddlesome Izzie could be in her friend’s and family's lives. “I swear I'm not, but I think that you and Alex should at least talk. The two of you haven't been alone since the night you got here, and I know that you have things to say to him, even if you just yell at him. I also know that Alex has things he wants to say to you too, things he didn't say in the letter. The two of you should talk. That’s all I'm saying.”

“There's so much I want to say to him, but we just haven't gotten the chance,” Jo said, looking down at Luna, who now played with the little mouse Eli gave her. “And with Luna…”

Jo had barely left her side in the past week. Every time she left Luna with Izzie or Alex to go to the bathroom or something, she heard Luna’s phantom cries and rushed out to comfort her. Only to find that Luna was happily playing with them. 

“Why don't I take Luna and the twins up to the barn for an hour or two after dinner or something? Then the two of you can talk?” Izzie offered, reaching out and putting her hand on Jo’s shoulder before she smiled at Luna. “What do you think Luna? Do you want to go see the horses?”

“‘orse ‘orse,” Luna said, trying to master her new word. She tried to wiggle out of Jo's arms so she could run over and see the horses. She had grown to love them since she first saw them the day after they got here. 

“Okay,” Jo said, shifting Luna to her other hip with her good hand and getting a better grip on her. She decided to take a chance and face things with Alex for the first time since he left.

“Alright, once we get home, we can work the details out. In the meantime, I have to get going, but again, call me if you need anything,” Izzie said, giving Jo a look that she usually only reserved for the twins.

“I will, I promise,” Jo said as Izzie stepped away to go down to her car. “And Izzie?”

“Yeah?” Izzie looked back at her, pausing on the first step. 

“Thank you for everything. You've been so kind to us the past week and I want you to know that I really appreciate it.”

Izzie just smiled at her before coming back and wrapping her arms around Jo in a hug. She remembered why Cristina used to describe Izzie as a human ball of sunshine. She really was as warm and kind as the sun. Izzie pulled away, but not before giving her shoulder one last squeeze. Then she hopped down the stairs and got it to her car. Jo watched her leave, catching Alex in the twins sitting at the end of the driveway, long after they should have left. 

Jo took a deep breath as she held her daughter close, hugging her for just a second and then pulling back to look at her. “Alright, Luna, you and I are gonna hang out just the two of us today. How about we go inside and play spaceship to the moon, yeah?”

“Moo Moo,” Luna said, positively vibrating with excitement as she jumped up and down in Jo's arms.