#midnightjazzmine

As Annie and Mary headed off to her room to get settled, you invited Sam to join you at the kitchen table. “Would you like something to eat? Some coffee?”

“Coffee would be great,” he replied

  “Just milk, right? How are Dean and Donna? Anything new with them?”

“Yep.” You could tell he was pleased that you remembered. “So Dean and Donna went to Minnesota to spend Thanksgiving with Donna’s family.”

You blinked in surprise. “No way! Is it getting serious?” Dean had always enjoyed playing the field ever since Stanford.

“Oh, it IS serious. He says our ‘trainwreck’ has made him reevaluate his priorities.” Sam told you with a wry grin.

“I wouldn’t call it a trainwreck, exactly.” A thought occurred to you. “So what are you doing for Thanksgiving then?”

“Juliet and I are going to eat sushi and binge-watch Breaking Bad.”

You gave him a stern look. “Absolutely not! You are staying here, and spending Thanksgiving with us.”

“You don’t have to do this because you’re feeling sorry for me, Y/N,” Sam said indignantly.

“Maybe I’m doing it because I want to spend time with you, you moron!” Grinning at the surprised look on his face, you called out to the girls. “Mary, Annie, can you come here please?”

They appeared at the table, clearly thrilled to be together. “So girls. It turns out that your uncle went to Minnesota with Donna to visit her parents. I invited your dad to spend Thanksgiving here with us. Is that okay with you two?”

The twins exchanged a surprised look, then identical grins broke out on their faces. “That would be awesome!” Annie said happily.

Mary gave you a serious look. “Are you sure you two are okay with it?”

Annie rolled her eyes. “With the amount they text, they are BFFs now.”

You smiled at Mary’s thoughtfulness. “Yes, we are both okay with it. Right, Sam?”

He nodded in agreement. “Absolutely.”

After getting the girls settled for the night in Annie’s room, you dug around until you found a comforter and some pillows for Sam. Eyeing the couch critically, you glanced up at him.  “Are you sure you want to do this? I can’t see how this will be comfortable. You’re twice as long as the couch.”

“I’ll manage. Unless you’re offering to let me sleep with you? Your bed looks big enough.” Sam stated nonchalantly.

You threw a pillow at him. “Oh you’d like that, wouldn’t you? You’re going to have to try way harder than that, Mr. Winchester. I’m not going to make this easy on you.”

“Duly noted, Ms. Campbell,” he replied with a dimpled smirk.

Handing the bedding over to him, you whispered seductively, “Well I’ll leave you to figure this out while I put on my lingerie in my big, empty bed.”

“That’s a low blow, Y/N,” he muttered under his breath.

You snorted with laughter as you headed off to your room. Oh, this was going to be fun.

The next morning you woke to the smell of freshly brewed coffee.  Coming out of your room, you saw that Sam had made breakfast for the girls.

“Saved you some,” he said as he slid a plate in your direction.

“Since when do you cook?” you said doubtfully, giving the plate a suspicious look.

“Since I got divorced and realized I still liked to eat,” he informed you and the twins giggled.

“So Mom, I was thinking we could show Dad and Mary around today. Maybe go see the tree at Rockefeller Center?” Annie said around a mouth full of pancakes.

“Tomorrow’s Thanksgiving. Don’t we have to go grocery shopping?” Sam asked curiously.

“Since it was only going to be the three of us, I ordered a pre-cooked meal from Zabars. We just have to heat everything up,” you told him.

“Microwaved Thanksgiving dinner?” Sam said doubtfully.

“Trust me, it’s delicious, you’ll love it,” you assured him

It was a pretty cold day but everyone bundled up as you took Sam and the girls around the city.  As soon as Mary saw the ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center, she insisted that you needed to skate.

“You girls go. I’m a terrible skater. Annie usually has to hold me up,” you told them with a wave of your hands.

“I’ve always wanted to try ice-skating outside, Mom. Annie can help me, and Dad can help you,” Mary responded helpfully.

“What makes you think I can ice skate, Mary?” Sam asked with a grin.

She shrugged, “you’re good at pretty much every sport, so I just assumed…..”

“You two go. I’ll take care of your mom.” Sam promised the girls.

Sam paid for all of you and Mary and Annie were quick to get their skates on and head out. Mary was as unsteady as a newborn colt, but Annie held her hand and guided her, and soon they were making slow progress around the track.

“Come on slowpoke,” Sam whispered in your ear.  “You’re just postponing the inevitable.”

You glared at him as you got to your feet slowly, your legs as shaky as jello.  Sam held out his hand and you grasped it tightly, inching your way onto the ice.  You slowly progressed around the track, Sam’s hand tight in yours, and you began to relax.

The twins passed by the two of you several times, and they looked red-cheeked and happy.  “Look at them,” you said to Sam. “Mary looks like she’s having a blast.”

Sam turned his head to look, and a teenager whipping around the track tried to maneuver around you. His shoulder bumped into yours, throwing you off balance, and you began to fall.

Flailing wildly, you were about to hit the ice face first when a hard yank on your arm pulled you upright and into Sam’s waiting arms.  “I’ve got you. You okay?”

You nodded mutely, trying to catch your breath as Sam guided you off the ice to a bench just outside the rink.  The girls were still skating. “Thanks for helping me. You’re my hero.”

Sam knelt in front of you and started to unlace your skates. “Let’s be honest, Y/N. I haven’t been your hero in a very long time.  Having you in my life again has made me realize what a fool I was to not fight harder for us. But if you ever give me another chance, I’m going to spend the rest of my life making it up to you.”

Before you could respond, Annie and Mary had found you, and were talking non-stop.“We saw you almost wipe out at the end. Good thing Dad was there to catch you, huh Mom?” Mary said as you returned your skates.

“Yeah, good thing,” you said absently, your mind a million miles away

Thanksgiving was a wonderful day. You’d picked up your already prepared dinner the day before, and after heating and plating everything, you all dug in. Even Sam grudgingly admitted it was delicious. You watched Sam laughing and joking with the twins, he seemed to be having a good time.

“I got an email from work earlier. I am going to have to fly back on Saturday. I have some stuff I need to take care of in the office. Mary is still off of school next week, so you are welcome to keep her until next weekend if you want.” He looked sad for spoiling the holiday.

As your heart plummeted at the thought of him leaving, you came to a realization. You had fallen in love again with your ex-husband. The question was, what were you going to do about it?

“Mary, do you want me to fly back to get you so you don’t have to fly alone?” Sam asked his daughter.

Mary smiled broadly at her father. “I think I’ll be okay this time as long as Mom and Annie wait with me beforehand.”

“If you’re sure,” he said, a note of uncertainty in his voice.

“I want to spend as much time with Annie as possible.” Mary insisted.

“Hey Mom, there is a dance at the Boys and Girls Club tomorrow night. Carlos asked us if we wanted to go. His mom said she would take us. Is it okay if we go?” Annie asked.

You looked over at Sam. “Is it okay with you?”

“Who is Carlos?” he asked with a frown.

“He’s been Annie’s best friend since first grade.  They live down the hall. I know both of his parents really well. They are good people.”

“Carlos likes Mary,” Annie announced nonchalantly.

“Annie! Shut up!” Mary hissed, her cheeks turning red.

You turned to Annie. “Is Enrique going too?” you asked.

“Yes.”

You turned to Sam, “Enrique is Carlos’ older brother. He is fifteen. His mother willl make him go to keep an eye on the kids. She is very over-protective. They will be fine.”

“I’m okay with it if you are,” Sam finally decided.

