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"Daddy!" Aaron cried, holding out his arms as Paul opened the door on him and his ex Linda. It was the twenty-seventh of December, about mid-morning, and Linda had brought Aaron by so he could spend some time with his father and father's new 'special friend'. She wasn't sure what to expect, but was glad to see Trynia standing there, hiding behind Paul as he opened the door on them.

A few special presents for them both she carried in a red string bag, and handed one to Aaron to give to Paul. Linda wasn't sure how they would be received, but figured she could leave them under the Christmas tree she saw when peeking through the window on her way up the walk. Paul's house was stunning, about the size of the Mediterranean Villa that he had left her and Aaron to live in. She had since put it on sale, opting to take Aaron with her to Texas for the time since she started a new acting career in Austin. It was nice to see the Christmas wreath on the door, amidst the blue and gold lights out front, and the menorah in the window.

"Hey there, monkey boy!" Paul laughed, bending down on one knee and wrapping his son in his arms tightly. He took the present Aaron handed him and threw it on the hall table, not even paying attention to it while he greeted his son.

For a moment Linda noticed his top few buttons on his white shirt were unbuttoned, and something flashed brightly at his throat. On closer examination, she noticed it was a Star of David she had never recalled buying for him. Had Trynia given it to him? His dark hair was cut short and slicked back neatly, much in the style Linda loved best that showed the sophisticated side of Paul, much more private and reserved then the star child onstage. Was it merely a coincidence she had heard that Phantom was starting again on Broadway, and Paul had just cut his hair?

Linda looked at Trynia, who was hiding behind Paul, and strode into the foyer. She wore a red and green sweater with a holly and ivy pattern, and a small Santa pin with a black short skirt and heels. There was a smile on her face as she took Trynia's hand and said, "Merry Christmas, Trynia..."

Although Trynia kept her left hand at her side, it was hard for Linda to ignore the diamond and gold lady's wristwatch Trynia wore. Along with it she sported the promise ring set with its lovely amethyst on the third finger of her left hand. Linda's own finger held a triple diamond and emerald set ring, on the same finger of her own left hand. Was that the engagement ring Paul had gotten her or was it a new one?

"Hi Linda, Merry Christmas," Trynia nodded, and both women wrung their hands awkwardly. Linda accepted the firm hearty handshake Trynia gave her, and actually leaned forward to briefly peck her cheek.

"So, did you see Nana and Grampa?" Paul asked Aaron, picking up his son and holding him on his hip.

"Yeah! I got a new bike, and all sorts of new video games!" Aaron announced. Then his attention turned to Trynia and his mother.

"Hey Aaron," Trynia said. He held out a hand to her, grinned as Paul brought him over, and set him down. He grabbed Trynia about the waist and gave her a firm hug, shoving a present into her hand.

"Now behave yourself for Daddy and his friend okay?" Linda told Aaron. "And keep it easy with the Christmas candy..."

"Thanks for bringing him," Paul said to her.

"Let me know when you're done with New Year's week. It's only fair he spend it with you," Linda nodded. "He couldn't stop talking about it..."

"Well it's with the band... but families will be there... bowling alley and stuff... for the kids, and dancing for the adults the first day... and some other assorted events," Paul whispered to Linda, leaning close.

"Good. You keep an eye on this rascal, and make sure he doesn't' drink too much eggnog okay?" Linda said cryptically to Trynia with a wink.

"I'll make sure of it," Trynia said, with a nod.

"Why not show Aaron where his room is, baby?" Paul asked Trynia. "I need to talk to Aaron's mommy for a minute or two..."

"C'mon, it's fixed up just the way you wanted," Trynia held out a hand to Aaron who took it. They strode upstairs together.

Again Paul and Linda exchanged awkward glances, and cleared their throats. Blue eyes fixed into brown, and Linda traced the floor with one high-heeled toe. Finally, she held out a present for Paul, saying, "Uh I got this for you, and for Trynia. Just a little housewarming gift..."

"Thanks... you got what Aaron sent you right?"

"Yes. I'm sorry but I had to insist he spend Christmas in Texas with Nana and Grampa..."

"Let's not go there swee... I mean Linda. I'm just glad you brought him back for New Years..."

"Okay," Linda sighed. "But this party... what is it again?"

"New Years eve and day. Gene's rented out a bowling alley for the day before, and a nightclub for New Year's eve, and he's bringing the kids and Shannon as well as Terri. Most of us are going to crash at his place... so the kids can interact. And Ace and his woman are gonna be there, and so is Peter and Gigi, Bruce and Desiree, and Eric with Melissa..."

"Anyone else?"

"Roadies, security and others, and they'll be staying in the local hotels for the event," Paul said. "A thank you. But everyone's bringing their kids... so it's a family minded zone ok?"

"You'll be needing Aaron's nanny?" Linda asked.

"No, I'm gonna watch him," Paul nodded. "I'm not letting the little guy outta my sight..."

"Good," Linda nodded. "I trust Trynia will make sure you behave yourself..."

"Sure thing baby," Paul nodded back.

"Good. Do me a favor and don't make it too difficult for her," Linda said, before cutting off at the sight of Trynia striding back downstairs.

"I love her, Linda," Paul said, not noticing that Trynia had slowly walked out. "I have no intention of being stupid this time..."

"Uh, Aaron wants to know if it's okay to say goodbye," Trynia called down. Paul snapped to attention, whirling around to see her striding down the stairs halfway.

"Oh yes," Linda called back, walking up the stairs. Paul averted his gaze from Trynia, embarrassment flushing his face. He face wrinkled in momentary question. How much had she heard? Aaron trotted down the stairs toward Paul and Linda.

"G'bye Mommy!" Aaron said hugging his mother.

"G'bye and be good for Daddy..." she whispered back, hugging Aaron tightly. "Paul, by the way, I like the haircut."

"Oh this little thing?" he joked, the warning sparkle in his eyes alerting Linda that she should ask no more questions.

