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Chapter 4

"What are you talking about dad? David is your son?"

"It's really the only explanation that makes sense."

"That doesn't make sense at all."

"I know I sound crazy, but it all makes sense to me."

"Why don't you explain it to me."

"I will, but I think I'll wait and I'll explain it to all of you."

"All of us?"

"You, David, Jake and Tad. David has an appointment today with Dr. Benton. I'll call him to my office afterwards."

"That's going to be an awkward meeting."

"You're telling me."

"Not to mention Jake just got out on bail for shooting the man. Now you're going to have them in the same room."

"And tell them they might be brothers. Ugh."



"Dr. Hayward your arm seems to be healing well. No sign of infection or muscle damage."

"That's what I like to hear."

"You should be able to start physical therapy next week and possibly be back in the OR next month, if the healing continues like this."

"I'm encouraged by your enthusiasm in my recovery doctor. Although I probably will take more time off from the OR."

"I guess even I have to take pride in my own work. I'll see you next week for another follow-up."

"Thank you doctor. You've done good work."

"Oh Dr. Hayward. You are wanted up in Dr. Martin's office."

"Do you know why?"

"No. He just instructed me to relay the message."

"Okay, thanks."




David opened the door to Joe's office and walked in. "What was it you wanted to talk about Joe? Benton said you wanted to talk to me. I hope it's about your son shooting me." He went on until he saw Jeff, Tad and Jake also in the room. "What is this Joe?"

"David would you just please take a seat."

"If you're going to try and drop the charges against Jake, you're going to be wasting your breath."

"It's nothing like that David." Jeff said this time.

"We don't even know what this is about." Tad said.

"I don't know that I feel safe enough to sit down in here."

"Please just sit down. There is something you all need to know. What you do with it is up to you."

"Okay, I'll stay and hear you out, but I reserve the right to leave."

"Of course. Jeff do you want to start?"

"I was reviewing your files earlier today."

"You were what? You're not even on staff here."

"Would you just let me get to the point?"

"Yeah I can sue you later."

"So I was going through the files, and there was a lab report. It had the results from the screening the lab did on my blood, from the donation I made for your surgery."

"And this means what?"

"The results almost mirrored the blood panel run on yours. Here take a look." Jeff told him, handing the file to David.

He took a few minutes, looking over the words and numbers in front of him. "I see what you mean. It's extremely rare to see blood comparisons like this."

"That's exactly why we were questioning it?"

"Can I see them?" Jake asked.

"As a physician I'll allow it, but as the person who shot me...just be glad I'm just as curious about this." Jake took a moment to look at the papers.

"So what exactly are we going to do with this?" David asked of the two men.

"Well that's really what we wanted to discuss. Dad." Jeff said, turning to his father.

"When I heard Jeff tell me about these, it got me thinking. I think I know why these results are the way they are."

"Let's hear it Joe. What is your explanation?"

Here goes nothing. He thought. "I think the reason the bloods match so closely, because you're brothers."

David looked confused and started to think that maybe the old man was losing his mind. "Joe, what are you talking about?"

"You and Jeff have the same father. Therefore many of the markers in your blood match." Joe rephrased. Jake and Tad not understanding what their usually sensible father was saying.

"I'm completely serious David."

"Dad, I love you." Tad started. "But this, even I don't believe this."

"I'm going to explain, but it's true."

"Just hear him out." Jeff added to the three men who didn't want to believe what their elder was telling them.

"It was April of 1971. I was raising 2 kids by myself, here in Pine Valley. I attended a medical conference in Los Angeles on behalf of the hospital. Me and a couple of other doctors I met at the conference, went to some high end club for a drink. We were sitting at the bar when we noticed a table of ladies. We went to their table and we talked for a little while. The woman I happened to be sitting next to, had told me she was an actress. She mentioned that her name was Rosie Wells."

"That was my mother's stage name." David stated, realizing that what he was saying made some sort of sense. Joe Martin knew his mother. "You mean to tell me you remember the name of a woman you met over 36 years ago?"

