I have always been a fan of everything you write, but the Heartfelt Passages AU is unbelievable. The love, emotion, and story is beautiful. Cannot wait for the next installment. Great work!

Thank you so much for the love! I appreciate you! I love their story as well.

Peter showed up at your door at 7AM. He was always true to his words. He had his arms full. In one hand he had a tray of drinks and in the other was a brown bag with the logo of your favorite bakery. “Hope you don’t mind I brought the kids a smoothie.”

“Here let me help you.” Taking the brown bag you peeked inside and found Peter bought a variety of Danish and muffins. Once in the kitchen, you sat the bag down. “You didn’t have to bring anything. I was going to make breakfast. I did invite you.”

“It’s not a problem. Here.” He passed you a tall cup.

When you opened the lid you inhaled the wonderful smell of hazelnut and fresh coffee. “Mmm..thank you.”

“Kids up yet?”

“No. They’ll-”

“Petey!” Cora said and ran to him. He scooped her up and held her in the air making her giggle. When he lowered her she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. He hugged her to his chest and cradled her head with his hand. When he looked at you his eyes were glistening. Peter sat Cora on the counter and gave her the smoothie he bought for her. She happily sipped on the straw.

You and Peter exchanged looks. It seemed like you knew what the other was thinking. “I’ve missed you so much,” Peter said.

“I’ve missed you too, Peter.” A smile crossed your face.

“Peter?!” Isaac sprinted to him, then held his fist out for a bump. “Can we throw the ball later?”

Peter looked to you and you nodded your head with a smile

After getting Cora and Isaac settled at the table with their breakfast you joined Peter at the counter.

“Thanks for inviting me over. I want to apologize for my behavior at Nick’s. I don’t have a good excuse for why I punched him. I acted like an adolescent. I’m sorry for any embarrassment I caused for you,” Peter said.

“Thank you for the apology. He did kinda deserve it though,” you added around a smile. Picking up your cup you took a sip, glancing over at Peter you saw he was looking at you. “I have a confession,” you started. “I’m a liar and a coward.”

Peter raised his eyebrows. “How so?”

“That night you told me you loved me it scared me. Instead of coming to you, I ran away. When I said I didn’t love or want to be with you, that was a lie. I thought I was protecting myself and the kids.” Your gaze went to the kids who were still sitting at the table enjoying their smoothies. Turning your attention back to Peter you said, “they adore you, Peter. So do I.”

Peter took your coffee cup from your hand and sat it on the counter. He took your hands in his. “Y/N. You already know how I feel. I’m head over heels in love with all three of you.” This time it was your eyes glistening with tears. Peter tilted your chin to look into your eyes. “This is all in your hands. We’ll take things at your pace.”

“You are amazing Peter Stone.” Leaning in you softly kissed Peter.

“Ewww!” Isaac and Cora chimed in with giggles.

You and Peter smiled against one another’s lips. “We’ll pick this up later,” he whispered in your ear.

Present Day

“Mom! We’re ready to go!” Isaac yelled through the house. You had just finished packing and was zipping the suitcase when Peter walked through the bedroom door.

“Early morning flights shouldn’t exist,” you whined.

Peter chuckled. “It’ll be worth it,” He took the suitcase off the bed and carried it downstairs with you following behind him.

Peter loaded the luggage while you made sure lights, the coffee maker was off then set the alarm. Once in the car and on the way to the airport, Peter said, “I can not wait to get them on the slopes.” Peter had a big grin on his face.

“That will be pretty cute. I have to admit.” Peter had brought up the idea of a ski trip to Vail. It sounded perfect for this time of year. Thankfully both of you were able to finagle a week off.

The flight had been an absolute nightmare. Cora’s ears hurt making her cry and only Peter was allowed to hold her. You experienced the worst case of airsickness ever. Isaac whined about being bored. Peter took it all in stride.

Finally making it to the cabin you had rented for the week, you dropped your carry on to the floor and collapsed on the couch. Isaac ran in the cabin behind and started exploring, claiming his room for the week. Peter carried Cora through the door and laid her down on the couch next to you. You snuggled her close to you. She smelled like her strawberry shampoo with a hint of Peter’s cologne. Smiling you closed your eyes for just a second.

“Hey. Y/N? Wake up.” Peter’s soft voice roused you from your nap.

“I wasn’t sleeping,” you mumbled.

Peter chuckled. “No. Of course not.” He sat beside you on the couch and rubbed your arm. “Are you feeling better?”

“Yeah. That was rough. I have never been that motion sick before.” You sat up snuggling into his side. “What’s the plan for the evening?”

“Well, I thought we could go to the lodge for dinner, then come back watch a movie with the kids. After they’re asleep maybe, uh, get in the hot tub.” He nuzzled your hair then kissed your neck.

