Disclaimer- Supernatural and all its characters belong to the CW and Kripke.

Previously on Supernatural- After what felt like forever the basket stopped and Sam and Dean were taken out of the basket and settled into the helicopter. Minutes later John was aboard and the helicopter set off for the hospital.

Bobby's pickup barreled through the streets of the small town. Heedless of the traffic laws and signs he floored the gas intent on getting to the hospital swiftly. He had been relieved when he saw Sammy awake and moving around. But he couldn't be totally at ease until he was able to hold the youngster and see that mega watt smile adorning his sweet face. Spotting the entrance Bobby barely tapped the brakes as he swerved into the drive. He quickly found the parking space closest to the emergency room doors and swooped in ahead of a small compact car. Ignoring the other driver's heated remarks Bobby briskly walked through the doors and into the hospital. After getting no information at the nurses' desk, he strolled over to the waiting room immediately spotting Dean sitting alone in the corner. Bobby made his way over to the boy. "This seat taken?" Bobby jokingly asked. Getting anxious when there was no reply Bobby sat down and placed his hand on Dean's shoulder. "What's a matter, kid?" he questioned.

A slightly green looking Dean turned and stared seriously at the older man. "Uncle Bobby" he began, "I never want to ride in a helicopter again! Ever! Or an airplane or anything else that flies."

"That bad huh?" Bobby inquired.

"It was awful" Dean whispered. "A plane came out of nowhere, and we had to turn fast so it wouldn't hit us. We came this close to colliding with it." Dean told him spreading his hands apart a few feet to show Bobby. Wanting to change the subject Dean made a show of looking around before asking, "Where's Officer Wilson?"

"He's gonna be one heck of a con artist when he grows up." Bobby thought as he grinned down at Dean. Bobby ruffled the kid's hair as he replied, "He had to stay at the park and wait for the police and rangers to come and take care of Mr. Taylor." Noticing strange movement coming from the pocket of the hoodie his nephew was wearing Bobby asked, "Uh, Dean what's in your pocket?"

Gesturing for his uncle to be quiet Dean carefully reached in his pocket and pulled a sleeping Muffin out for a second before stashing her back in her hiding spot. "I couldn't think of another way to get her off the ledge, and I knew Sammy would have a fit if I left her there." he whispered glancing around to ensure no one had spotted the concealed pup.

"That's some quick thinking, Dean. Good job!" Bobby praised patting the middle Winchester on the back.

Before Bobby could ask any more questions, John and Sammy appeared at the waiting room entrance. "You guys ready to go?" John asked, "I think Sammy and I have had enough of this place. Right, Sam?"

Sammy nodded his sleepy head against his father's shoulder. He gazed up at his dad before turning to stare at his brother and uncle. He gave them a slight smile before leaning back against his dad. Knowing he was finally safe Sam shut his eyes and immediately fell asleep.

Bobby led the way to his truck. Once everyone was safely strapped in he carefully drove toward the park. Dean pulled Muffin out of her hiding place and set her on his lap for the ride. He sat petting her and was surprised to see his father reach down and pat her head a few times. Grinning Dean started quietly talking with his dad making sure to add several comments about "Grandpa" Bobby's driving. They spent the rest of the ride laughing and joking with each other. They drove into the park just in time to see Officer Wilson coming out of the woods. Pulling up and parking beside the impala they climbed out of the truck to talk to the man who had been such a big part of Sam's rescue. Shaking the officer's hand John and Bobby both thanked him for all his help.

Waking up as the truck came to a stop Sammy was content right where he was. He was trying to go back to sleep when he heard a stranger's voice. Opening his eyes he noticed a tall man talking with his dad. Patting his father's chest to get his attention Sam whispered, "Daddy, who's that man? Is he the bad man that tried to get me?"

John glanced down when he felt a certain someone hit him. John's smile turned into a frown when he heard his baby boy's question. "What bad man, Sammy?" John inquired. Seeing his son stare at the officer he added, "That's Officer Wilson. He helped us find you last night, kiddo."