"I could never forget her name or her face. When your mother was in town, I was sure I recognized her, only she went by Vanessa Bennett. The name made it hard to remember, but these tests results just made it all come together."

"Okay so you met Vanessa, then what?" Jake asked.

"Most of the women at the table were single actresses and the other guys left with them. It was Rosie and I left at the table. She started talking about how she was married but her husband didn't even bother with her."

"Of course she would have said that. She never cared about my father. All she was worried about was his social status and his money."

"I'm just telling you what she told me, David. I don't hold anything against your father and I don't intended to talk badly about him. I was still grieving over the loss of my wife Helen and I was lonely. She asked if we could have a nightcap in my hotel room. That she wasn't ready to go home yet. She was a beautiful woman who obviously wanted some company, I couldn't deny her that."

"Please stop right there Joe. I don't think I can stomach you talking about sleeping with my mother. I assume that's what happened?"

"Yes. She left shortly after and I never saw her again. At least until she came to Pine Valley last year."

"I still don't know if I believe this. I'm out of here. Joe I hope it was good for you, my mother was never good for anything else." He said with a half laugh, getting up and leaving the room.   
      
"Just let him go dad. He'll realize what your saying is true. I get it. Up until a few minutes ago he had a good father and a viper for a mother. And now you might be his father and his mother was a cheating viper. Hell I can't even imagine my father sleeping around." Tad rationalized the whole thing.

"I can't even believe I'm about to ask my father this, but did you use protection?" Jake asked, almost wincing at the words.

"Of course. But we all know it's not a hundred percent."

"So David Hayward could really be our brother?" Tad asked what the three Martin sons were all hoping was a joke.

"I believe so. Without a DNA test, we won't know for certain, but it's up to David if he wants to take one."

"So you could go on without ever knowing the truth?" Jake asked.

"It's not like he's five years old Tad. He's a man who knows who he is and where he came from. It's not like he wants to go around calling me daddy now." Joe reminded them.

"True. But he's about to have a child. A child that could be your grandchild. My nephew. Our nephew. And you don't mind if you never know?" Jeff asked this time.

"I want to know, but I can't force the man to take a DNA test let alone ask to play doting grandpa."

"Maybe he'll agree. If not to prove it true to prove it untrue." Jake added.

Chapter 9

 

 

“I just got everything squared away with Jake. He took the deal, but I’m pretty sure Joe had to talk him into it.”

 

“That’s good.” She said, her hands on her head and her eyes closed.

 

“Erica, are you okay? Do you have another one of those headaches?” He said moving to the other side of couch.

 

“Yeah, but I took something for it. It should go away in a few minutes.”

 

“Are you sure?”

 

“Yes, it’s already feeling better.”

 

“Why don’t you let me at least take your blood pressure? You’ve had quite a few headaches this week.”

 

“Okay, if it’ll make you feel better, but I’m fine David.”

 

“It will.” He said, taking the first reading. “Have you been taking your medication?”

 

“Yes, why do you ask David?”

 

“Because you blood pressure is elevated, it’s a lot higher than it’s been since you’ve been on your medication.”

 

“Is it something to be concerned about?”

 

“Well you’ve been having headaches, but it could be from the high blood pressure. And you haven’t had any other symptoms?”

 

“Like what?”

 

“Anything out of the ordinary really. Maybe abdominal pain or swelling, trouble breathing?”

 

“Of course. I’m 34 weeks pregnant.”

 

“Well anything that felt different than usual?”

 

“Actually, I was a little short of breath earlier. Usually it’s just when I go up the stairs, but I was sitting down when it happened.”

 

“Let me take a listen.” He said, stethoscope in hand.

 

“David, is something wrong?”

 

“You might just need an adjustment with your meds, but I think we should go to the hospital just to be safe.”

 

“David, you’re scaring me. Is there something wrong with Dylan?”