"It suits you..." Linda continued. "Keep it that way for a while?"

"Thanks," Paul nodded, distance still present in the dark eyes. "And you take care too ok?"

"Bye," Linda nodded, and turned to leave as Paul opened the door for her. Trynia's questioning gaze made him raise an eyebrow in further query.

"What's that look for baby?" he laughed.

"Nothing," Trynia said. "Other then I'm surprised she noticed only now that you got a haircut..."

"Strange what some people notice," Paul hastily shrugged it off, noticing a good distraction in the red string bag Linda had left behind by the front door. "Say, why don't we all go into the living room and you can show us what Santa told you to bring us..."

"Great idea Daddy," Aaron smiled back, as Paul took his hand and picked up the red bag.

"She forgot this," Trynia muttered.

"Deliberately," Paul mouthed to Trynia with a wink, and gestured toward the Christmas tree with a wave of his head.

Presents were opened in a flurry of activity, and they took turns sharing w hat they had gotten with each other. For Aaron it was Christmas morning all over again, especially when Paul showed him the painting that Trynia had made of him, hanging over the mantelpiece.

"Wow Daddy!" Aaron gasped. "That's you both ways!"

" Uh huh," Paul nodded. "And guess who painted it?"

"Tryn right?" he asked.

"Yes, she's an artist, and someday she'll do a gallery show..."

Trynia flushed for a moment at being considered an 'artist', apart from the other complex labels the world had assigned to her. Of course, she knew that art was one part of her life, just as being a graduate student and an organic chemist were. Yet it was not the sole definer of who she was, no more then being Paul Stanley's girlfriend was.

"Daddy is it true we're gonna go see Uncle Gene's kids, and Ace and Peter's kids in a few days at a party?"

"Yes it is, and you'll get to hang with all of them, and it will be really fun..."

"Bowling?"

"The first day anyway. We're going to be staying at Uncle Gene's place from then until New Year's eve. Whatever you guys wanna do while we count down the hours to the New Year," Paul laughed, settling next to Aaron on the floor. "But for now, you and me and Trynia are just going to enjoy playing and going to some great museums and things today and tomorrow..."

A fun filled day or so later they were busy loading Paul's convertible Mercedes with their luggage. Excited, Aaron helped with some smaller pieces of luggage while Trynia insisted she could carry her own to an overly helpful Paul. They would go directly to Gene's place after the bowling alley. Even so Trynia found it weird that he'd bother staying over at Gene's when he was still in the same neighborhood. Yet, Paul explained it was like a family reunion, and only Gene's home was large enough to accommodate all the guests. All his guestrooms and his guest cottage would probably be filled to capacity, but he had done this before, and it had gone over very well. For those that couldn't stay there were the local hotels.

"And we can always come back here if it gets too rowdy," Paul told Trynia.

Now she struggled to rescue her bag from Paul, who insisted on carrying it for her. "I can get it you know!" she groaned.

"No, don't deny me the privilege of helping you, baby," Paul shoed her away. "I don't want you to hurt yourself."

"Paul, I have been working out, sweetie and I..."

"I'll help," Aaron said, and started tugging on one of the suitcases. Both of them burst out laughing and Paul relented as she grabbed the shoulder bag and hefted it out to the car. However, she handed her art bag to Aaron to carry, and let Paul grab her suitcase.

"I want to ride up front," Aaron said.

"Do you mind baby?" Paul asked Trynia.

"Not at all..."

"I wanna ride up front with her," he asked. "Can I, Daddy?"

"Oh..." Paul laughed. "But you're a little too young to drive, kiddo..."

"You don't mind do you Paul?" Trynia said tentatively. She half expected that he wouldn't let her.

"Here you go," Paul said, tossing the keys to her. He opened the door for her, and then checked to see that Aaron had fastened his seat belt after climbing in. Once satisfied he got into the back behind them both. She drew in her breath and set the car into reverse. It was the first time she'd driven Paul's car with him as a passenger, very different from driving him in her own vehicle. Considering how men often doted on cars as an extension of themselves or as closely valued property, she knew he was taking a big risk letting her behind the wheel with him as a passenger.

Within a half-hour, they had reached the club where other cars were already parked. She recognized Ace's Delorian amongst a Hummer, a Porsche, and a black Mustang convertible. Trynia breathed a sigh of relief at a relatively uneventful drive, and pulled up next to the convertible. Paul got out first, and insisted on opening the door for her and for Aaron.

"Hey you look tense sweetheart... what's wrong?"

"Oh sorry I was worried about wrecking your car..."

"Would I have trusted you to drive if I was worried about that?" he whispered in her ear. Behind the words, he left a soft sweet kiss. Taking Aaron's hand in his left he slipped his arm around her waist and led both of them into the front door.

"Hey!" Gene called to him, walking out to meet Paul. "Ace got here way early! The world's coming to an end!"

"Hi yourself, Gene," Paul called back. "Yeah, I'm gonna wonder if the world is coming to an end..."

"Tryn, nice to see you, and great to see you too, kid," Gene said as he leaned over a bit to look at Aaron. They high-fived and two other children moved out to look at the new arrivals. Trynia recognized Nicholas and Sophia from pictures Terri had showed her, and they each exchanged their various greetings with Paul.

Aaron glanced up at his dad who nodded and led him in after the other children, leaving Gene to urge Trynia in. She felt nerves creep over her again, being in the midst of so many new faces.

"C'mon in already," Gene urged, grabbing her shoulders and giving her playful shove. Already she heard the rumble and percussive strikes of a bowling alley, and noticed the bustle within. There was a bar to one side where people were clustered about, but more were gathered at the various bowling lanes. Peter was up on one lane making his shot, watched by an older teenager and a woman in her twenties. She heard Ace's cackle as he mimicked Peter behind his friend's back, much to the delight of the girl sitting by him.

"That's Monique, right?" Trynia asked Gene. "By Ace... his daughter right?"