“Petey. I get drink?” Cora asked as she ran into the room.

He smiled against your neck. Standing up, Peter picked Cora up. “Airpane,” she said. Peter held her up in the air and she “flew” into the kitchen. Isaac wasn’t far behind asking Peter to make chocolate milk. It was widely known, well in your house at least, that Peter made the best chocolate milk.

“Hey. I’ll take a glass too,” you said as you walked into the kitchen.

“Reservation for Stone,” the host called out. “Right this way.”

The four of you followed the host to a round, wooden table by the fireplace. “This is nice and so cozy.” Looking around your counted two other fireplaces. The other patrons were a mix of couples and families.

After ordering drinks you and Peter conversed while Isaac colored and Cora played with her dolly. Peter was excited to take you and the kids on the slopes tomorrow. He had taken you and the kids for snowsuits, hats, gloves, goggles prior to the trip.

“What?” Peter asked when you couldn’t stop smiling.

“I’m just happy. And I love hearing you talk about something that gets you so excited,” you explained.

“I’m very happy too,” Peter returned with his eyes locked with yours.

“Peter Stone.” A woman’s voice brought you back to the present. “What are you doing in Vail?”

“Stacy.” He stood and greeted her with a small hug. Stacy was about 5’10” at least, slender, long blonde hair that laid in perfect curls down her back, perfect smile and a set of breasts that even you couldn’t help but notice. “I’m vacationing with my family. This is my girlfriend, Y/N, Isaac, and Cora.” Both looked up and grinned.

She looked at you and the kids over with a confused look.

“Nice to meet you,” you stood and shook her hand.

“You as well,” she replied.

“Is Scott here? I’d like to say hi.” Peter asked.

“Oh, yeah. He’s at the bar. We were waiting on our table,” she answered.

“I’ll be back. Can I get you anything Y/N?”

“Vodka and cranberry, please.”

He kissed your cheek and made his way to the bar.

“So, how do you and Peter know one another?”

“We dated a few years ago,” Stacy replied. “We worked at the same firm until he went to work as an ASA.”

“What type of law do your practice?”

“Criminal defense. What line of work are you in?” she asked.

‘I’m an ER nurse.”

She nodded her head. The two of you shared an awkward moment of silence.“Your children are beautiful.”

“Thank you. I think they’re pretty great.”

“Never thought of Peter as the father type,” she remarked.

You cocked your head to the side. “You couldn’t be more wrong. Peter is a wonderful dad.”

“But their not even-” The look you gave her shut her up. Stacy narrowed her eyes at your comment.

Peter rejoined the group. His smile faltered when he saw your face. “Here you are. Oh, looks like our dinner is arriving.”

Stacy took the subtle hint and sauntered back to where she came from.

“Stacy says you two dated a few years ago. Said you broke up after you went to the ASA office,” you stated while you helped Peter make hot cocoa and put cookies onto a plate.

He furrowed his brow. “We did. But that’s not why we broke up.” Peter took the pan of milk off the stove and poured it evenly into the four waiting mugs.

You gave him a look to continue his story.

“She wanted different things than I did,” he explained simply.

“And that would be…”

“Marriage. Children. But I didn’t. Not with her anyway.”

“No wonder she was so taken aback by the kids,” you concluded.

“What do you mean?” Peter asked. Leaning against the counter he gave you an expectant look.

“She said you weren’t the father type. I told she was wrong, that you were a great dad.” Shrugging your shoulders, you turned to the refrigerator to grab the whipped cream. When you turned back to Peter he had tears in his eyes.

He put his hands on your hips. “You-you really think that? I mean…”

Reaching a hand up you cupped his face. “Yes. I do. Your love for them is evident. You make them laugh, console them when they’re upset and comfort them when they’re sick. If you haven’t noticed, they absolutely adore you, Petey.” You gave him a wink.

He chuckled at the use of Cora’s nickname for him. He sniffled a little. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“Giving me a family.”

Second Chances

//Second part of my take of Heartfelt Passages’, Better to have loved, in the alternate Doddsverse. Continues from HERE//

When you turned around you were surprised to see Peter Stone standing in front of you. “What brings you to NYC?” Peter was a casual acquaintance of yours and Mike’s when you lived in Chicago.

“Actually, my father passed away. I’m in town to settle his estate,” he explained.

“I’m so sorry Peter,” you said softly.

Cora pulled on your hand. “Mama. Who that?”

Peter knelt down to her level. “My name is Peter. I’m a friend of your Mommy’s. What’s your name?”

She gave him a shy smile. “Cora Danae Dodds.”

“It’s very nice to meet you, Cora.”