 

“No I think he’s just fine. I just want to run a few tests and make sure we get your blood pressure under control. That’s it.” He reassured her as they got in the car.

 

 

 

 

It wasn’t long before they arrived at PVH. He had even called Joe to let him know he was bringing Erica in.

 

“David, Erica. Dad sent me down here to start her workup. He had an emergency but he’ll be down as soon as he can.” Jeff said, meeting them in the ER.

 

“Okay, is there a room open?”

 

“Exam 3, and I paged Dr. Madison but he’s in the OR with a c-section. Don’t know when she’ll be available.”

 

“Who is Dr. Madison?” Erica asked.

 

“She’s covering for Dr. Clader this week.” Jeff answered.  

 

“Well we should run the tests awhile, then she’ll have something to look at when she gets here.”

 

“Yes. Sandra would you take Miss Kane to exam room 3 and start a line?” Jeff asked one the nurses in the ER.

 

“Sure Dr. Martin.” The nurse said, directing Erica to the room down the hall.

 

“Her B.P. was 142/80, she complained of headaches and shortness of breath and upon oscillation I heard rales. She needs a CBC, LFT’s, creatinine level and urinalysis. Maybe even a CT.”

 

“Whoa, dad didn’t mention any of this.”

 

“That’s because I didn’t want to worry her when I called.”

 

“You thinking what I’m thinking?”

 

“Preeclampsia is very likely.”

 

“We should get moving.” David said, already headed to exam 3.

 

“Why don’t you wait out here? You’re on leave.”

 

“That’s my wife and child in there. And if I don’t go in there, she’s going to think something is wrong. She knows I’d never not be in there if I could be.”

 

“Just make sure you don’t get in the way.”

 

“Let’s just remember who hired who, Jeff.”

 

 

 

 

“We’re going to put you on a fetal monitor so we can monitor the baby. There are no signs of distress, it’s just a precaution. Let’s start her on 4g magnesium sulfate and 8mg hydralazine.” Jeff directed the nurse.

 

“What’s going on David?” Erica asked, gripping his hand with hers.

 

“It looks as though you have a condition called Preeclampsia. We’re just giving you some medication to control the symptoms.”

 

“We’re just going to wait for awhile and see if the medication does its job. If it doesn’t, we might have to induce labor and deliver your son.” Jeff told her.

 

“Deliver? It’s too early. David it’s too early.”

 

“I know, and we’ll do everything we can so that we don’t have to deliver him. But at 34 weeks, there is a very good chance he’ll be just fine.”

 

“What’s going on?” Joe asked as he walked in the room. David and Jeff walking over to him, so that the could conference without Erica hearing.

 

“Mild preeclampsia. Treated with magnesium sulfate, and hydralazine. B.P. is 136/78 and decreasing.” Jeff spouted off the answer to his father’s question.”

 

“Has Dr. Madison consulted yet?”

 

“She’s still in surgery.” David answered this time.

 

“Did anyone call the OB resident on call?”

 

“I don’t want any resident in here.”

 

“Well none of us knows enough about obstetrics to make a call.”

 

“We know more than any resident. And I’m sure you delivered more babies than that resident Jessup has Joe.” David added.

 

“Well the baby is stable and so is Erica, for now.” Jeff said.

 

“Well then we have time to wait for Madison.” Joe said.

 

“If we need Madison, I’ll go up and drag her out of the OR myself.” David said this time.

 

“She’s seizing!” One of the nurses yelled as the three men all running over to Erica.

 

“2g mag sulfate, stat.” David commanded to the nearest nurse, her complying, “Hold her still.” He told Jeff and Joe. He quickly administered the medication into her IV, right after he moved to hold her head. In a few seconds, the seizure stopped. He rested his head against hers, thanking whoever that it had stopped just as quickly as it started.

 

“We need to get the baby out.” Jeff said, staring at David.

 

“I’m going to drag Madison out of that OR.”

 

“It’s a simple c-section David. Dad you can do one can’t you?”