"Mouseketeer role call," Gene teased. "Ace and Pete you know... and those are their kids... and then those two who almost knocked Paul and Aaron over were mine, Nicholas and Sophie..."

"Is Terri here?"

"Yes she is as a matter of fact... say, stop being so damn nervous. We don't bite... and even if I did Paul would kick my ass for sideling up to your sexy neck..." he joked. "Now, how about a round of bowling?"

"Actually that would be great..."

Paul moved up with a smile on his face as he said, "C'mon sweetie I have us signed up on a lane... which size shoe you take?"

"Eight... and I usually go with a nine pounder..."

Before long she was teamed up with Terri against Gene and Paul, while Monique and Jenliee and squared off against Nicholas, Sophia with Shannon's supervision. Already Ace, Peter, Christy and Gigi duked it out with Bruce, Eric, and Melissa and Desiree. Other lanes were filled with road crew pitting their families against one another, everyone enjoying the cheering and jeering.

"You're up," Terri nudged Trynia.

"Don't forget to keep your arm straight," Paul urged her.

"Hey, no fair coaching the rival team, you dumbass," Gene jumped on him good-naturedly. "This is the battle of the sexes remember?"

Trynia glanced momentarily over at the next lane where Eric was doing the victory dance with Bruce over a recent strike. Paul brought the focus back by moving up behind her and giving her a gentle kiss while he handed her the ball.

"Stop interfering you," she laughed, playfully nudged him away from her. Backing away he grinned innocently and left her to check her stance. Taking a few steps back, she lifted the ball on her hand, then walked forward. As she had learned from her dad years ago, she took three steps, swung back her arm, and aimed for the third arrow from the left. Gracefully the ball dropped and rolled into a curve.

"Hey she missed," Gene joked.

"Wait," Paul murmured. Gathering momentum, the ball whirled then catereened into the third pin. Lights indicated that three were left standing. Another shot took out the side pin, knocking it into the other side.

"Frame and spare," Trynia commented.

"Not bad," Gene muttered. Terri marked down a diagonal line in the upper box, and wrote in the score on the sheet. Up next was Gene, who grabbed a 14-pound ball with relative ease, his whole hand scooping up the large red sphere and striding up to the line with it.

"Hey nice ass shot!" Trynia called. Gene winked and shook his hips at her before pretending to stomp.

"Are you gonna roll the damn ball or not Gene?" Paul taunted.

"Shaddup from the peanut gallery," Gene snorted, and swung back his hand. Seconds later the ball rolled down, cutting down all the pins save one. For a moment, it wobbled, and Gene waited. Stubbornly it stood. Gene's next strode sailed right past it without even phasing the pin.

"Scratch," Trynia joked.

"Wrong game sweetheart," Gene wagged his tongue at her.

"You're up, Terri," Paul said next. Terri rose stiffly and picked up a ball to advance upon the lane.

In the meantime, Sophie sat and waited for her turn. It was getting boring watching the adults play, and her turn never seemed to come. Aaron glanced at his father Paul stepping up to the lane, ball in hand.

"I wanna play a game," Aaron pouted.

"You can't till next round," Sophie said.

"Awww..."

"Now where are you going?" Sophie asked. Nobody else seemed to notice as Aaron got up, and began to walk toward the refreshment stand. For a moment, Sophie wasn't sure if she should follow, but did anyway just to be on the safe side. Before long she caught up to him, and realized his discovery was a lot more fun then waiting for her turn every eternity.

"Paul, stop posing and start throwing, you dummy!" Gene taunted him. "Tryn's handicap is NAILING us!"

"Hey, if you sucked better at bowling we'd be winning!" Paul called back.

"Sophie, your turn!" Nicholas shouted at the ring of chairs, the next lane over. However, Nicholas noticed she wasn't anywhere to be found.

"Where's Sophie?" Shannon asked, glancing around.

"I dunno... maybe she's in the bathroom?" Nicholas said.

"Figures she'd go every five minutes," Monique joked. "I mean when she got that big gulp soda..."

"Shit," Nicholas swore. "She was right here..."

"Clean up that language mister!" Shannon snapped at him. "Where is your sister?"

"Mo-om I don't know!" he groaned.

"I haven't seen her," Jenilee put in. Ace and Peter looked at Shannon, then Gigi, and all of them shrugged.

"I'm sure she's just run off to powder her nose. She's almost 12 isn't she?" Gigi laughed.

"I hope you're right," Shannon muttered. "But she should have mentioned it to me... I don't like my children running off without telling me where they're going... and Gene hates it!"

Just then, Paul happened to glance over, as did Gene. "Is something wrong Shan?" Gene asked, walking over to her as he saw his ex and his son glancing around frantically.

"WE lost Sophie," Shannon muttered.

"WHAT?" Gene asked, his voice rising in volume. "How? Peter, Ace?"

"What's wrong?" Peter asked.

"They lost the little girl," Monique said. "But I could swear she just went to the bathroom or something!"

"Shit," Ace muttered. "But I thought Nick was..."

"Shut up!" Gene snapped at them. "Now who was the last person to see her..."

Hearing the commotion, Paul and Trynia moved over, with Terri. "What's going on Gene?"

"They can't find Sophie," said Peter, glancing around. "Damn..."

"Where is Aaron?" Paul asked suddenly. "Hey Gene... Shannon... where's Aaron?"

"He was right there..." Jenilee gasped, running a hand through her hair. "I thought Monique was..."

"I was watching Dad bowl!" Monique cried. "I though Nicholas was..."

"Don't look at me!" Nicholas threw up his hands. "I don't know... I'm sorry!"

"Everyone shut up!" Paul yelled, in a voice that cut through all the bickering. "I can't think damn it!"

Stunned, even Gene and his ex fell silent. All eyes turned to Paul, who held up his hands. Dark eyes burned with fear and anger. "This is not helping us find them people!"

"Uh, why not like ask the security?" Ace put in, breaking the silence. Monique's chin wobbled as she started to cry, and moved closer to her dad.

"It's my fault I should have..."