Peter smiled at her then stood. “Can I buy you a coffee?” Peter offered. “I have an hour before a meeting. I’d like to catch up.”

“That would be nice. Thank you,” you accepted.

“How are William and Anne?” Peter inquired after you found seats.

“They’re doing really well. Anne is an angel. I don’t know what I would have done without them after Mike…” You cleared your throat. “Umm…how long will you be in town?”

Peter gazed at you then Cora, who was enjoying her smoothie. “Couple weeks maybe to get things settled, then I’m going back to Chicago.”

Your phone buzzed. It was a text from Amanda. You locked your screen, deciding to answer it later. “Sorry about that. With kids, you never know.”

“Oh yes, Your son. How old is he?”

Unlocking your phone you showed him pictures of the kids. “His name is Isaac. He’s four.”

“He looks so much like Mike,” Peter commented. He looked at his watch. “Sorry I have to go. It was so nice seeing you. And it was very good meeting you, Miss Cora.”

“Bye Petey,” she said and went back to playing with her doll.

Peter chuckled. “Dinner before I go back to Chicago?”

“Sure text me when you’re free.” The two of you exchanged numbers before he left.

“Bye ladies.” He smiled then waved. You watched as Peter made his way out the door. ‘Had he always been that handsome?’ You thought to yourself.

Before going home, you stopped by the precinct to make a quick visit and see if anyone was available for drinks on Friday. The precinct was buzzing with activity which was nothing new. But there was a different energy to it. A somber energy, like the first time you went there after Mike died.

Sonny was the first person you saw. His face lit up. “Hey, dolls!” He hugged you and Cora jumped into his arms. “Uncle Sonny!” Cora exclaimed and wrapped her arms around his neck.

“What’s going on? There’s a weird energy,” you stated and looked around.

Sonny’s brow furrowed. “I thought Amanda talked to you.”

“She texted me but I was having coffee with a friend so I didn’t read it. Is everything okay?” You already knew the answer to that question.

“C’mere.” Sonny put a hand to your lower back, ushering you into the breakroom. He closed the doors behind him.

“This can’t be good,” you said simply. Sonny sat Cora at one of the tables and gave her the tablet and pen that was in his jacket.

“Here, sit,” he gestured to one of the other chairs, taking the one beside you. “Remember that baby that was kidnapped by his father because Mom wanted to end life support?”

You nodded in the affirmative. It had been all over the news. “Was there a development in the case?”

Sonny looked down at his folded hands. “Barba turned off the ventilator. He pulled the plug on that kid.”

“He what?” you said shocked. “What was he thinking? I mean I get it but…”

“Yeah. That’s kinda where all of us are.” Sonny rubbed his forehead.

The two of you sat in silence for several minutes. Both of you processing the information. Cora saw Olivia and her face brightened. “Is Noah here?” She asked excitedly.

“No sweetie. He’s in school. I’m sorry. Maybe this weekend you and Isaac can come over,” she said when she came through the door. Cora nodded enthusiastically. The two of you hugged. “I guess you know what’s going on with Barba.”

“Yeah. Sonny just told me. Have been able to talk to him?”

“No. He’s being arraigned late this morning. I did run into Jack McCoy. He introduced me to special counsel in Rafael’s trial.” She rounded the table and poured herself a cup of coffee.

“Yeah? Who is it?” Sonny inquired.

“Ben Stone’s son, Peter,” she answered with disdain in her voice.

“I ran into him this morning. We had coffee,” you said. Both turned to you in surprise and confusion. “He was an acquaintance of Mike’s when we lived in Chicago.”

“Well, he’s a good prosecutor. Barba’s in for a fight.”

Your cell buzzed in your bag. ‘Thank you for coffee. Nice to have a familiar face in all the chaos. I’ll be in town a little longer than I thought. Let me know what works for dinner.’

“How about never,” you thought to yourself as you slid the phone back into your bag.

adorably-baby:

Instagram: jessealterphotography

“She has so much hair,” Mike remarked as he laid Cora down in the middle of your bed. “And so happy.”

“That hair is 100% Dodds genes,” you said and reached up to ruffle Mike’s already floppy hair. “I didn’t have hair until I was a year old according to my mom.”

He chuckled. “I think that’s the only attribute she got from me. Thankfully she didn’t get my nose.” He stretched out beside Cora. You followed suit, on the opposite side.

“I happen to love your nose,” you said as you leaned over and kissed the tip of his nose.

Source: adorably-baby

Could I get something of Dodds Sr and Anne watching the kids?

“So. What do you want to do first?” William clasped his hands together. Anne and William enthusiastically agreed to watch the kids for the evening so you and Mike could have a date night.