 

“No offense, but when is the last time you did a c-section?”

 

“It’s been about a year.”

 

“You don’t trust your father?” Jeff asked of his brother.

 

“There aren’t many people that I trust, especially when it comes to surgeries.” David said, his hands stroking her hair.

 

“If it makes you feel any better I’ve done almost 20 in the last two years. I can be in there with him.”

 

“Well three’s a crowd Jeff.”

 

“You aren’t going to be in that OR, David.”

 

“The hell I’m not!”

 

“If something goes wrong in there you’ll be a distraction.”

 

“Why don’t you wait outside the OR and when Madison come out, direct her our way.”

 

“There is no way in hell I’m letting two Martin’s operate on my wife and child alone.”

 

“Don’t make me throw you out of here.”Joe said grabbing David’s shirt and holding him close. “I’m your father, and I know that doesn’t mean a whole lot, but I am also the Chief of Staff and I will have you removed if I have to. Erica and Dylan are going to be just fine, but I need you to stay out of my OR. I promise I’ll get them through this.” He finished, letting go of David and opening the door behind him. “Jeff will keep you updated.” He said, David just standing there, speechless and unable to move. His eyes on Erica and all he could think of was Joe Martin just told him off. And he was right. But it might just be impossible for him to sit out here and WAIT. He was finally able to move, stepping backward until he was out of the room and Joe let the door close in front of him.  

Chapter 10

 

 

He was standing in the hall for about a minute before he felt a hand on his back. He turned to look whose hand it was. No one he knew would ever put their hand on him like that. Except Erica. “Ruth.” He said in shock, partly because of the recent events and partly because Ruth Martin had her hand on his back as if to comfort him.

 

“Jeff called. We came as soon as we could.”

 

“We?” He said, quickly noticing the two men standing down the hall. “Thank you Ruth, but I don’t think it’s a good time to go at it with the two of them.”

 

“They’re here for support, nothing else.”

 

“I’m sorry if I don’t believe that Ruth. Jake and Tad could care less about me or what I’m going through. If you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to focus on Erica and our son.”

 

“Of course. They’re going to be okay. They’re in good hands.”

 

It had only been a few minutes since Erica went into surgery, but a Jeff was already walking down the hall. “Your son is doing extremely well for 34 weeks. 5 lbs. 3 oz. and 20 inches long. He’s breathing on his own and the APGAR score is an 8. And Erica is doing good. No seizures and minimal bleeding. Dr. Madison is getting ready to close.”

 

“Can I see my son? Where is Dylan?” David asked, already moving toward where Jeff came from.

 

Jeff put his hand on David’s chest, holding him back. “He’s being assessed in the PICU. You’ll be allowed to see him in a few minutes, as long as he’s stable.”

 

“You’ll come get me as soon as Erica is out of surgery and in recovery?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Thank You Jeff.” David said, shaking his brother’s hand.

 

“No problem. I’m going to get back in there.” Jeff said before leaving David and a close by Ruth.

 

“See, I told you everything is going to be fine. Your son is here and Erica is doing good.” Ruth said as she moved next to David again.

 

“Yes, although I won’t believe it until I see it for myself. And my son is here. I’m a father.”

 

“Congratulations David.

 

“I’m going to go to the PICU and see if I can see Dylan. If you hear anything can you make sure someone tells me?”

 

“Sure David. Go and see your son. We’ll be here if you need anything.” She said referring to her, Jake and Tad.

 

“Thanks.” He said before almost running to the nearest elevator.

 

“We’re out of here mom.” Tad told his mother

 

“The two of you are staying right here.”

 

“The kid is fine mom. Erica’s going to be fine. I’m going.” Jake said.

 

“Joseph Martin Jr., you will stay right where you are.” Ruth demanded of her youngest. “You’ll stay here until your father comes out and gives the all clear.” He stopped, standing still and not even bothering to look up at her. He didn’t want to piss off his mother on David Hayward’s account.