"Shh kiddo," he urged.

"All right, let's spread out and start looking," Gene said. "Peter... would you..."

"I'm onto it," Peter said, striding away and looking for the manager, Jenilee in tow with Gigi.

"C'mon Moni, let's go look over here," Ace suggested, taking his daughter's hand and leading her toward the night club area.

"Shit, I can't believe this!" Paul gasped, shaking his head. "Where the hell is my son, damn it?"

"Paul, I'll help you look," Trynia offered. "Just think of where you'd be if you were six..."

"I don't know damn it!" Paul cried.

"Paul this isn't helping Aaron if you freak out!" Trynia said calmly.

Gene moved off with Terri, Nicholas and Shannon. Glancing back at Paul Gene said, "You check the rest of the place, we're going to look in some of the other stores..."

"Dammit I can't..." Paul got out as Trynia took his hand and led him after her.

"It's okay we'll find him... how about the video games?"

"Good, you check there, and I'll check outside with Gene... and meet back here in an hour ok?"

Trynia marched off, striding toward the video game arcade. Something told her that Aaron might be there, call it a hunch. After all, he loved Nintendo didn't he?

"C'mon Aaron we should really get back..." Sophie urged him.

"I wanna play one more game," he protested.

"Okay but this is the last one!" Sophie told him, and dug for a quarter in her pocket. She slipped it into the game and Aaron and she started to play the Star Wars Phantom Menace 1 last time.

Trynia glimpsed them out of the corner of her eye, and strode over to where they were both seated on the video game. "There you are!" she called out. Sophie whirled around, distracted. Just then, the last space ship exploded the screen into a starburst of color.

"Awww no!" Aaron pouted again. "We lost!"

"Uh... yeah... we're here," Sophie said, glancing nervously up at Paul's girlfriend, Trynia. Gene had told her about him having a new girl, and she had seen her backstage at some of the concerts.

"Hi Trynia..." Aaron said. "Look I got a high score..."

"What are you doing here... don't you know we're worried sick about you two?"

"Uh I'm sorry Ms. Merin but Aaron ran off and I ran after him..." Sophie apologized. "I couldn't stop him so I figured I'd stay with him... are we in trouble..."

"You're dad's worried sick... and so is yours Aaron," Trynia sighed. "I want you both to come back with me now..."

"Daddy didn't know I was gone," Aaron said.

"Will you come with me so he knows you're okay?" Trynia asked, holding her hand out to him. "You don't want Daddy to be sad cause he can't find you do you?"

"No way," Aaron said, and moved over to take Trynia's hand. Sophie followed, very embarrassed and worried that her own dad would give her hell.

"I looked in the nightclub, no sign," Ace reported back as they gathered in the main bowling area. Paul rushed back in, his hair in disarray and a wild shine of fear in his dark eyes.

"Gene I'm sorry I didn't find any sign of them," Joe apologized. Other security guards and roadies were looking in every corner of the alley and shopping complex with no luck.

Just then Trynia strode up, carrying Aaron over her hip with some difficult, followed by Sophie. Immediately she put him down when she saw Paul rush over.

"And where were you, young man?" Paul asked Aaron, voice cold with anger that he tried to restrain.

"I was just playing a game Daddy!" Aaron protested.

"Don't you know how stupid and dangerous it is to run off?" Paul yelled, voice rising in volume. "Don't you know I was worried sick, young man! I'm extremely disappointed in you! You could have gotten hurt or worse!"

"I'm sorry Daddy I didn't mean... it was an accident!" Aaron began to cry. He moved over and clung to Trynia's waist, his brown eyes filling with tears.

"I'm very angry at you, Aaron Aaron Stanley!" Paul continued to scold.

Meanwhile, Gene rushed back to find Sophie standing near Joe, and a very furious Paul who was yelling at Aaron.

"All right young lady, where the HELL did you run off to?" Gene demanded.

"Didn't you know we were worried sick?" Terri added.

"I told you to tell us where you were going!" Shannon got out.

"IT wasn't my fault, I was only going after Aaron!" Sophie cried.

"Come with me, young lady. I need to have a little chat with you," Gene said, taking her hand and leading her outside with him. Shannon remained with Nicholas, and took his hand to lead him away as Terri followed. Grabbing Aaron's hand, Paul marched him over to a side table out of earshot of everyone. Trynia followed closely, not sure of what to do next. Aaron was howling and crying as Paul continued to scold him, and she could hear the anger in each syllable.

"I'm sorry Daddy!" Aaron sobbed, rubbing his eyes as he gripped the edge of the chair. Right in front of him Paul stood, his hands gripping his son's shoulders firmly to emphasize his point.

"You'd better be! I'm so angry I can't see straight! Don't you know that people could do something awful! Why did you think you could just march off whenever you pleased, buster?" Paul continued to lecture him, his face right in his son's.

"Paul..." Trynia said. "He knows... I found him... Isn't it enough..."

"I'm so angry I just can't deal right now!" Paul continued. "You are going to sit here young man and think about what you've done! And how very disappointed you've made me right now!"

"Paul," Trynia said, taking his hand. "Why don't you let me stay with him and take a walk..."

"I'm too pissed," he hissed back. "This is just too heavy right now! I can't believe..."

"Take a walk, Paul," She urged. "I'll sit with Aaron. just don't lose it around the kid..."

"You stay with him. I need to get the hell out of here I'm so PO'd!" he snapped and stormed off. Angrily he glared at Aaron and snapped, "You stay here, young man! With Trynia. Don't you even THINK of moving!"

Trynia watched Paul storm off, boots pounding into the carpet with angry force. He looked almost about to spank his son, but she was stunned he listened to her advice. Aaron buried his face in her lap, sobbing as she sat next to him at the booth table. All she could do was hug him as he continued to cry and carry on. Finally when his breathing subsided, he looked up at her and asked, "Is Daddy gonna send me away?"

"What? Of course not," Trynia answered.

"I was a bad boy and I made him mad. Will he send me away cause I was?"

