ANOTHER TENDER HEART

Warrick walked into the room his two girls shared and kissed them on the forehead. He realized now how lucky he was. He and Sara had been married six years now. Sara and the girls meant the world to him. Callie and Kaydie were probably two of the most loved children in Las Vegas. Callie had inherited her mom's smile and her daddy's love of music. Kaydie had her daddy's eyes and her mom's serious nature.

Callie and Kaydie may not have had grandparents, but there was no shortage of "adopted" family members to help out with spoiling them. Nick, who had been promoted to supervisor for days and Greg were their uncles. Jim Brass and Doc Robbins acted like doting grandfathers, often taking the girls on outings. Catherine, who was now assistant director of the lab since Gil retired, preferred to be called "Aunt Catherine".

Warrick walked down the hall to the master bedroom. He undressed and crawled into bed. He snuggled up close to Sara and wrapped his arm over her belly. His gentle touch woke her and she rolled over to face him.

"How's my baby girl this morning?"

"I'm better now that you're here." Warrick lifted up the edge of Sara's black tank top that was just barely covering her ever-growing belly. "Good morning, my little one," Warrick whispered softly as he ran his hands over her abdomen.

"Your little one kept me awake last night," Sara scoffed before she broke into fits of giggles.

"Hey, little one, give your mommy a break. She's a great mom. You're gonna love her." Warrick looked into Sara's brown eyes. "I know that I love her…always have and always will."

"Little one, your daddy is pretty special too. I have always loved him too. I can't picture life without him. With him, I found a sense of security that I had never found before. He knows what I need even before I realize it sometimes."

"Sara, we really should start thinking about names for him. I was wondering what you thought about Zachary Alexander, after Doc Robbins? I know his name is Albert, but Alexander has the same first two letters. He goes by Al anyway "

"I think that Doc would be honored. He has been so good to the girls, especially Callie."

"I know. She and him have a special bond. He adores her."

Several months later...

"Warrick, where are you? Sara awoke in a panic.

"Right here, baby girl, what's the matter? Did you have a nightmare? "

"No," Sara smiled, calming as she spoke. "We need to get to the hospital."

"Okay, I'll call Nick and Greg to stay with Callie and Kaydie."

"And I'll call the hospital and Doctor Torrez and let them know that we are on our way in."

Several hours later...

"Where is my beautiful new grandbaby?" Jim asked as he walked into the hospital room where Sara was.

Warrick smiled, "The nurse went to get him."

"How are you doing, sweetheart?" Jim asked Sara in a warm and gentle way.

"I'm doing good. When the nurse gets back, can I ask for a few minutes of privacy to feed him?"

"Anything you want, Sara"

The nurse walked in carrying the infant. Jim started to walk out. Sara spoke, "Don't go just yet. You need to meet him. Jim, meet Zachary James Alexander Brown."

A few minutes later, Warrick peeked his head out and told him he could come back in. As Jim sat there rocking little Zach, Greg's voice could be heard. "Quiet girls…Babies are sleeping."

The door opened and in spilled Nick and Kaydie followed closely by Greg and Callie, who walked a little bit slower because she was still mastering her new crutches. "Where is our new brother, Uncle Nick?" Kaydie asked.

"It looks like Grandpa Jim has him." Nick responded.

"Daddy, I want to hold him too." Callie said.

"Okay, you can hold him, just like I promised. But, you have to sit up here with Mommy." Callie nodded her head eagerly.

Warrick scooped Callie up and sat her on the bed. Jim handed Callie baby Zach.

"You're doing good, baby." Sara spoke tenderly and smiled as she helped Callie hold him.

"You are my sunshine. My only sunshine…"Callie began to sing to her baby brother in a beautifully clear voice.

Catherine came in about then. Kaydie squealed, "Aunt Catherine! Baby Zach is here! He's really here!"

"I know sweetie! Are you ready for your day at the zoo?"

"Yeah! Come on sissy!"

Warrick took Zach as Catherine helped Callie get down. "Hey guys, can I get a minute with Sara before I take off with the girls?"

"Sure thing." The group walked out, leaving Sara and Catherine.

"Sara, I just want to tell you what a great job you are doing. Your children really are lucky to have you for a mom. "

"Thanks, Cath. That really does mean a lot. Come here." Catherine came over and Sara grabbed her and hugged her.

"Warrick is lucky to have you too. You were what he needed all along."

"With Warrick, my tender heart finally knew what it meant to feel safe and be loved unconditionally."