 

“I guess we can wait a little longer.” Tad added.

 

 

 

 

 

David made it up to the NICU in what was probably a record time. He hadn’t every really been here. He’d walked by it a few times but to actually look and see what was going on, never. One of the doctors recognized him and headed out to talk to him. “Dr. Hayward? I’m Dr Peters, your sons’ physician.” The woman started.

 

“He’s still doing good, right? Jeff, he told me all the things you want to hear. Do you have any I don’t want to hear?”  

 

“No. Everything is just as it should be for a half hour post partum. Would you like to meet him?” The doctor replied. “Stupid question I know.” She said after he wasn’t able to respond.

 

He followed her over to one of the beds holding an infant. The baby, who he knew was a boy, his son, was so small. He was pink, which was good and he had soft head of brown hair, Erica’s hair. He couldn’t see his eyes because they were shut, he was sleeping. “You can touch him. Hold him. Just make sure to watch his monitor leads. If you need anything else just ask anyone.”

 

“Thank you.” He finally managed to get out. He put his hand inside the bed and placed it softly on Dylan’s head. He moved his thumb lightly through the baby’s hair. “I would hold you, but I think that your mother should be the one to do it first. You’ll see her in a little bit. She’s busy right now.” He put his other hand on the baby’s chest, as lightly as he could. The feel of Dylan’s fast fluttering heart made David’s skip a few beats. It was so fast but it was perfect. He was perfect. The only problem was he was half Erica and it killed him, not knowing what was going on with her. “I’m sorry you had to come here early. It would have been a lot better if you were in your mommy for another couple of weeks but I guess it was supposed to happen that way Your mommy didn’t feel good, so I brought her here. Your grandpa said it was time for you to come out, so he got you out. And now here you are. Your mommy is going to be so happy to see you. She’s so beautiful. You look a lot like her. You’re going to love her, everybody does.

 

“David.” A voice whispered in the quiet room. David hesitated to take his eyes off his son, but he knew who it was.

 

“Joe, tell me she’s fine.” David said, his head not even all the way around.

 

“Everything went well. She’s in recovery.”          

Chapter 11

 

 

It was about twenty minutes after the surgery before she started to awake from the anesthesia. Not that she knew any different. She only remembered part of the drive to the hospital and not much more. She took a few moments to get her eyes to adjust to their environment. A room, a hospital room. She felt some pressure on her legs, looking down to see David, seemingly asleep with his head resting there. She felt something squeezing her left hand. It was David’s fingers laced with hers. It wasn’t until she noticed all of this that saw that her quite large belly was small. “Dylan?” She half cried. “David, David” She called to her sleeping husband.

 

He woke up, hearing her call his name. “Erica?”

 

“Dylan, where is Dylan?” She continued.

 

“He’s fine. He’s fine.” He tried comforting her as he took her arms in his hands, trying to get her to look him in the eye. “Erica, look at me.” He said a little commanding as she did so. “He’s in the NICU. You had a C-section about an hour ago. I can let the doctor know that you are awake and they’ll bring him down. Okay?” He explained it as calmly as he could. She was fine and their son was fine. He just had to convince Erica of it too.

 

“He is? I want to see him, David. I need to see him.” She pleaded.

 

“Okay, Okay. I’m just going to step outside and tell the nurse.” He half said, half asked. He stood up, still looking at her, waiting for her to acknowledge him. She nodded and he walked out the door to her room, finding the nearest nurse. “I need you to page Dr. Peters and Joe Martin stat. Tell Peters Dr. Hayward said now, room 412.” He instructed the nurse before quickly walking back into the room.

 

 

He hurried down the hall, They said room 412. He remembered, knowing that room was just three rooms down on the left. One, two, three. He found the door was already open, so he knocked and walked in. It was quite a surprise to find a happy David and Erica, who was holding Dylan.

 

“Joe.” Erica said as she saw him walking in the room, David who was sitting on the bed turning around.