The next night, the girls spent what Sam thought was a ridiculously long time getting ready for the dance.  He was flipping channels on the TV looking for something to watch while you got up for the third time when Annie frantically called, “Mom, we need you!” from her room.

You returned a few minutes later and sat down, looking a bit flustered.  “Everything okay?” he asked.

“It is now,” you said a little dramatically.

“Anything I can do?”

“Not unless you want to have the discussion with the girls again about why they are too young to wear makeup,” you told him with a sigh.

“Makeup? Are you serious?” he asked in disbelief.

“Oh yes, and I’m pretty sure it’s from the dollar store,” you told him as you got up and headed to the fridge. “I need a drink. Want one?” you asked.

There was a knock at the door and Sam beat you to it. Damn his long legs! “You must be Carlos.” You heard him say. “I’m Annie and Mary’s dad. Come on in. Girls, Carlos is here!”

When the girls came out, they were dressed casually, but Sam could tell they had taken care with their appearance.  “Hi, Carlos. The dance is over at 9:00, right?” you asked.

“Yeah. My Mom was going to take us out for ice cream afterward if that’s okay with you.” Carlos responded.

“That’s fine. She texted me already. She said she’d have you home by ten. Make good choices, you two,” you told your daughters.

“Take good care of my girls, young man,” Sam told Carlos, holding out his hand to shake.

“I will, Sir,” Carlos replied, and the three of them left.

You headed back inside. Grabbing two beers, and handing one to Sam. The two of you sat on the couch, and he flipped channels aimlessly for a bit.  “So, we have about three kid-free hours on my last night here.  What do you want to do?”

“I think we should have a talk.”

“About?” Sam asked casually, putting his beer on the coffee table and looking over at you.

“I realized something. I realized that I’m ready. I want this. I want you, I want our family. Somehow I’ve managed to fall in love with you again.  Maybe I never stopped.” You stared at each other for a long moment as you waited for Sam to react.

A second later he picked you up out of your seat, and pulled you into his lap, straddling him. You arched up, taking his face in your hands as your lips met in a passionate kiss.  His hands wrapped around your waist, pulling you closer as you ground against his growing erection.

You made out on the couch like teenagers, both of you panting with need until you thought you were going to explode. Finally, you managed to tear your mouth from Sam’s and extricate yourself from his embrace.

“Wait…..” he said, reaching for you.

You were dizzy with desire. Standing so quickly you got lightheaded you looked down at him, clothes askew, looking wrecked, and he stared back at you with eyes hazy with lust.  You held out your hand.  “We have about two solid kid-free hours, give or take. How about we make good use of them?”

Sam just gaped at you for a moment, eyes wide with shock. “Are you sure?” he asked in a ragged voice.

“Oh yeah.  It’s now or never, Sam.  The clock is ticking.”

He was off the couch in a flash, pulling you to him and kissing you until you were breathless. You leaned into him, and he pulled you towards the bedroom, pushing the door open with his foot.

He laid you down on the bed, his long body completely covering yours, the heat of him hitting you in just the right spots.  His mouth sucked hard on your neck as he yanked your shirt over your head and tossed it aside. You sighed with pleasure as his mouth found yours again, one large hand cradling your head while he deftly unsnapped your bra with the other.

“Haven’t lost your touch, have you?” you giggled as he flung your bra away.

“I’ve thought about this a lot in the past five months,” Sam growled under his breath as you smiled against his mouth.

“Would you please get naked already?” you said impatiently, your hands pulling eagerly at his clothes.

“Can I just savor this for a moment?” he asked, brushing your hair away from your face.  “The last time we had sex we were barely speaking. It was pretty much a hate fuck.”

You didn’t want to think about that time anymore. “Well I sure don’t hate you now,” you whispered as your hands made quick work of his shirt, and soon you were skin to skin, his erection pressing into your belly as he kissed every part of you he could reach, reacquainting himself with your body.

“Do you have any condoms?”

“I’m on the pill, so we’re all good,” you answered, wrapping your hand around him and guiding him into you, causing Sam to groan.

“Damn, I forgot how big you are!” you grunted against his shoulder as you felt him stretching you open.

“Am I hurting you?” he asked with concern.

You rolled your eyes. “Come on, Sam! If I can fit twins through there, I can certainly handle you. Now move!”

You wrapped your legs around his waist, bringing him balls deep within you. God, he felt good! “I’m not going to last long, Y/N.” he grunted as he thrust inside you.

“Me either,” you admitted. It had been too long.  He began to move with more purpose, sliding almost all the way out, and back in, faster and faster.  You could feel your pleasure rising, and when Sam reached down and began to rub your clit your legs began to shake.

“I’m close,” he whispered as he bent to kiss you hard, and with one last hard thrust, he swallowed your scream of pleasure with his mouth. You continued to shake as he groaned into your neck.

He collapsed on top of you, pinning you to the bed with his body.  “Can’t breathe…..too heavy,” you managed to get out and he rolled off of you.

You spent the next few minutes just basking in post-coital bliss. When you looked over and saw that Sam was starting to fall asleep, you elbowed him. “We need to get dressed. The kids will be home soon!”

That got him up and moving, and the two of you were soon dressed and presentable.  You grabbed two bottles of water from the fridge, and he turned on the TV, and you tried to act like you didn’t just get laid.

“Hey…..” Sam said suddenly, turning to you.

“Yeah?” you asked casually.

“Marry me,” he said earnestly.

“Very funny,” you reply with a roll of your eyes. “We have sex and now you think we should get married? Really?”

He looks sideways at you, his eyes shining with emotion. “I think we should get married because I love you and I have spent the last decade missing you.  I want to wake up with you every morning for the rest of my life.”

Your throat is thick with emotion, and you swallow the lump that has formed.  You reach out and take his hand. “Okay, Sam. I’ll marry you.  We can talk to the girls about it when they come back.”

The girls return from the dance laughing and talking, their cheeks bright and flushed.  “Did you guys have fun?” Sam asked.

“Yeah.  It was pretty crowded, but we had a good time.” Annie told him.

“What time are you leaving tomorrow, Dad?” Mary asks.

“Pretty early,” Sam replies.  “But your Mom and I want to talk to you guys about something before I go,” he gestures to the kitchen table and the girls take a seat, looking curious.

“What’s going on?” Mary asks in a worried tone.

“Well,” Sam looks over at you and smiles, taking your hand. “I’ve asked your Mom to marry me again, and she said yes.”

The girls immediately begin talking at once, each trying to be heard over the other.  “This is the best news!” Mary says happily.

“Are we moving to California?” Annie demands.

“Will it be soon?” Mary asks immediately after.  

They are firing questions at us so fast that we don’t have a chance to answer any of them.

“We haven’t really decided anything yet. He just asked me. We’ll have to figure some things out, but we wanted to make sure you two were okay with it.”

Annie and Mary exchanged a look between them. “We are totally okay with it,” Annie assures us.

Sam leaves the next morning, the girls grinning as he kisses you goodbye. ‘I’ll call you later,” he assures you as he heads out the door.  

You spend the rest of the Thanksgiving holiday dealing with endless questions from your two over-excited daughters.  It seems as though you talk about nothing else but weddings endlessly until your head is ready to explode.

At the end of the week, it is time to send Mary home to California.  “You’ll come with Annie at Christmas?” She asks as we are getting ready to take her to the airport.

“Of course I will,” you assure her, responding automatically before you realize you haven’t discussed it with Sam. Oh well, the damage was done. You’d bring it up the next time you spoke.

After Mary was gone and you and Annie were home again, you sat her down to talk.  “So how do you feel about all this, baby? I need to know that you are okay with this.”