Officer Wilson smiled at the little boy who snuggled against his father for safety. "Nice to meet you, Sammy." he said tenderly ruffling the littlest Winchester's hair. "Can you tell me about the bad man, Sam? It's really important."

Sammy hesitated for a few seconds before speaking. "I don't know who he is." he said timidly, "All I know is he has a loud truck, and Meghan said he likes to hurt kids."

"This is the second time I've heard about this girl." John mentioned. Who's Meghan, Sam?"

"She's my friend. She found me at the cabins and stayed with me until you came." Sammy explained.

"Dad, I . . ." Dean called.

"Just a minute, Dean" John interrupted, "Sam nobody was with you. You were alone on that ledge."

"Yes, she was!" Sammy cried, "Meghan was too there! She sent Muffin to get you!"

Dean tried again. "Dad, I . . ."

"Wait a minute, Dean" Officer Wilson butted in. "Sam, would you describe Meghan to me?"

Sam nodded happy to have someone believe him. "She was a little older than Dean. She had long brown hair, and she was wearing a green soccer uniform." he informed them.

"Dad!" Dean exclaimed.

"Not now, Dean!" John shouted while focusing on the officer who was pulling out his wallet. "What's going on?" he asked gruffly.

"Sam, is this Meghan?" Officer Wilson inquired handing a faded picture to the boy.

Sammy's smile lit up his face as he stared at the picture. "That's Meghan!" he hollered. "See, daddy? I told you she was here! Where is she? Did she go back to her cabin? Can we go see her?"

Taking the picture John paled as he read the inscription on the back. "Is this the girl you told us about?" he asked. Seeing the officer nod broke John's heart. Knowing and hating what he would have to do, he schooled his expression and was about to give Sam an excuse for why they couldn't go see his friend when Dean interrupted once again. "What is it, Dean!" he shouted irritatedly.

Cringing at the harsh voice Dean quietly said, "I was trying to tell you about Meghan, dad. She talked to me on the cliff. Told me to take Muffin down to Sammy."

"She did?" Sam asked smiling.

"Yeah, runt. And she told me to tell you that she had to go." Dean continued. "She was sorry that she couldn't stay and tell you herself."

"She's gone." Sam said as the tears began. "But I didn't get to say good bye."

"I know squirt" Dean started while trying to think of something to explain the situation without telling the ghost part of it. Thinking fast Dean smiled at Sammy and said, "She really wanted to stay and talk with you but her and her dad had to leave early to drive back home today."

"Oh, okay" Sam sighed looking at the picture of his friend. "But I still wish I could've said good bye."

Getting an idea Officer Wilson cut into the conversation. "Sammy, would you like to have that picture?"

Sam's eyes lit up. "Really?" he asked.

"Sure" the officer replied. "I think she'd want you to have it."

"Thanks" Sammy whispered clutching the picture.

The three men spoke for a few minutes before heading towards their respective vehicles and leaving the park. Bobby followed the impala back to the house. Once home Bobby and John carried the two sleeping boys into the house and got them settled in bed before turning in themselves.

Late that afternoon found John and Bobby sitting in the back yard watching the two younger Winchesters playing soccer with Muffin. They took turns kicking the ball to the pup who proceeded to use her nose to roll it around the yard.

John sat enjoying being a normal family for a day. It had been a long time since he'd given himself a break and was just daddy. "Too long" John thought as he watched his boys racing around the yard chasing Muffin. Seeing his boys' attachment to the pup made John hate what he was going to have to do even more. There was no way they could keep a dog. With all the moving, long road trips, and sometimes small cash supply a pet was out of the question. He knew that; he really did. But he dreaded taking the dog from the boys. It would break their hearts, and he wasn't sure he could handle that right now. Not after everything that had happened in the last few days. Sighing he resigned himself to letting his boys have today to play and be happy before he did what he had to do.