 

“Erica?” Joe said half surprised at the site before him. “When I got the page, let’s just say I wasn’t expecting this.”                     

 

“I’m sorry about that Joe. She woke up a little panicked and I had you and Dr. Peters paged. I guess I could have told the nurse to explain.” David apologized.

 

“It’s quite alright. It seems everything is fine.”

 

“Yes, Joe. Thank you. David told me what you did for me and our son.”

 

“No thanks necessary Erica, I was just doing my job.”

 

“David, isn’t there something you’re forgetting?”

 

“Oh yeah.” David responded, getting up off the bed and taking their son out of her arms and into his arms. He walked around the bed, to Joe. “This is your grandson. Dylan Joseph Hayward.” He finished putting the baby in Joe’s arms.

 

“Dylan Joseph?” Joe asked, half said. Of course he didn’t mind the sound of it, but he wasn’t expecting it.

 

“We thought it was only fair that he have your name. You did bring him into this world.”

“This wasn’t necessary, really, but I will say I like it.”

“I tried for Dylan Joseph Martin, but David wouldn’t have that.” She smiled, looking over to David.

“I was thankful Joe, but not that thankful.” David laughed.

“He looks a lot like his mother.” Joe noticed.

“Well he has his father’s eyes” Erica mentioned.

“At least he has something of mine. I just hope he gets his mothers conscience.” David said, Erica and Joe laughing a little.

Erica noticed that Joe was looking intently at Dylan. “What is it Joe?”

“I wasn’t going to say anything, but I think he has my nose.”

David and Erica were both a little taken back by the mans words. “You think so?” Was all David managed to get out. It was strange to think about his son looking like Joe Martin. He wasn’t related to them was what his head would tell him, but he was. His son’s looks were determined by DNA and Joe Martin shared that with both he and his son.

“Yes, I do. It’s my mother’s nose. Or so my father told me.” He said looking up to David and back to the baby. “So am I the first one to see this little guy?”

“Yes you are. I have to call Bianca in a little bit, let her know her brother is waiting to see her.”

“I was thinking that maybe Ruth would like to see him.” Joe said, handing the almost sleeping baby back to David.

“Is she still here?” David asked.

“What do you mean?” Joe asked

“Ruth was here, with Jake and Tad. She waited with me when you took Erica into surgery. She said about waiting, I thought maybe she was still here.” David told Joe.

“She probably went home. I’ll call her then.”

“Well if you find her here, just give her the room number. She’s welcome to drop in and see him” Erica said.

“Okay, I will. Why don’t you bring him by the house sometime after you’re discharged? And only when you’re feeling up to it.” Joe asked of the two of them.

“We will.” Erica answered.

“I’ll let you get your rest Erica, and you too David. You’re going to need it. Don’t hesitate to call Ruth or I if you need anything, okay?”

“Thank you Joe.” David said, getting up to walk the man out of the room.

“Thank you, for letting me hold him. And for the honorary but unnecessary naming of your son after me.”

“Well I do like Dylan David better.” David joked. “No, really Joe, thank you. For everything today.” David said, holding his hand out for the man to accept his handshake.

“You’re welcome, son. Erica.” Joe returned, shaking Davids hand before leaving.   

   

Chapter 12

There was a knock on the door, Joe walking to open it. “Hello you three.” He said to Erica and David, who was holding Dylan in a carrier. “Come in.”

“Sorry it took us so long to make it over. We've just been so busy with Dylan.”

“Yeah, you should have seen me trying to take care of Dylan while Erica was on bed rest for the week. I never thought it was that hard to take care of a newborn.”

“You have a lot to learn son.” Joe said, everyone quiet at the awkwardness of the words. David was used to hearing the words from the older man, his biological father, but it always felt weird in this context.

“Yeah it seems like it.” They all laughed, cutting the tension.

“Is that Dylan?” Ruth asked, seeing David and Erica were there.

“Yes, he's been waiting to meet the family.” Erica said. “You want to hold him?”