Annie smiled broadly. “I’m happy you and Dad are finally together again, Mom. I’m excited to move to California, and I’m glad I’ll get to spend time with Uncle Dean and Donna. I can’t wait to get to see Mary every day. I miss her already.”

You reach out and hug her. “I miss her too, and your Dad.  It will only be less than a month, and we’ll all be together again.”

You and Sam talk daily, Making plans. There is no question that Sam expects you to come for Christmas. You talk about the wedding.  Should it be in New York or California?  Should it be a small, intimate affair or a big, fancy bash?

“I’ve been thinking,” Sam begins one night. “No matter when the wedding happens, I want you and Annie to move to California as soon as possible. How do you feel about that?” He sounds tentative as if he is worried about your reaction.

“Actually, it’s funny you mention that,” you say with a laugh. “I’ve already given my notice at work. My last day is right before Christmas break. Annie and I are working on cleaning things out and packing up here. It won’t be done by the time we come for Christmas, but we’ll put a good dent in things.”

“Not much longer now. I can’t wait until you are in my arms again. I miss you,” Sam says with a sigh.  “I don’t know who is happier about the wedding, Dean or Donna.  They are over the moon.”

“I can’t believe I am getting you, my girls, and my two best friends all in one shot. I am the luckiest woman in the world,” you whisper, suddenly choked up.

“I’m the one who is lucky,” Sam assures you.

After a flurry of decluttering and cleaning and packing, you and Annie are on your way to California.  Sam, Dean, and Mary pick you up at the airport and the girls squeal with happiness and hug each other tightly.

Dean rolls his eyes at them. “It’s only been a month since you’ve seen each other, guys.”

“Hi,” Sam says with a smile as he stands in front of you.

“Hi yourself,” you say as you lean in for a kiss.

“Get a room you two.” Dean comments and the twins giggle.

The Christmas holidays are wonderful with the family all together again. Sam surprises you with a stunning engagement ring, exactly what you would have picked out for yourself.  “Oh, Sam, I love it!” you say as he slips it on your finger

“Well, I couldn’t afford an engagement ring last time, so I wanted to make it up to you,” he tells you as you throw yourself into his arms and kiss him soundly.

The girls are out with Dean and Donna and you and Sam are discussing the wedding, again. Lately, that’s all you seem to talk about.  Everything about it has gotten bigger and more complicated and it seems like everyone has an opinion and it’s stressing you out.

“Are you okay, Y/N?” Sam asks finally. “You seem upset.”

You give him a half-hearted smile. “Can I be honest with you? This whole wedding business is really getting stressful. I wish we could just go to Vegas like we did before.”

Sam blinks with surprise. “So why don’t we?  I don’t need a big wedding. I’m fine with just you and the girls and maybe Dean and Donna.”

Your mouth drops in shock. “Seriously? You’d be okay with it if I wanted to go back to that tacky little chapel we went to the first time?”

“Absolutely. If that’s what you want. We can go this weekend.”

“Where are you going this weekend?” Donna asks as she comes into the room laden with shopping bags. The girls trail in, also with bags and Dean is loaded down like a pack mule.

“We’ve decided to go to Vegas and get married,” Sam says with a grin.

“What? Again?” Dean snaps as he drops the bags on the floor. “What is it with you two and Vegas?”

“But we have to be there, Mom!” Annie says indignantly.

“Of course you do, baby! We want you all there. We’re going back to the place where we got married the first time.”

“And when’s this happening?” Dean demanded.

“Saturday,” Sam told his brother.  “You in?”

“Hell Yeah! It’s Vegas!” Dean said happily

Epilogue

“Ooowwwww! That one fucking hurt!” you yelled as another contraction ripped through you. This wasn’t going at all like the twins birth. You were twelve years older, and you were feeling every damn year right now.

“Stupid 99% effective birth control pills!” you said angrily.

“Just focus on your breathing, Y/N, just like we practiced,” Sam said calmly.

“This is all your fault! I’m never having sex with you again, I mean it!”

The doctor who was kneeling between your open legs raised his head. “It’s time to push, Mrs. Winchester.”

Sam held your hand, and with a look of intense concentration on your face, you pushed, once, and again.

“I see the head!” Sam said excitedly.

The baby slid into the doctor’s arms as Sam gave a triumphant yell and you collapsed back in exhaustion.

“How much longer?” Annie said impatiently. “It’s been ages!”

“It will take as long as it takes,” Donna said firmly.

Dean lept to his feet as Sam came through the door dressed in scrubs. Mary’s face lit up as soon as she saw him. “Dad! she exclaimed, jumping up and running to him.

Everyone crowded around him, but he only had eyes for the twins. “Annie, Mary, you have a baby brother.”

As everyone hugged Sam and each other, Annie leaned over and whispered to her sister. “Our plan worked even better than we thought. Now it’s time to work on Uncle Dean and Donna.” Mary grinned at her, and they smiled in complete understanding.

THE END

His smile lit up his whole face.   “That would be great!  It’s a later flight anyway.”

Annie pulled Mary into the apartment, excitingly, but Sam still stood in the hallway, looking uncertain.

“Are you coming in or what?” you finally asked.  He nodded without speaking, a heated look passing between you. “I know you really just came to see me, Sam,” you said jokingly.

“Maybe I did,” he whispered as he walked into your apartment. You felt your cheeks get red.

As Annie and Mary headed off to her room to get settled, you invited Sam to join you at the kitchen table. “Would you like something to eat? Some coffee?”

“Coffee would be great.  Just milk, right? How are Dean and Donna? Anything new with them?”

“Yep.” You could tell he was pleased that you remembered. “So Dean and Donna went to Minnesota to spend Thanksgiving with Donna’s family.”

You blinked in surprise. “No way! Is it getting serious?” Dean had always enjoyed playing the field ever since Stanford.

“Oh, it IS serious. He says our ‘trainwreck’ has made him reevaluate his priorities.” Sam told you with a wry grin.

“I wouldn’t call it a trainwreck, exactly.” A thought occurred to you. “So what are you doing for Thanksgiving?”

“Juliet and I are going to eat sushi and binge-watch Breaking Bad.”

You gave him a stern look. “Absolutely not! You are staying here, and spending Thanksgiving with us.”

“You don’t have to do this because you’re feeling sorry for me, Y/N,” Sam said indignantly.

“Maybe I’m doing it because I want to spend time with you, you moron!” Grinning at the surprised look on his face, you called out to the girls. “Mary, Annie, can you come here please?”

They appeared at the table, clearly thrilled to be together. “So girls. It turns out that your uncle went to Minnesota with Donna to visit her parents. I invited your dad to spend Thanksgiving here with us. Is that okay with you two?”

The twins exchanged a surprised look, then identical grins broke out on their faces. “That would be awesome!” Annie said happily.

Mary gave you a serious look. “Are you sure you two are okay with it?”

Annie rolled her eyes. “With the amount they text, they are BFFs now.”

You smiled at Mary’s thoughtfulness. “Yes, we are both okay with it. Right, Sam?”

He nodded in agreement. “Absolutely.”

After getting the girls settled for the night in Annie’s room, you dug around until you found a comforter and some pillows for Sam. Eyeing the couch critically, you glanced up at him.  “Are you sure you want to do this? I can’t see how this will be comfortable. You’re twice as long as the couch.”

“I’ll manage. Unless you’re offering to let me sleep with you? Your bed looks big enough.” Sam stated nonchalantly.

You threw a pillow at him. “Oh you’d like that, wouldn’t you? You’re going to have to try way harder than that, Mr. Winchester. I’m not going to make this easy on you.”

“Duly noted, Ms. Campbell,” he replied with a dimpled smirk.