“Legos!” Isaac exclaimed. “We build a car, Pappy!” He ran to his room to get collect said Legos. When he came back he dumped them all over the carpet.

“Wow, Isaac,” William chuckled, “that is some collection. So you want to build a car? You know your Dad loved to make things with Lego when he was your age.

“Me and Daddy build stuffs. Mama does too.” Isaac pressed together a long, slender building block with a wheel.

“Me pways.” Cora plopped down beside William grabbing at the block.

“Cora! No! You are too little. These are my blocks. Go play with the baby blocks.” Isaac snatched the Lego from Cora causing her to have an instant meltdown.

Anne rushed into the family room from the kitchen where she was preparing dinner. “What in heavens name is going on? Is she hurt?” Anne took Cora from William and snuggled her to her chest. “Shh. It’s okay sugar.”

“Isaac Michael Dodds, was that nice?” William chided him. “Pick up all these blocks. Then apologize to your sister.”

Isaac started his own waterworks. It was rare he got in trouble with either Anne or William. “But-but these are big boy blocks. Not for baby’s.” Isaac sniffed.

William sighed, then knelt down to Isaac’s level. “C’mere buddy. We don’t take things out of peoples hands, right?” Isaac nodded. “Okay. Let’s go apologize to Cora.”

Cora was sitting on the counter with Anne standing next to her. “I’m sorry, Cora.” She grinned at Isaac and gave him a slice of cheese. “I think all is forgiven. Now wash up for dinner.”

Isaac was scrapping the bottom of his after finishing his ice cream. “Memaw. Are you Daddy’s Mama?”

“Well uh no. I’m his step-mama.” She replied exchanging a look with William. “Why do you ask darlin’?”

Isaac sighed. “I asked Daddy and Mama. They said in every way that matters.”

Anne looked at William, who gave her a wink. Anne cleared her throat. “How bout another scoop of ice cream?”

After dinner the kids got a bubble bath then jammies. They picked out a movie and settled on the couch. “Annie is Mama’s favorite movie. She knows all the songs and sings. She’s not very good. Daddy can sing real good. Mama said that’s why she falled in love with him.”

William looked over the kids heads and smiled at Anne. She returned the smile, then blew him a kiss.

When you and Mike arrived home, you found the four of them asleep on the sectional sofa. Cora was lying on William’s chest and Isaac was curled into Anne’s side.

“Oh they are just the cutest,” you remarked quietly. Pulling your phone from your purse, you snapped a quick picture. “Should we put the kids on their beds?”

“Really think that’s a good idea?” Mike whimpered. “I mean I can think of better things to do than trying to get two toddlers back to sleep.” He grinned at you suggestively.

“Well what are you waiting for?” You giggled and gently tugged on his hand leading him toward the bedroom.

How did Mike react to when he found out he was having a daughter?

“So, when are we going to have another grandbaby?” William inquired one evening over dinner. The question came as a surprise to you, causing you to choke on your water. Mike patted your back.

“We haven’t really talked about it Dad. I mean Isaac just turned one. Were just enjoying him right now.” MIchael gazed at your baby boy and smiled.

Mike was brushing his teeth when you entered the restroom. You leaned your hip against the counter and looked up at him. Mike looked at you from the corner of his eye. “Wha?” He said as he continued to brush his teeth.

“Just thinking about what your dad said at dinner.” You moved your gaze from Mike to your feet.

Mike spit in the sink and rinsed his mouth. “All he does is talk. You’ll have to be a little more specific, Y/N.” He kissed your cheek and walked into he bedroom.

Pushing off the counter you followed Mike. “When he asked about a grandchild.” Turning your eyes up to MIke you tried to gage his reaction.

He finished dragging his T-shirt over his head and tossed it on the chair. “I’ve been thinking about it actually.” He took a deep breath. “The truth is, I’m ready when and if you are. I figure Isaac will be two by the time-”

That was all the answer you needed. You pulled Mike down for a kiss. “Let’s get started tonight.”

Mike chuckled as he picked you up. He laid you on the bed and covered you with his body.

“Okay Mr. Isaac. Are you ready to find out if you’re going to have a little sister or brother.” The sonographer grinned at the three of you. She ran the wand over your belly taking measurements and pictures.

Isaac giggled while he sat on Mike’s lap. You turned to him and smiled at your guys. You’d love to have a girl, but Isaac has been such a delight. Ultimately, as long as the baby was happy, you didn’t care.

“Okay. Looks like a little sister.” The songrahper printed out some pictures and cleaned the gel off your belly. “Congratulastions to all three of you.” She gave you a warm smile.

When you looked over at Mike, his eyes were glistening with tears and he had a huge grin on his face. He took your hand in his free one.”A daughter?” HIs voice was shaky. “We’re having a little girl.”