Hearing the sigh Bobby glanced over at his friend. He knew what John was worried about, and frankly he was too. The boys had really taken a shine to that little pup. Seeing those two running and playing with Muffie like normal little boys was a welcome sight. He'd tried to talk John out of hunting several times, telling him to think about the boys. But he never got anywhere. John was bound and determined to find the thing that killed his wife and nothing would stand in his way. Thoughts turning back to the boys Bobby racked his brain for a way Sam and Dean could keep the pup. He grimaced at the headache all that thinking brought him. Knowing there was no way for the Winchesters to keep the dog he decided he needed a way to soften the blow. A sudden idea had him grinning like a fool. He had the perfect solution to their dilemma. Now to find the right time to put his plan in motion. Luckily Bobby didn't have to wait long.

As they ate supper Sammy talked a mile a minute about all the things he and Muffin were going to do. Dean sat and ate silently but Bobby could tell by his expression that Dean already knew that they couldn't keep the dog. Bobby talked with John and made sure to add little bits about not being able to find things in his house. He watched as Dean perked up and gazed at Bobby. "He's figured it out" Bobby thought as he winked at the surprised boy.

Dean couldn't believe his ears. Bobby was hinting about taking Muffin to live with him. Smirking at the old hunter Dean decided to help Bobby out since no one else seemed to get it. "Hey, Bobby" Dean called out, "I bet Muffin could find those things for you. She's a great hunter, isn't she Sammy?"

Sammy finished chewing and swallowing his bite of hamburger before answering. "Yeah, she's the best, Uncle Bobby! She can find anything!"

Playing along with Dean Bobby pretended to be surprised as he spoke. "Really, Sammy? Do you think I could borrow her for a while?"

"I think that's a good idea." John added, "What about you, Sam?"

Sammy tapped his chin thoughtfully. After a few seconds he looked at Bobby. "I'm sorry Uncle Bobby but you can't borrow her. She needs me to take care of her." Sam informed him. "But don't worry, I bet Max and Cristo can find your stuff."

John groaned when he heard the response. He had hoped his son would take Bobby up on the offer. Of course Sammy couldn't make it that easy for him. Steeling himself for the reaction he was bound to get John laid it out for his little one. "Sammy, you know we can't keep Muffin. We move around too much, and a car is no place for a dog. We've had this talk before. There's no way we can have a pet."

"But daddy, Muffin doesn't mind riding in the car. She won't take up much room, and I'll take good care of her. You won't even know she's there. Please, daddy!" Sammy begged using his best kicked puppy look on his dad.

Ignoring the look on his son's face and the emotions it brought with it, John laid down the law. "We cannot keep her Sammy. That's it. End of discussion. Now you can let Uncle Bobby take her or we'll take her to a pound in the morning. But she can't stay with us."

"Sammy's bottom lip quivered as he whispered, "Okay Uncle Bobby you can take her with you." before bursting into tears and running from the room.

"I've got him, dad" Dean said as he chased after his brother.

Turning to Bobby John wasn't surprised at the look he was getting. "Don't say a word" he warned the older hunter. John got up and started clearing the table.

Bobby bit his tongue to keep from giving John the tongue-lashing he deserved. He couldn't believe the man that was so understanding and gentle with Dean in the woods was the same one who just blew Sammy out of the water. Deciding to leave the room before he did something he's regret Bobby walked toward the doorway and called over his shoulder, "I'll leave in the morning."

Morning came far too early for the small family. Bobby loaded his truck before turning to the boys who were quietly watching him. Kneeling down in front of Sammy he pulled the child in for a hug. "Don't you worry Sammy. I'll take real good care of Muffin, and you can come see here anytime. Okay?" he said.

Sammy hugged Muffin before carefully placing the tiny dog in Bobby's hands. "You be good, Muffie and do everything Uncle Bobby tells you. I'll see you soon. I love you." Tears streamed down his face as Sam petted Muffin one more time and then turned and ran back into the house.

"Thanks, Uncle Bobby." Dean whispered as he hugged the older man and the pup. "I better go see about Sammy." Turning and walking away Dean called out, "See you later, old man!"

"Bye shorty" Bobby hollered back grinning. "Don't be a stranger Johnny." he told the eldest Winchester as he climbed into his truck and drove away.

John stood and watched until the truck was out of sight. John turned and slowly trudged to the house. "It's gonna be a long day" he thought as he walked inside.

The End