Handing the bedding over to him, you whispered seductively, “Well I’ll leave you to figure this out while I put on my lingerie in my big, empty bed.”

“That’s a low blow, Y/N,” he muttered under his breath.

You snorted with laughter as you headed off to your room. Oh, this was going to be fun.

The next morning you woke to the smell of freshly brewed coffee.  Coming out of your room, you saw that Sam had made breakfast for the girls.

“Saved you some,” he said as he slid a plate in your direction.

“Since when do you cook?” you said doubtfully, giving the plate a suspicious look.

“Since I got divorced and realized I still liked to eat,” he informed you and the twins giggled.

“So Mom, I was thinking we could show Dad and Mary around today. Maybe go see the tree at Rockefeller Center?” Annie said around a mouth full of pancakes.

“Tomorrow’s Thanksgiving. Don’t we have to go grocery shopping?” Sam asked curiously.

“Since it was only going to be the three of us, I ordered a pre-cooked meal from Zabars. We just have to heat everything up,” you told him.

“Microwaved Thanksgiving dinner?” Sam said doubtfully.

“Trust me, it’s delicious, you’ll love it,” you assured him.

It was a pretty cold day but everyone bundled up as you took Sam and the girls around the city.  As soon as Mary saw the ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center, she insisted that you needed to skate.

“You girls go. I’m a terrible skater. Annie usually has to hold me up,” you told them with a wave of your hands.

“I’ve always wanted to try ice-skating outside, Mom. Annie can help me, and Dad can help you,” Mary responded helpfully.

“What makes you think I can ice skate, Mary?” Sam asked with a grin.

She shrugged, “you’re good at pretty much every sport, so I just assumed…..”

“You two go. I’ll take care of your mom.” Sam promised the girls.

Sam paid for all of you and Mary and Annie were quick to get their skates on and head out. Mary was as unsteady as a newborn colt, but Annie held her hand and guided her, and soon they were making slow progress around the track.

“Come on slowpoke,” Sam whispered in your ear.  “You’re just postponing the inevitable.”

You glared at him as you got to your feet slowly, your legs as shaky as jello.  Sam held out his hand and you grasped it tightly, inching your way onto the ice.  You slowly progressed around the track, Sam’s hand tight in yours, and you began to relax.

The twins passed by the two of you several times, and they looked red-cheeked and happy.  “Look at them,” you said to Sam. “Mary looks like she’s having a blast.”

Sam turned his head to look, and a teenager whipping around the track tried to maneuver around you. His shoulder bumped into yours, throwing you off balance, and you began to fall.

Flailing wildly, you were about to hit the ice face first when a hard yank on your arm pulled you upright and into Sam’s waiting arms.  “I’ve got you. You okay?”

You nodded mutely, trying to catch your breath as Sam guided you off the ice to a bench just outside the rink.  The girls were still skating. “Thanks for helping me. You’re my hero.”

Sam knelt in front of you and began to unlace your skates. “Let’s be honest, Y/N. I haven’t been your hero in a very long time.  Having you in my life again has made me realize what a fool I was to not fight harder for us. But if you ever give me another chance, I’m going to spend the rest of my life making it up to you.”

Thanksgiving was a wonderful day. You’d picked up your already prepared dinner the day before, and after heating and plating everything, you all dug in. Even Sam grudgingly admitted it was delicious. You watched Sam laughing and joking with the twins, he seemed to be having a good time.

“I got an email from work earlier. I am going to have to fly back on Saturday. I have some stuff I need to take care of in the office. Mary is still off of school next week, so you are welcome to keep her until next weekend if you want.” He looked sad for spoiling the holiday.

As your heart plummeted at the thought of him leaving, you came to a realization. You had fallen in love again with your ex-husband. The question was, what were you going to do about it?

“Mary, do you want me to fly back to get you so you don’t have to fly alone?” Sam asked his daughter.

Mary smiled broadly at her father. “I think I’ll be okay this time as long as Mom and Annie wait with me beforehand.”

“If you’re sure,” he said, a note of uncertainty in his voice.

“I want to spend as much time with Annie as possible.” Mary insisted.

“Hey Mom, there is a dance at the Boys and Girls Club tomorrow night. Carlos asked us if we wanted to go. His mom said she would take us. Is it okay if we go?” Annie asked.

You looked over at Sam. “Is it okay with you?”

“Who is Carlos?” he asked with a frown.

“He’s been Annie’s best friend since first grade.  They live down the hall. I know both of his parents really well. They are good people.”

“Carlos likes Mary,” Annie announced nonchalantly.

“Annie! Shut up!” Mary hissed, her cheeks turning red.

You turned to Annie. “Is Enrique going too?” you asked.

“Yes.”

You turned to Sam, “Enrique is Carlos’ older brother. He is fifteen. His mother makes him go to keep an eye on the kids. She is very over-protective. They will be fine.”

“I’m okay with it if you are,” Sam finally decided.

The next night, the girls spent what Sam thought was a ridiculously long time getting ready for the dance.  He was flipping channels on the TV looking for something to watch while you got up for the third time when Annie frantically called, “Mom, we need you!” from her room.

You returned a few minutes later and sat down, looking a bit flustered.  “Everything okay?” he asked.

“It is now,” you said a little dramatically.

“Anything I can do?”

“Not unless you want to have the discussion with the girls again about why they are too young to wear makeup,” you told him with a sigh.

“Makeup? Are you serious?” he asked in disbelief.

“Oh yes, and I’m pretty sure it’s from the dollar store,” you told him as you got up and headed to the fridge. “I need a drink. Want one?” you asked.

There was a knock at the door and Sam beat you to it. Damn his long legs! “You must be Carlos.” You heard him say. “I’m Annie and Mary’s dad. Come on in. Girls, Carlos is here!”

When the girls came out, they were dressed casually, but Sam could tell they had taken care with their appearance.  “Hi, Carlos. The dance is over at 900, right?” you asked.

“Yeah. My Mom was going to take us out for ice cream afterward if that’s okay with you.” Carlos responded.

“That’s fine. She texted me already. She said she’d have you home by ten. Make good choices, you two,” you told your daughters.

“Take good care of my girls, young man,” Sam told Carlos, holding out his hand to shake.

“I will, Sir,” Carlos replied, and the three of them left.

You headed back inside. Grabbing two beers, and handing one to Sam. The two of you sat on the couch, and he flipped channels aimlessly for a bit.  “So, we have about three kid-free hours on my last night here.  What do you want to do?”

“I think we should have a talk.”

“About?” Sam asked casually, putting his beer on the coffee table and looking over at you.

“I realized something. I realized that I’m ready. I want this. I want you, I want our family. Somehow I’ve managed to fall in love with you all over again, Sam Winchester.” you stared at each other for a long moment as you waited for Sam to react.

A second later he picked you up out of your seat, and pulled you into his lap, straddling him. You arched up, taking his face in your hands as your lips met in a passionate kiss.  You could feel his growing arousal pressing against you, and you rubbed your body against it eagerly.

You made out on the couch like teenagers, both of you panting with need until you thought you were going to explode. Finally, you managed to tear your mouth from Sam’s and extricate yourself from his embrace.

“Wait…..” he began to say.

You were dizzy with desire. Standing so quickly made you lightheaded as you looked down at him, clothes askew, looking wrecked, and he stared back at you with eyes hazy with lust.  You held out your hand.  “We have about two kid-free hours, give or take. How about we make good use of them?”

“We can’t go back yet, Mom! We just got here!” one of the twins protested.

You gave her a sympathetic look. “I know, Annie. But your Dad and Ruby have a wedding to plan, and the last thing she needs is wife #1 underfoot.”