“Oh yes, I would love too.” Ruth said as David got the baby out of the carrier and put the baby in her arms.

“Oh look who's here. David and his spawn are here. Look at the way mom and dad fawn over the spawn.” Jake mocked.

“Yeah, just forget they already have two grandchildren.” Tad added as the two of them watched the scene before them from the living room.”

“But you're adopted bro, you're kids aren't biological grandchildren. This one is all nice and new and BLOOD. None of us are ever going to be able top our new brother. He's an ass, possibly the devil in disguise, but he's got dad wrapped around his finger.” Jake told Tad, taking another swig of his beer.

“Thanks Jake. You know you're being an ass?” Tad said, less enthralled by his brother than he was a second ago.

“Yeah I know, maybe I should just leave town, you know. Go to Africa like Jeff.”

“Maybe Jake. It's the only way you'll get away from Hayward.” Tad told him, David Erica, Joe and Ruth all sitting at the table.

“So how are the two of you holding up?” Ruth asked, rocking the small child in her arms.

“Tired.” Both David and Erica said in unison. “I'm staying home with Dylan while David is at the hospital. Then he comes home and he takes care of Dylan when he's home. We just don't want use a nanny. Especially being in the spotlight, all the other high profile parents have nannies and are blasted for it. But it's a lot to handle when he doesn't sleep more than 3 hours at a time.”

“I admire your attempt to please the world, but you don't have to do it all by yourselves.” Joe told them.

“We'd be glad to look after this little one for a few hours, anytime. “We watch Jamie and JR all the time.” Ruth added.

“We can't ask you to take care of a newborn.” David told them.

“You two need some time. If not for yourselves, for him. He needs a mommy and daddy who aren't tired and stressed all the time.”

“That's very nice of you to offer Joe, but we don't really want to depend on you two to bail us out. Erica Kane and David Hayward can handle a baby.”

“I think Dylan Joseph would like to spend time with grandma and grandpa.” He noted, seeing the little one asleep in Ruth's arms.

“Well come to think of it, Erica and I could use a nice dinner out. She hasn't been out of the house much the last few weeks.” David told them, looking over at Erica and then eying Tad as he walked over.

“Why don't you let him stay here for the night? You can pick him up in the morning or he could even stay here until tomorrow night. If you wanted to go to dinner tomorrow.” Ruth said excitedly, loving the newborn in her arms.

“Really, that isn't necessary.” Erica reminded them.

“Well we've fallen for the little guy already. We don't mind at all.” Joe insisted.

“He is cute. Must get that from you Erica.” Tad said, glaring at David.

“Thank you Tad, but he looks a lot like David.” She said to counter Thaddeus' smug attitude.

“So Dad. Mom. Are you guys coming over for dinner tomorrow? Dixie was planning on making a big meal for the family.”

“Actually we're taking care of Dylan until tomorrow evening. I don't think dragging him around town is best for the little guy.”

“Really mom? You're watching David's kid and won't come to our family dinner? The boys were looking forward to seeing their grandparents.”

“You two should go, be there with your family. You can watch Dylan another time.” David said, trying to keep the peace between his new found family.

“No don't even try that one Hayward. Your trying to be a gentleman is laughable. Just do what you want dad. If you decide you want to spend time with your real grandchildren, you can bring the rugrat. If not, I'll see you around.” Tad said, almost yelling now.

“This is exactly what David didn't want. Feel free to come by, but I think it's best if we don't come here too often.” Erica told Joe and Ruth who just didn't want to believe that their son, Thaddeus Martin just did that.

“Don't worry about Jake and Tad, please. You're always welcome. And Dylan, can he stay tonight?” Ruth asked not wanting to let the little guy go.

“Sure, if you still think it's a good idea.” said Erica

“Its' fine, really.” Joe assured them.

“I'm warning you now, she hasn't been away from him since the hospital. She might call every hour or so.”

“That's fine. Feel free to call.”

“Don't worry. I will.” Erica said with a smile.