"No. Your daddy was mad cause he loves you," Trynia said.

"Why?"

"Well your daddy is famous right?" she said.

"Yeah so what?"

"Well there are bad people out in the world... and they know your Daddy's famous. He has a lot of money right? And they might do something to make you disappear..." Trynia explained.

"Why?"

"Well, it's called kidnapping."

"Ohhh like the bad guys do and they keep the person for a ransom right?" Aaron asked.

"So when you wandered off without telling anyone, what do you think your daddy thought happened?"

"That I was kidnapped by bad men?"

"Yes. He was angry with you cause you made him think that had might have happened," Trynia said. "And that's only because he didn't know where you were..."

"But he yelled at me! And I WASN'T KIDNAPPED!"

"Well sometimes people yell when they are angry... because they are scared," Trynia explained. "If your daddy didn't get mad, that means he wouldn't care where you were..."

"So he got mad cause he cares then?" Aaron said. "Well I'm sorry I made Daddy mad... but why was he so angry and mean and leaving me here alone?"

"Because he was so angry he decided he should calm down, because he realized he was making you scared," Trynia answered carefully. "And then he's going to come back when he's calmed down and talk to you. Why do you think he left you with me? He wanted to make sure that you were safe when he takes a few minutes to think about what he's done..."

"Daddy needed a time out?" Aaron began to laugh. "But he's a grown up!"

"Sometimes Grown ups need time outs too," Trynia said. "Especially when they are angry and want to calm down and decide what they are going to do next."

"I'm glad you found me Trynia," he said. "I hope daddy doesn't hate me and be mad at me forever..."

"He loves you far too much to ever do that," Trynia said, hugging Aaron close. "Believe me..."

"So the madder he gets when I do something wrong, the more he loves me?" Aaron asked.

"Right, absolutely," Trynia smiled, touching Aaron's nose. "Now are you hungry? How about I take us and get some pizza or something?"

"Okay... but don't let me run away again..." Aaron said, taking her hand as she led him over to the counter. "I don't want Daddy mad again!"

Sophie finally emerged, wiping tears from her eyes as she walked over to Shannon. Gene followed her out, and strode over to where Terri stood with Nicholas.

"Mom I'm sorry..." she said, hugging Shannon tight.

"It's forgiven, but not forgotten, young Miss," Gene said firmly. "Now... who wants to split a pizza?"

"Me," Terri said. "And I think someone else has that same idea..."

Nicholas noticed where Trynia and Aaron now sat, both eating on a few slices of pizza in a corner table. Aaron was laughing and smiling again, sipping soda through a straw as Trynia nibbled on a slice of mushroom and olive pizza.

Taking a table near them, Terri and Shannon waved over to them. Nicholas sat down near his mom, and Sophie sat by Terri while Gene said, "I'll be right back kids... stay good..."

Passing by Trynia's table he said, "Thank you for finding Sophie. I owe you one, doll."

"No problem," she said, glancing up at him. Gene leaned over and pressed a soft kiss to her cheek in gratitude before moving on.

"Aww how sweet," Shannon teased from the next table over. "He'll love you forever you know."

"Stop it, you're making me blush!" Trynia groaned. "I was just trying to get him to leave me alone!"

"You're the hero, so why not?" Nicholas laughed. "Anybody who tracks my sister down... is gotta be smart! Sometimes he needs Mr. Joe to help find her!"

"Oh shut up," Sophie stuck her tongue out at him.

"Stop imitating Dad, smarty," Shannon nudged her. "There's enough Gene impersonators out there already, young lady."

"That was really cool though," Terri told her.

"I'm glad you thought of checking the arcade," Shannon nodded. "Someone here loves video games, don't' they..."

"Mo-om!" Sophie protested.

"But you were a good girl when you went off after Aaron to make sure he wasn't alone," Trynia told Sophie. "That was a grown up thing to do, even if running away wasn't."

"She's right," Shannon said. Just then, Gene came back with a tray filled with two pizzas while Joe carried a pitcher of Fresca and a pitcher of Diet coke with a tray of glasses. They set them both down, and Gene slid in next to Sophie, his arm around his daughter as if nothing had happened. Leaning over he pressed a kiss to her cheek and she flushed.

"Daddy knock it off!" she cried. "Not in front of everyone!"

"Heh, wait till you get older," Gene teased. "Then you can't wait for a man to give you a smooch, and you won't even care if it's in plain view!"

"Then we'll fight the boys off with a stick," Shannon joked.

"A very big stick..." Terri added further.

"Or you could hit them with your Punisher Dad," Nicholas joked. "Or scare the sh... the crap outta them..."

"Now we don't' wanna discourage your sister from having her fun, within reason," Gene said with a smirk.

"But your my FATHER!" she wailed at Gene. "That's a BIG difference!"

"Hey, get used to it. My mom still sweet talks her son, and gives him a big smooch right in front of the world... so now it's your turn to be embarrassed," Gene teased her back.

Trynia chuckled at their good-natured banter, and then turned her attention to Aaron when he called her name, "Trynia?"

"Yes Aaron?"

"Sophie's getting a new brother or sister isn't she?" Aaron asked.

"Yes... how do you know?" Trynia asked.

"Terri's stomach is growing bigger, that's why. There's a baby growing in there isn't it?"

"Yes there is. You're very smart Aaron..."

"Daddy told me about moms and dads when they want babies. They get really close and then the daddy gives the mommy special seeds, and then she starts to grow a baby in her stomach..."

"Well yes..."

"I bet Sophie and Nicholas are gonna be very happy to have a sister or brother to play with..."

"Yes," Trynia nodded. "They're very excited."

"Are you and Daddy going to make a baby brother or sister for me to play with?" Aaron asked. Trynia flushed and almost lost her mouthful of soda. She gasped and spat into a napkin as she realized what he had asked.

"Uh well..."

"My mommy talks about me getting a new brother or sister," Aaron said. "And she and her special friend are getting close like you and daddy are..."