“Are you sure she’s Annie?” the other girl asked. “Maybe I am.  We are identical, after all.”

“That’s not funny!” Sam commented, looking from one twin to the other.  Then he realized something.  The girls were dressed exactly the same, and he had no idea who was who.

“Mary, stop it!” you demanded.

“Sorry, Mom!” The girls said in unison.

You and Sam looked at the girls, and then at each other.  “Do you know who is who?” Sam asked Dean, who had been quietly watching the exchange.

“I have no idea, and it looks like neither do you,” Dean commented before he took a sip of his coffee.

Sam looked at Y/N, who shrugged helplessly. “So what, are we supposed to guess?”

“You can try, but we’ve gotten really good at playing each other since camp.”

Ruby was completely out of patience by this point.  She stomped over to the twin nearest to her and grabbed her arm.  “This one’s Mary, I’m sure of it.”

Y/N rolled her eyes and looked at her daughters. “What exactly are you trying to achieve here, girls? Is there a point to this plan of yours?”

The twins got up and stood together, facing their parents. Dressed as they were, it was impossible to tell them apart.

“Here is what we want: some time together.  The annual end-of-the-summer camping trip? We want to go this weekend, as a family.  At the end, we’ll tell you who we are.  Those are our terms.”

Ruby looked incredulous.  “You’ve got to be kidding!  Sam is not taking you camping.  You are not in charge here.  Sam?” she asked, looking at her fiancee for backup.  But he wasn’t even looking at her.  He was looking at Y/N.

“I don’t see any other option.  It’s only for the weekend.” Sam said cautiously.

“What? You are not going camping with your ex-wife and your twin terrors.  I won’t have it, Sam!” Ruby was so furious her face had gone from red to purple back to red again.  “You are just going to let them blackmail you like this?” she snapped.

Donna took a seat next to you at the counter to watch the show. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing. The girls were playing a dangerous game here, but she had to give them props for trying.

“Do you have a better idea?” Sam asked Ruby in an exasperated tone.

You spoke up. “I do. Ruby is right. You shouldn’t be going camping with your ex-wife, Sam.  That isn’t fair to her. I propose that Ruby goes in my place.  That way the girls can get to know their new stepmother better.”

“What?” The girls and Ruby said at the same time.

“Actually, that’s not a bad idea. What do you think Dean?” Sam asked.

Dean always accompanied Sam and Mary on the yearly camping trip. He opened his mouth to protest, but after a look from Donna, thought better of it.  “Sure, fine, whatever.”

“She doesn’t really seem like the outdoorsy type, Mom,” one of the twins commented with a smirk.

“What? I can camp.” Ruby said stubbornly, giving you a calculating look.

“I’m sure you’ll do just fine,” you said reassuringly as the twins snickered.

“Yeah, those Manolos just SCREAM Girl Scout,” Donna commented to you out of the corner of her mouth.  Ruby glared at her, telling her with a look that her days are numbered.

“So it’s settled then? Great! I’ll stay here and hang out with Donna. We have a lot of catching up to do.”  A knowing look passed between them, and Donna looked over at the twins with a secretive smile.

Dean knew that look and almost felt bad for Ruby.  They were up to something, he was sure of it.  He sighed deeply, wishing there was some way he could get out of this.

“Sounds great,” Ruby said with a tight smile.

On Friday morning, Mary and Annie stood in the driveway with Sam and Dean waiting for Ruby to show up.  “Maybe she changed her mind,” one of the twins said helpfully.

“Listen you two, try to be nice to Ruby, okay? She’ll be a bit out of her element here, so go easy on her.” Sam admonished as Ruby’s convertible sped up the driveway.

“Just a bit?” Dean said sarcastically to the twins as Sam headed over to Ruby’s car.

“Ready to go, Babe?” He said with a smile.  Ruby got out of the car, dressed in jeans and a flannel that was clearly brand new, and high-heeled ankle boots.

“You’re going hiking in those?” Annie asked with a smirk.

Ruby glanced at her feet. “What? Sam said to wear boots.”

Dean smothered a laugh.  This was going to be interesting.  “He meant hiking boots, Ruby.”

Donna and Y/N came outside to see everyone off. You were wearing a pair of cutoff shorts and a t-shirt you had borrowed from Donna and holding a mug of coffee. She looked as young as the day Sam had met her, and he had to shake his head to chase the memories away.

“Look at Ruby’s boots, Mom!” One of the twins called out.

You walked over to get a closer look. “Oh honey, you’ll get blisters with those.  Maybe Donna has something you can borrow?”

Ruby gritted her teeth. “I’ll be fine, thanks.”

Sam leaned into the back seat and pulled out a large suitcase. “What’s this?”

“My stuff, what do you think?” Ruby snapped.

Sam closed his eyes and took a deep breath.  “We are hiking to the lake, Ruby. We have to carry everything in with us. You can bring whatever you can fit into a backpack.”

“Have you ever even been camping?” Mary asked.

Ruby ignored her. “Fine. Do you have a backpack I can borrow?”

Dean grabbed an extra backpack from the garage, and Y/N, Donna, and Ruby spent the next 15 minutes paring down Ruby’s stuff to the bare necessities. It was so full, it barely closed.  She managed to get it on her back, and for a second it looked like the weight of it would tip her over, but she managed to stay upright.

“What about this?” Ruby asked, holding up her hairdryer.

You shook your head. “Nowhere to plug it in.  This is a shower-in-the-lake, no makeup kind of weekend.”

Ruby sniffed. “I never go anywhere without my makeup.”

“Did you happen to bring bug repellent with that makeup?” Donna asked tartly.

“There are bugs?” Ruby responded with a shudder.

“Here, take mine,” Annie said, rolling her eyes at Ruby’s complete lack of preparation. “I’ll share,”

When they finally hit the road, Donna and Y/N waved as they headed off. “How long do you think she’ll last?” you asked Donna.

“I doubt she’ll make it to bedtime tonight,” Donna said with a snicker.

“Poor Sam,” you remarked, shaking your head.

“Dean has his phone. As long as there is service, he’ll keep us posted.” Donna promised.

The hike to the lake took twice as long because Ruby had to stop every few minutes because her feet hurt so bad.  She was getting eaten alive by bugs, despite applying the bug repellant liberally.

“Hey, twin!” She had taken to calling both of them twin since they wouldn’t identify themselves.

They both looked her way. “Yes?”

“This bug repellent doesn’t work.  I’m getting eaten alive.”

“Let me see that,” Sam said, grabbing the tube out of Ruby’s hand.  He opened the top and took a whiff, and shot the twins a warning look.  “Here, use mine,” he told her, handing her some Off spray.

Ruby looked at the girls suspiciously.   

“Hey Uncle Dean, wait up!” one of them called, and they took off before she could say anything.

She turned to Sam.  “It wasn’t bug repellent, was it?” She said miserably, already knowing the answer.

“Nope,” Sam responded, not quite meeting her eyes.  She muttered something under her breath and soldiered on.

Finally, they made it to the lake and pitched their tents.  Ruby was miffed that she wouldn’t be sharing a tent with Sam. Somehow the larger tent had gotten “misplaced” and all they had were single-person tents. Sam finally pitched Ruby’s tent after everyone watched her struggle for several painful minutes.

The girls helped Dean set up the other equipment while Sam helped Ruby.  “You two had better watch yourselves. Ruby is a nasty piece of work. I’d be careful if I were you.” Dean warned them.

The girls gave him matching looks of complete innocence. “Us? We aren’t doing anything. She’s a danger to herself here if you ask me.”  Mary said with a snort.

“Even so, she’s not going to give up without a fight,” Dean told them as he watched Ruby take off her boots and rub her feet.

“Want to bet on that?”

He held his hands up quickly. “Against you two? I don’t think so. I’d rather get thrown in the lake.”

Everyone went fishing down by the shore, but Ruby refused to touch a worm, so she just sat at the dock and played with her phone. Sam and Dean caught several fishes, and the twins each caught one.

Ruby was irritated that she couldn’t check her email.

“There aren’t any cell towers around here.  You won’t get a signal.” Dean tried to tell her, but she just glared at him.

“When can we go back to camp?” she whined.

Sam and Dean looked at each other. ”I think we caught enough. We can go back.”  Sam finally agreed, sounding disappointed. It was starting to get dark by the time they made it back to the campsite.

“So what’s for dinner? I’m starving!” Ruby asked as they headed back to camp.

Dean shook his head while the girls just gaped at her, incredulous.  Was she serious?   

Sam held up the cooler they had brought back.  “Fish! What else?  We catch our food when we camp, Ruby.”

Ruby made a face. “I don’t eat fish.  I guess I’ll just wait for breakfast then.  What’s for breakfast?”

“Fish.” Annie and Mary said together.

“Actually I think I’m just going to go to bed.  Sam, can you help me set up my air mattress?” Ruby asked.

Ruby’s mattress was so huge it took up most of her tent.  “Why did you bring such a big one?” The girls heard Sam ask her.

“I don’t want to feel the ground underneath me, that’s why.”

The girls sat talking and laughing quietly with their Dad and Uncle after Ruby had gone to bed.  The fire had died down to embers and the girls were yawning when Ruby came storming out of her tent.  ‘Why is it so noisy? I’m trying to sleep!”

Annie snorted.  “That’s nature, Ruby! Nature is loud!”

“Well, I can’t sleep with all this noise! I’m just going to take an Ambien and pray I can get my beauty sleep,” she muttered.

Sam looked at the twins, who were grinning.  “Not a word out of either of you!” he warned.

The next day Ruby managed to ruin pretty much everything they did with her constant complaining and whining. She was even starting to get on Sam’s nerves.  When they went hiking and she tripped, one of the girls grabbed her arm and said, “let me help you.”

Ruby glared at her and pulled her arm away. “I’m sure you’ll help me right off a cliff if you could! You can have your fun now, but just wait! After the wedding, it will be a different story.”

“I was just trying to help, geez,” Mary muttered as she left her and walked off ahead.

Annie and Mary had a meeting that night in Mary’s tent.  “We have to do something. I can’t believe she has stuck it out this long.  She is the most horrible person I have ever met. You realize our lives will be a nightmare if she marries Dad, right?” Mary said earnestly.

“I have a plan,” Annie said with a diabolical grin.  As she whispered her idea, her twins' eyes went wide.

Ruby again took an Ambien and turned in early.  The girls had made some “modifications” to Ruby’s tent, and they waited until they were sure Sam and Dean were asleep.  She was completely zonked out, snoring softly, eye mask over her eyes.

The twins dragged Ruby’s mattress out of her tent and down the small distance to the water’s edge.  They had cleared the path earlier of any rocks and debris so the ride was smooth.  With a small ‘sploosh’, they pushed the mattress into the water, and Ruby didn’t even stir as she floated to the center of the lake.

The twins stood together for a moment watching her drift away, then heading to their respective tents for bed.

The entire camp awoke to the sound of Ruby shrieking Sam’s name.  Everyone tumbled out of their tents just in time to see Ruby screaming and flailing at a bird that was perched on her mattress. She stood up to get away from it and immediately began to lose her balance.

“Here we go., Dean said grimly.

Ruby hit the water with a tremendous splash that flipped her mattress.  “What did you do?” Sam said wearily as he watched Ruby trudge toward the shore.  She looked like a drowned rat, her pajamas were drenched, her socks making a squelching noise as she walked.

She marched up to the campsite, kicking items out of the way in her fury. Sam got to her first. “What’s going on?” he asked reasonably.

Ruby blew wet tendrils of hair out of her face.  “Here’s what’s going on, buddy! The day we get married is the day I ship those brats off to Switzerland.   It’s me or them, take your pick.”

The twins and Dean were standing behind Sam now, eager to hear the exchange.  But Sam didn’t even hesitate. “Them,” he replied, and the twins exchanged a surprised look.  

“Excuse me?” Ruby said incredulously, her mouth in an ‘O’ of shock.

“I said them.  Get the picture?” Sam replied, and he turned away as Ruby screamed furiously and kicked the coffee pot across the campsite and overturned the table.  The twins and Dean continued to watch her temper tantrum.  

She marched over to the twins.  “So, you two share everything now, huh?”

“Yep.” The girls replied.

“Well, you can give your sister her half of this!” Ruby snarled as she slapped Annie hard across the face.

Annie’s eyes filled with tears as she held her cheek. Sam was in between her and Ruby in a heartbeat.  “You have exactly ten minutes to get your stuff packed.” He looked over at Dean, who nodded grimly. “Dean will drive you to the nearest ranger station before I strangle you. Goodbye, Ruby.”  

She looked like she was going to say something, but she thought better of it. She took the massive diamond Sam had given her off her finger and threw it in Sam’s face before marching away.

“Dad…..” Mary began.

Sam held up a hand.  “Start packing up.  We are leaving as soon as your uncle gets back.”

Chapter 12

You sat up and rubbed your eyes, and Sam opened the motel door. A frigid blast of cold air blew in, and all you could see was white.  You shot out of the bed like it was on fire.  “No! Hell no!  No one said anything about snow! I am not staying in this rattrap another day! Let’s go now before it gets much worse.”

“Too late, sweetheart. I’m not taking my baby out in this. The roads are closed anyway.  They aren’t even plowed yet. How many plows do you think wherever-the-hell-we-are even has?” Dean asked triumphantly.

You looked over at Sam. He didn’t look any happier about this than you. “He’s right, Y/N.  It’s REALLY coming down. I think it would be better if we just waited it out.”

“I hate you both!” You screeched before grabbing your clothes and storming off to the bathroom.

The guys had braved the weather while you showered and brought back food and coffee. After some sustenance and caffeine, your mood improved slightly. “Merry fuckin’ Christmas.” You muttered as the three of you finished eating.

“Well Y/N, there is a bar down the street, and we could head there in a bit. I dunno if it’ll be open being it’s a holiday, but we can try?” Sam hated seeing you upset.

“It’s probably closed, but whatever. I mean, who goes to a bar on Christmas during a snowstorm?” You mused. 

Apparently a lot of people, you discovered once you got there.  The place was hopping.  When you asked the bartender about it, she laughed.  “Are you kidding, in THIS town? We are always mobbed Christmas night.  After all the presents and spending the whole day with your family, everyone needs a drink or two, am I right?”

“And the snow didn’t stop them?” You asked curiously. “Nope. Knowing they are going to be trapped inside their house with their kids, their toys and nowhere to go made them desperate.  Everyone walked here.”

You carried the drinks back to the table, beers for the boys with an extra shot of whiskey for Dean, and a bright red concoction with a candy cane sticking out of it for you.

“What’s that?” Dean asked, pointing to your drink

“It’s the Christmas special. It’s called ‘Reindeer Games’ and there are six kinds of alcohol in it. The bartender said I shouldn’t have too many of these. They are pretty potent. Last Christmas someone wound up at the hospital or something.”

Sam laughed out loud at that. “She’s never seen you drink”

After four of those drinks you were completely shit-faced. But you were having a blast.  You were on a first-name basis with everyone in the bar at this point, and everyone kept buying you rounds strictly for the entertainment factor.