"Uh in what way?" Trynia asked.

"You and he kiss and hug like my mommy and daddy used to when they were married. And my mommy kisses and hugs her special friend. And he even gave her a ring too! And you have a ring Daddy gave you..."

"Well that's a big decision, to have a child," Trynia stammered.

"Hmm, but my mommy's stomach isn't gotten very big yet," Aaron said. "SO I guess I'm not getting a brother or sister with her yet... and I guess you aren't like Aunt Terri so... I was wondering if you were gonna have a baby brother or sister..."

"Well, I think your daddy and I are going to wait a while," Trynia answered. "After all I am getting to know you and I want to have time to spend with you first..."

"Okay," Aaron nodded. "But it would be really fun and really cool to have a brother or sister to play with when I visit."

"I know..." Trynia smiled.

"If you do have a baby will he get my room?"'

"No, we'd make sure the baby had their own room. But that won't happen for a long time," Trynia laughed, still flushed hot with embarrassment.

"But will you talk to my daddy so he won't send me away?" Aaron asked again.

"He wont' send you away, I promise. Not because of you running off..."

Just then, Paul returned, a good deal calmer, but still serious. Aaron stiffened up and quieted down as Paul approached and settled next to Trynia. Dark eyes fixing into his, still worried that Paul was angry.

"Daddy?" Aaron asked.

"Aaron, I think it's time for us to go home now," Paul said slowly. "Say goodbye."

"But..."

"We're going home now," Paul reiterated, quietly.

"Paul, can I talk to you privately for a moment?" Trynia asked.

"Not right now, Trynia, I..."

"Please, I really need to tell you something. For my sake?"

"But..."

Over at the next table, Gene noticed what was going on, and said, "Paul, go talk to your woman. Aaron can stay here till you come back."

"But... I want to..." Paul protested.

"Paul, talk to her now," Gene said firmly. "Or else you're sleeping on the sofa tonight by that look!"

"Stay here," Paul told Aaron. "I'll be back in a few minutes..."

Still miffed, Paul followed Trynia out back for a few minutes. Impatiently he tapped his booted foot and asked, "What is this about... I really..."

"Paul did you know Aaron was scared that you were going to send him away?" Trynia blurted out.

"Say WHAT?" Paul asked.

"He was afraid you didn't want to love him anymore and were going to send him home to Linda as punishment..." Trynia sighed.

"That's ridiculous I would never..."

"He told me," Trynia said firmly, hand on her hip.

"Aww shit," Paul sighed. "Really?"

"Honest he did..."

"Damn it... I really lost it didn't I?"

"Maybe you should tell him why you got angry and explain? I tried to but I think he needs to know you aren't gonna send him away for this..."

Deeply Paul sighed, glancing down at his feet as he closed his eyes partway. His lips pursed in thought, hand stroking through short hair for a minute or so. Trynia took his hand and squeezed it firmly, imparting strength to him. Finally Paul took her other hand in his and returned the squeezed, saying, "You're right. I'm going to go back in there and chat with him..."

"Thanks," Trynia smiled.

"No. Thank you," Paul said, kissing her cheek. He led her back into the club with him.

When Aaron looked up from where he sat, he saw his daddy and the woman Trynia hand in hand. Releasing Trynia's hand Paul sat across from Aaron and smiled. Dark eyes were no longer angry, and Aaron breathed a bit easier.

"Aaron, you and I need to have a man to man talk," he said slowly. "Can you do that for me?"

"Are you angry with me still?"

"No, monkey boy. Trynia told me that you were scared about something. And I wanted you to know why I got so angry..."

"Trynia said that it was cause you were scared when you couldn't find me..."

"That's right. Aaron, do you know what is the worst thing that could happen to Daddy?"

"Um is it when you break a guitar string?"

"No... guess again..."

"How about when you forget your songs?" Aaron tried again.

"No, much worse Aaron."

"Messing up the show?"

Taking Aaron's hand across the table, Paul said, "No. The worst thing that could happen to me is for something to happen to you."

"Wow..." Aaron said slowly, glancing up at Paul. "Worse than that time you got stuck on the rope going to your little stage?"

"Yep, that's right," Paul nodded eagerly. "Far worse. I'd rather get stuck a million times than that."

"Dad, how come you got stuck?" Aaron asked.

"Well something went wrong with the rope," Paul said with a laugh. "Something electronic..."

"What if you can't get down?" Aaron continued, a look of awe in his face. "How would you eat or go to the bathroom?"

"Hey, that is a good question, I guess I'd have to have Gene fly up on his wires and bring me a piece of pizza..."

"Ash could have Charmander fly up and bring you a cheeseburger!" Aaron laughed.

"Good idea," Paul smiled.

"Too bad they are pretend cartoons though," Aaron said with a look of concern.

"Yes," Paul chuckled, glad his son knew the difference between make believe and reality. "But if I thought you were lost... think of what it's like when you lose your Pikachu..."

"I'd be scared..."

"Well if you couldn't find Pikachu you'd cry a lot or get angry right?" Paul said.

"Yeah!"

"Well that's why I got angry. Not because I didn't want you here with me but because I love you and want you with me kid," Paul said, gripping his son's hand tighter. "You're my favorite thing in the world Aaron... make that the most important person to me...."

"Aww," Aaron laughed.

"And since you're so important, why don't we go home and celebrate?" Paul asked him. "Just you and me and Trynia?"

"But Daddy I thought we were gonna go hang at Uncle Gene's house..." Aaron said.

"That's right, but you know I kinda feel like changing the plans. Hope you don't mind monkey boy... I want to spend every minute I can with you..."

"Yeah! All right!" Aaron nodded. Trynia had discreetly stood to one side as Aaron and Paul talked. Now when Paul took Aaron's hand and nodded to his son, they both rose from the table. Whatever storm had arisen was now blowing over, or so she hoped.

"Paul... what's this about going home?" Trynia asked.