Sam was in bitchface mode, but Dean thought the whole thing was hysterical.  “Come on, dude! You gotta admit she’s a really funny drunk! And it’s way better than her being all grumpy and pissed off, ain’t it?”

“I’m taking her back to the motel.” Sam snapped.  “She needs to rest.”

“You poor lovesick bastard.  Are you gonna hold her hair when she pukes all night too? Grow a fucking pair and tell her how you feel about her. Make it my Christmas present! If I have to watch you make doe eyes at her for another year I swear I will eat my gun!” Dean was full on ranting now.

“Are you coming or not? Sam snapped.

“Nope, I’m staying right here. Good luck with Suzy Snowflake over there.”

Sam had managed to get your coat on and maneuver you out of the bar despite your objections, but you refused to give up the Santa hat.  “But I was having fuuuun.” You whined. The wind had died down somewhat, and the snow was falling gently now.

You were hanging onto Sam’s arm pretty tightly because you were having difficulty walking straight.  “It’s so pretty.” You whispered.  “Just like your eyes.”

”“You think my eyes are pretty?”

“Well, duh.” You responded, making a face. “Course I do.  But your eyes aren’t what I like best.”“

“Oh yeah?” He was wondering where this conversation was going. 

“What I really like is your nice round….. Sam! Look at all the lights!” Before he could stop you, you took off across the street to a park where a number of trees were festooned with lights.

“Y/N, wait!” He tore off after you. “The motel is this way!”

You were standing in front of the trees, a look of awe on your face. Sam let you look before grabbing your arm and pulling you in the other direction. The two of you walked for a while until the hotel came into view.

  You leaned into him as you walked.  “This is the best night ever. You know there’s no one I’d rather spend it with, right? Well, maybe Chris Hemsworth, but then you for sure.”

You leaned against the wall of the motel with your eyes closed and your head was thrown back while Sam hunted for his room key.  “The whole world is spinning, spinning, spinning.” You told him in a singsong voice.

“I’ll bet it is,” Sam said with a grin, pulling out the key triumphantly. “Now let’s get you to bed.”“

“Bed! That’s a great idea! So you finally wanna have sex? It’s about time! I been waiting forever!” You told him loudly.

“What!?” He was so surprised, he dropped the keycard. He snatched it off the ground, and when he stood up, you were staring at him with a knowing grin on your face. “You know I like you, right?”

His hands tightened against your shoulders, and the words were out of his mouth before he even realized it. “Prove it.” He demanded.

You pressed into him, so close that he could feel the warmth of your body and smell the alcohol on your breath. You leaned in, locked your arms around his neck and yanked his head down to your level.

The kiss was sloppy and messy, a drunken dance of tongues and teeth, but Sam was rock hard and panting when you finally separated.  “Y/N, your drunk off your ass.  As much as I want to, and God knows I want to, I won’t take advantage of you when your this drunk. It’s not right.”

“What if I just took advantage of you, then?”

Another searing kiss had Sam’s head spinning, and your little hands were everywhere trying to undress him in the bitter cold. His resolve was weakening rapidly, when you suddenly pulled away and ran towards the parking lot, dropping to your knees and puking up six kinds of alcohol. The reindeer were done playing games. Wiping your mouth, you fell onto your back in the snow, having passed out right where you lay.

Sam sighed deeply and walked over to where you lay, blissfully unaware. He gently picked you up and carried you back toward the room. “Tomorrow morning, hungover or not, you and I are going to have a conversation that is way overdue, Y/N.”

It would not have surprised you in the slightest to know you were the topic of conversation at other tables. That was how Washington worked. Everyone was in everyone else’s business.

“I heard she was born rich but her family disowned her years ago.” A Congressman’s wife whispered to her friends. Then a patrician-looking blond whose face barely moved swore you’d married a man three times your age and then murdered him for his money.

“You’re both wrong!” The third woman with them said.  “She used to be his mistress once upon a time.   My husband told me.”  All three women glared at you with a mixture of fear and fascination.

That was the thing about you.  No one knew exactly what your story was. You had this air of mystery about you that was out of place in D.C. You definitely had money,  you were always seen at the best parties, often in the company of important men. You knew everyone yet mingled with a chosen few. You seemed completely unimpressed with the social pecking order, and that rubbed many women the wrong way.

“Do you see the legs on that woman with Crowley?’ Dean Winchester asked his brother.

“I’m not blind. Of course, I saw. You’re a Congressman now, Dean. Try to act like one.”

“Why did I bring you with me again?” Dean asked in an annoyed tone.

“Because your meeting ran long and you love my company so much?” Sam said with a snarky grin.

“Try again.”

“Because we have exactly….” he stared at his watch. “Fifteen minutes until our next meeting and this was the closest place to grab dinner.”

Dean looked alarmed. “Dammit, Sammy! We have to go now! Go take care of the check, I’ll gather up the notes.  I’ll meet you at the door.”

Sam’s mind was on five other things as he headed to the front to take care of the check, watching where he was going wasn’t one of them. He heard a soft hiss of pain as he plowed into you, practically knocking you over. His arms fell to your waist to steady you.

He heard the slight hiss of pain you gave as he almost knocked you off your feet. Your eyes met and held a second too long before you finally blinked.

“There are much less painful ways of getting my attention, Handsome,” you told him as you rubbed your elbow.

“I’m so sorry! I wasn’t looking where I was going. Are you okay?”

“Sam!” Dean said impatiently from the front door.  He turned his head at the sound, and then quickly back, looking torn.

“I have to go. I really am sorry.” Smiling apologetically, he leaned in and whispered as he walked past. “You can knock me off my feet next time, I promise.”

Staring for a moment as he headed for the door, you shivered, but not from the cold. “Who says there will be a next time?” You yelled at him as he reached the door.  He grinned at you and he slipped out.

It was around two in the morning when you finally came home because Sam was still awake. When he heard you making a ton of noise, knocking things over and giggling he went to check on you.   “Are you okay, Y/N?” 

Your head was buried in the freezer, and you were rummaging around inside.  “Found it!” You said happily as you began eating chocolate peanut butter ice cream right out of the container. 

Sam instantly took notice that you were no longer wearing the very short black dress that clung to your chest and barely covered your ass.  You were now wearing an Army sweatshirt and a pair of Kansas City Chiefs Sweatpants, both of which were several sizes too large for you.

“Are you okay, Y/N?” He immediately asked

“Peachy-fucking dandy, Why?” You responded with a mouth full of ice-cream.

“Whose clothes are you wearing?”

You looked down to check. “Huh. I dunno.”

Several scenarios went through Sam’s mind, none of which he liked. “Where are your clothes?” He said quietly, trying to stay calm.

“I dunno.  What’s with all the fucking questions? Since when are you the fashion police? I’m dressed, aren't I? Get out of my face! I’m going to bed.” You threw the container of ice cream back in the freezer and slammed the door.

You tried to move past Sam, but he grabbed your arm.  “Wait.  We need to talk.”

“No, we don’t.  Whatever it is, it can wait until I’m sober. Now get out of my way before I fucking stab you.” You darted around him and headed for your room before he could stop you.

She was struggling to drag Annie’s bag up from the curb when she felt a hand grab it.  Whirling around in surprise,  her eyes met those of a tall muscular boy and she froze for a second.

“ ‘bout time you’re back from wilderness prison!” He said with a smirk.  “So I guess you didn’t get eaten by a bear, huh?”

Inside, Mary was panicking.   Who is this? I think it’s Carlos., but I’m not 100% sure, so I’ll just play along until he clues me in.  He’s cute, like really, really cute.  I hope he IS Carlos.

“Yeah, you wish. I’ll try to get eaten by a bear next time,” she replied with Annie’s typical sass.  “So, anything exciting happen while I was gone?” she couldn’t seem to stop staring at him.

“Nah, same old same old.” The boy replied with a shrug,  still giving no clue to his identity.

As you headed up the front steps, you turned and spoke.  “ I know how much you like my beef stew, Carlos.  Why don’t you come over for dinner? I made it for Annie’s first dinner back.”

Carlos nodded.  “Sure Ms. C. I just gotta let my Ma know.”

He carried the bag to the top of the steps, and Mary grabbed for the handle, accidentally taking his hand in hers. His hand was huge with long callused fingers. She yelped and dropped his hand like it was on fire, hoping that you didn’t notice the awkward moment.

You gestured towards your daughter. “Are you coming, or would you rather fight Carlos for your bag?”

“What? No! I’m right behind you.” Mary insisted.

“See you later, Carlos. Say hi to your Mom for me!” you called over your shoulder.

You were already on your way down the hall.  Mary grabbed her bag and ran to catch up.  She turned to look back.  Carlos was still standing in the doorway staring after her, a confused look on his face.

The text message alert beeped on her phone, and Mary pulled it out of her pocket and scanned it quickly.

Dad has been “seeing someone”. She is coming to dinner tonight. Call to discuss. 11PM your time.

“Oh no!” Mary whispered.  This could ruin everything!  She quickly sent back a reply.

OK. Talk tonight. We need a plan.

Annie

The car headed up the long driveway and stopped in front of a sprawling split-level house.  A large black and white dog came bounding out the door jumping around excitedly and barking.  “Juliet, calm down you maniac!” A pretty blond woman said as she emerged from the house.

“Mary! Thank goodness you’re back! Finally another woman around here besides Juliet! I’ve missed you, Kid. Oh my god! Let me see your hair!” She took Annie’s hands, and Annie did an obligatory spin for her before she was pulled in for a hug.

“Hi, Donna! I missed you too!” Annie said as she hugged the housekeeper warmly.  Mary had shared how close she was to Donna, and Annie could already tell she was going to like her.

“I LOVE it!” Donna pronounced. “So chic! Who cut it?” She asked as she fingered it.

“One of my bunk-mates,” Annie said offhandedly, not mentioning any names.

“Juliet sure missed you! She pouted in your room the whole time you were gone.  Jules! Mary is home!” Donna called to the dog who was chasing something across the yard.

I am Mary. I am Mary. I am Mary.

“Hey, Juliet! Come here, baby!” Annie called, and the dog came running.  Before Juliet reached her, she stopped in front of her and looked at Annie warily.

“Jules, it’s Mary! What is wrong with you?” Sam asked as he joined them.

Oh, crap! The dog knows I’m not Mary!

Annie ran to Juliet, fell to her knees, and hugged her. “I missed you so much! Do I smell like the woods?” She kissed Juliet’s head, and the dog licked her face once and trotted off.  There was an awkward silence.

“That was weird.” Uncle Dean finally said after a moment.  “Got anything to eat, Donna? I’m starving!”

“What else is new?” Donna grumbled. “I can make some sandwiches.” Come help me, Mary. I want to hear all about camp!” Donna held out her hand, and Annie grabbed it and headed toward the house.

“We’ll be up as soon as we get the bags from the car,” Sam told Donna and he and Dean headed back toward Dean’s car.

“So Dad’s been seeing someone? What’s up with that? Who is she?” Annie asked, looking behind her to see if Sam and Dean were coming.

“Don’t even get me started on her,” Donna said with a toss of her shoulder as she opened the refrigerator and grabbed sandwich fixings and put them on the counter.

“Come on Donna….spill it!” Annie whispered eagerly.

Donna sighed, seemingly wrestling with herself.  “Okay, fine. He met her at some charity thing.  Her name is Ruby.  She is pretty, yeah, but she is so not his type! I know a gold digger when I see one. But your Dad’s been so lonely and he looks at her like she hung the moon.”

“Shhhh...Here they come!” Annie hissed.

“I hate airport food!” Dean exclaimed as he entered the kitchen, and Annie and Donna quickly separated.  Annie tried not to look guilty.

“Well don’t eat too much, because I’m making a special dinner tonight.“  Donna reminded him, not looking happy about it.

Annie turned to Sam as he entered behind Dean.  “So Dad? Who’s coming to dinner tonight?”

“And I’m outta here!” Dean said quickly, grabbing his plate and bolting from the kitchen.

“Coward!” Donna called after him.  “I’m gonna give you two some privacy, I think.” She said as she gave Sam a telling look.  “We’ll catch up later, okay, Mary?”

Annie nodded as she waited for her father to speak.  He took a deep breath.  “Mary, honey, you have been my whole world for as long as I can remember.  But as fun, as that’s been, I’ve missed being with someone.”  

I’ll try playing dumb, see where that gets me. Annie thought.

“But Daddy, you have lots of friends! And you always have Uncle Dean.” Annie said earnestly.

Sam frowned slightly.  “I know, Mary. That’s not what I mean. I miss being with someone, romantically.”

Annie smiled sweetly.  “But you were involved with someone romantically.  My mother.  But you never talk about her, do you?”

“Now Mary….” Sam began.

Annie stood up abruptly. “I’m gone two weeks, and you suddenly have a girlfriend?  What’s next, we’re moving to Alaska? I can’t believe this, are you TRYING to ruin my life, Dad?” Throwing her plate in the sink, she started to yell to throw Sam off his game.  “I bet you planned this whole camp thing to get me out of the way so you could shack up with your GIRLFRIEND while I was out of the way, didn’t you? DIDN’T YOU?”

Sam looked utterly gobsmacked. He had no idea what was happening.  One minute they were having a normal conversation, and now Mary was screaming.  What the hell was going on?

The next thing he knew, he was in the kitchen by himself, and he could hear Mary stomping up the stairs to her room. “I HATE YOU!” He heard her yelling.

Dean returned now that the coast was clear.  “She seems thrilled about Ruby.” He deadpanned to his brother.

“I haven’t even told her yet,” Sam said quietly.

“What now?” Dean asked. “Then what was all the screaming about?”

“I don’t know, I really don’t.  One minute I’m telling her I miss being with someone, then she brings up Y/N, then she’s screaming and stomping away.” Sam looked worried.

Dean sat down across from Sam, looking thoughtful for a moment.  “She brought up Y/N?  What did she say exactly?”

“Something about how I never talk about her, and then she accused me of sending her to camp to get her out of the way so I could “shack up” with Ruby. She’s never yelled at me like that before.” He scrubbed a hand over his face.  “She sounded just like her.”

“Like who?” Dean asked, confused.

“Like Y/N,” Sam said sadly, memories washing over him.

“Better get used to it, man. She’s a teenager.  Are you sure this dinner tonight is a good idea?” Dean questioned. “Maybe give her a day or two to simmer down.”

Sam shook his head. “I promised Ruby.  We want to tell her tonight.”

Dean looked shocked. “Her first night home? Are you sure? Especially after this?  She’s your daughter Sam, but if I were you, I would tell Ruby to slow down a little. If she wants you, Mary is part of the package too.”

“I hear what you're saying, but I want Mary to meet the woman I love, the sooner the better. She and Ruby will get along great, I know it.” Sam said stubbornly. Ruby had him under her spell, and Dean saw it, even if Sam couldn’t.

“It’s your funeral, dude,” Dean said finally. “ Maybe you should take Ruby and Mary out tonight? Someplace that’s neutral territory?  Then they will both be on their best behavior, and me and Donna don’t have to be there.”

Part 6