"Well I hope you don't mind," Paul said. "It's getting a little bit crowded in here right now... and I want to spend some more quality time with my son, and my lady..."

On the ride home, she spoke to Paul softly. He was still a little bit tense from the events of the past afternoon, and she wondered if the metaphorical milk had soured.

"I thought people were going to stay at Gene's," she said conversationally.

"Yeah, but I was thinking, what's the point in staying there when I live less then five minutes away still..."

"You are a stinker!" she groaned, smacking him on the arm. "You made me get all packed for what?"

"I'm sorry sweetheart, it's just that I got to thinking how well... It's not always easy to get time to see each other, and well..."

"Something else on your mind that you might want to talk about... later?"

"Yeah sweetheart," Paul said, grasping her hand tightly and giving it a firm squeeze. It was only for a moment but it punctuated his gratitude at her understanding. Glancing back they saw Aaron had dozed off in the back seat of the car, clutching tightly to a stuffed Pikachu. They let silence fill the rest of the car ride back to Paul's home. She mulled over the events of the past day or so that they had spent together with Aaron. He had loved the San Diego Zoo, with its new exhibit of white tigers. They had spent the whole day there in the temperate weather, and luckily it had not rained. At one point Aaron had wanted to see the gorillas but there were so many people clustered around the railing, Paul had to boost Aaron up on his back so he could see better.

Trynia had pulled out her sketchpad and rapidly rattled out a pose of father and son watching the wildlife. Aaron's eyes had sparkled just as brightly as Paul's, and it amazed her how his face lit up at the simple pleasure of explaining things to his son. It was as if he saw the world through new eyes when he was with Aaron. The newness exuded its aura over Trynia too, for she suddenly found herself experiencing mundane things with fresh enthusiasm around father and son.

"Honey?" someone interrupted her as she slipped into recollection.

"Huh, sorry!" she apologized.

"We're home," he said with a slight smile. "You were really spacing out there for a moment... that's supposed to be Ace's specialty..."

"Someone's eeping-slay in the ack-bay," she whispered to him.

"Oh yeah, I'll get him. Sometimes he still takes naps, the poor guy. I tried to tell Linda that he was a little old for it, but considering how exciting things got lately... why don't you get the door..."

Trynia managed to get most of the suitcases back inside the door, only to have Paul run down from Aaron's room to help her.

"He's still asleep," Paul whispered. "Poor kid's out like a light!"

"Well it is late afternoon, but what about his dinner?"

"I'll go check on him a little later..." Paul assured her.

He had noticed the smile creeping into existence on her face, and wondered what it meant. Especially when she strode up and slipped her arms around him and slowly pressed kisses to his neck and cheek. For a moment he seemed to resist, and she pulled away.

"Something wrong?" she asked.

"I just feel awful about what happened today... I hope that your afternoon wasn't ruined or anything..."

"You mean with chasing down your son? Paul, I'm just glad that he's okay..."

"But I really lost it right there in front of you... I hated to think I ruined your plans by dragging you back here... but I am really worried about Aaron, and after what you told me about him being worried I'd send him away... it freaked me. I thought it would be better if he spent some more one on one time with me. But I just hope that you aren't disappointed..."

"Wait a minute Paul," she held up a hand. "Your son is part of your life, isn't he? In addition, as I recall, you asked me to give him a chance. I am. Why can't you accept that I'm cool with having him around?"

"I just want your time here to be the best it can," Paul said, taking her hands in his.

"And it is. I love being around you when you're with him, because there's something special about seeing how you interact together. It makes my own experiences seem new... it's not like anything I've quite experienced..."

"I'm so glad," Paul sighed. "I was afraid you would feel disappointed cutting out so soon..."

"Aaron needs time with you like I do. Moreover, he's the most important responsibility in your life. A child should be put first... and you know what? There's something very sexy about a man who's such an awesome dad..."

"You never cease to surprise me," Paul laughed.

"You know, this is just like going on a trip, except we didn't go anywhere," she laughed.

"Yeah, all packed up and nowhere to go, right?" Paul joked.

"But we could pretend we did, and just unpack like we were at Gene's place, getting ready to get wild...."

"Hey, we have all we need for a vacation right here," he said, face lighting up. "And I won't have to worry about missing time with Aaron, because he's right here... That's a terrific idea sweetie..."

"Thanks, I aim to please..." she chuckled, and gasped when he pulled her closer to him with strong hands. Tilting her head back she looked up into his dark eyes while he brought his face closer to hers. Her hands slid up and down his shirt as she kissed him. She couldn't resist tracing her fingers down his front, then over his hips to his backside to pinch it affectionately. Paul's groan of satisfaction seeped into her mouth in a moist rush of breath. Against her stomach she felt hard firmness rising to the occasion and shivered deliciously.

For a moment, her mind wandered back to that afternoon and she felt her face flush hot. Awkwardness settled in and she pulled away for a moment. Aaron's question rung in her mind and it was effective as a sluice of cold water.

"Uh... I don't know I suddenly realized what the heck are we going to do about dinner?"

"Mm, sounds like a very good question..." Paul hummed, leaning down to kiss her again. "But I haven't finished my appetizer yet..."

Before he could kiss her, they heard a low growl. Both glanced at each other and laughed. Paul asked, "Was that you or me baby?"

"Well that isn't the demon in here with us is it?" she joked.

"Nope! Jeez, talk about being saved by the bell... or the stomach," Paul teased. "I'd better see what we have in the fridge..."

Something sparked in her mind, and she realized she had forgotten something important that morning in her haste to pack. She rushed upstairs while Paul went to check what was in the fridge, bag in hand.

She pulled out her toiletry bag and extracted the container of birth control pills. Glancing at the container she was stunned to find that there seemed to be five extra left. Not only that but there seemed to be a container missing.

"Now how did I forget to take these?" she wondered. "Over yesterday and today and the day before that... man..."

Placing the birth control pills to one side she dug through her bag to see if she had misplaced the others. To her panic she couldn't find the others and started pulling stuff out of her overnight case and tossing it onto the bathroom counter. So intent was she upon turning out the bag she didn't stop to think what the smack and sliding noise was. Lipstick, shaving gel, razors all scattered on the countertop of the master bathroom vanity.

"Shit I could swear..." she began. "But I still have those five... but there should only be three... how could I have missed..."

Glancing back she saw the contained had vanished into the sink. Grumbling she picked it up, and to her horror noticed it was empty. Her frenzy had catapulted the open contour into the sink, and all the remaining pills had slipped down into the drain!

"Oh damn... damn damn..." she groaned. Anxiously she began to dig through her other suitcases and items she had brought from home. Hadn't she brought extra containers?

"Shit," she gasped, combing her hair violently. "I could swear..."

Half an hour later yielded no sign of the second container. How could she have forgotten it? After all it was tucked into her toiletry case wasn't it?

"Damn, damn damn..." she groaned. A faint hope still existed in her main suitcase, still downstairs. Perhaps it was stashed somewhere in there?

"Looking for something?" Paul asked, making her jump out of her skin.

"Oh God! Paul you scared the hell out of me!" she gasped, placing her hand over her chest.

"Sorry... I was making us a nice salad for an appetizer... and I found some chicken I was letting marinate in some garlic sauce... I thought that would be good... with a bit of white wine, and Aaron he can have some of that sparkling grape juice left over from when Gene and Terri visited..."

"Great..."

"And I'm going to put on a movie for us all to watch... and then I figure if the monkey boy gets worn out, we can pick another one..."

"You sure nothing's wrong?" Paul asked, caressing her cheek. "You look scared baby..."

"It's nothing Paul... do you need any help whipping up dinner?"

"Yeah, actually. You can help with the dessert..."

By the time they were nibbling on tiramasu, Kiara and Kovu were running away together from the Pride across Paul's HDTV. Aaron watched entranced, leaning between his dad and his dad's girlfriend, his empty ice cream bowl on the coffee table before him.

"That's soo saad!" Aaron sighed. "Why won't Kiara's parents let her be with Kovu..."

"Well," Paul explained, putting an arm around Aaron's shoulders. "Sometimes people, especially parents, can have really thick skulls when it comes to seeing something obvious..."

"And isn't Kovu the son of Scar?" Aaron asked. "Is that why they don't trust him... because he's so like Scar..."

"Exactly," Trynia nodded. Aaron snuggled against his father's chest and got more comfortable. Paul reached around his son to nudge Trynia's shoulder affectionately. He seemed to relax a little bit, but there was still that brooding clouding those dark eyes, each muscle clenching in his shapely neck and jaw.

Tranquility was interrupted by the ringing telephone, and Paul cursed under his breath, muttering, "How lucky can I be today?"

"I'll get it," Trynia offered, rising before Paul could tell her to let the answering machine get it. She dashed to the kitchen and grabbed the remote console phone just before the fourth ring activated the answering machine. "Hello? Stanley Residence... oh... Gene? What are you doing calling this time of night?"

"Is Paul there, sweetie?" Gene asked.

"What do you think?" Trynia asked. "Look, he doesn't want to be disturbed right now... can I take a message?"

"Please, won't you twist his arm and get his butt back here? I'm worried about the guy..."

"Gene, are you begging me?"

"All right damn it," Gene half laughed, half cursed. "Can you just shout to him and let him know I'm worried about him?"

"Paul! It's Gene!" she said, handing him the phone as she approached the couch.

"Tell him I don't wanna talk right now," Paul said.

"He's begging. I think it's serious," Trynia said, still holding the phone out. Sighing, Paul shook his head and took the phone from her. It wasn't Trynia's fault he decided, besides, what if there was a serious problem?

"Okay Gene, what's on your mind, and it'd better be good!"

"Why don't you two get your asses over here and enjoy the New Year in style?" Gene asked.

"I'm not going out!"

"I'm talking my house, Stanley," Gene sighed. "It was Nick's idea. He said why not have the party here..."

"What sort of party?"

"Dancing and all that good crap," Gene said. "Please Paul, wont' you and Trynia come over? Shannon is bringing Sophie and said she'd babysit Aaron once you put him down for the night..."

"Gene I don't know..."

"For Trynia's sake then... please? You shouldn't miss out on B.S.ing with the guys on NEW Years!"

On cue, the doorbell rang. Trynia went to get the door, leaving Aaron to lay on the sofa watching the movie. Paul sighed and chuckled when he heard Shannon's voice exchanging greetings with Trynia. Groaning he said, "Gene you're a manipulative stinker!"

"No way out now, Stanley. Now get your things and get your butt over here! You might want to introduce Trynia to the guesthouse later... if you two need a love shack..."

"Gene, you are too much," Paul laughed. "All right, we're coming over!"

At sight of Sophie and Shannon, Aaron perked up. Shannon and Trynia chattered about disco, and Paul hung up the phone to join them in the living room. Aaron looked up at Paul with excitement, "Daddy, are they coming to spend New Years with us?"

"Aaron, how would you feel about having a movie party with Shannon and Sophie all your own?" Paul asked him.

"But you and Trynia?"

"Well Uncle Gene invited us over to his house, but it's a grown up party..." Paul said.

"Gene thought you and Sophie and me could have a kids party here," Shannon cut in quickly. "I've brought microwave popcorn, and plenty of movies that I'm sure you'd love to see..."

"Can I stay up all night to watch the ball drop?" Aaron asked. "Can I daddy?"

"If you're good," Paul said. "And if you need to call either one of us you can call any time you want..."

"All right!" Aaron cheered. Sophie set down the bag of board games she had with her, and Shannon glanced over at Paul's DVD player to see if it was much different from the one she had seen at Gene's home.

"Thank you," Trynia said to Shannon.

"Not a problem," she nodded. "Now get out of here you two!"

Taking Trynia's hand Paul said, "C'mon baby let's go upstairs and get ourselves ready for one hell of a party!"