Chapter 1 Planning

Nick POV: Today, his home would once again be complete, Nick thought. Adalind was coming home from the hospital one week after waking with orders to rest and not lift anything. Easier said than done with an infant, but he had it all worked out. Sean understood when Nick said he needed a week off to help Adalind. Rosalee had offered to come over, but she had sacrificed enough previous time away from her business already between Kelly and Monroe. Nick also realized Adalind would not want Kelly out of sight to go to daycare. No, he wanted to be there for both of them and knowing how Adalind felt being apart from Kelly reminded Nick of his decision at the hospital. He had some work of his own to do to that end.

Adalind had been a little worried about him having to miss work because of her, but he tried to reassure her it was fine. Walking into the loft, Adalind turned to him asking again, "Are you sure Sean's fine with you taking time off?" She wore a guilty look as if she was being a burden.

"Don't you dare look like that. Without you, Sean wouldn't even have me around anymore. Besides, if it will make you feel any better, I never did take time off when Kelly was born," he finished while remembering. He had flung himself into work instead of dealing with his mother's and Juliette's deaths. Kelly's birth was the only bright spot at that point in his life. Adalind had made a difference as well, but he couldn't acknowledge that at the time. She had still been his enemy, just with a bit more of a complication. Without her though, Nick realized, he'd probably be in a much darker place. He leaned down and sealed his words with a long kiss that held gratitude for all she had done for him before he had even accepted her.

"Well, if you put it that way, I guess you can stay home," she stated slyly. Drawing him down for another kiss with her right arm, she threaded her fingers through his hair. Obviously she wanted more than a kiss, but Nick was worried about her injury, involuntarily glancing at her left arm in it's sling. Not willing to take a chance, he pulled away a bit.

"Wait till your doctor's appointment Friday, and ask if that sort of thing's a good idea first," he looked at her seriously. The doctor had stressed no strenuous excerise, and sex with them had always been a little strenuous. She huffed with resignation and a pout. She better stop that or he wouldn't be able to help himself, Nick thought. He intentionally walked away to pick up Kelly.

Adalind watched almost enviously when he lifted Kelly into his arms. "Nick, while you here and can spot me, I'd like to try something," she said cryptically.

"Spot you? Spot you for what?" Nick had no clue what she was asking for.

"Just come here," she insisted. He went to put Kelly down and she quickly stopped him, "No bring Kelly, too."

"Okay...?" Nick was totally mystified.

With all of them sitting on the bed she said, "Ok let me try something and don't be alarmed." He began to feel as if someone was taking Kelly from his arms which he instinctively resisted. "Nick let go, but keep your hands near," she prompted. He let go enough for Kelly to move from him, through the air, and then lay gently on the bed. Adalind smiled.

"Are you sure that's safe?" he asked wishing she had given him a little explanation first.

Adalind POV: Understanding Nick's hesitancy, she knew it wasn't her abilities but Kelly's safety that concerned him. "That's why I wanted you here. I just need to be able to pick him up in an emergency. I promise I'll resist doing it unless necessary," she reassured him with a kiss.

As they put Kelly to bed together, Adalind realized waiting five more days to see the doctor was going to be torture. Brushing Nick's arm, almost sent her sideways. After being away from him for several days, she needed him badly. Laying down, which she could do comfortably on her right side, they faced each other. Nick reached up and cupped her face with his hand.

"I'm so happy you're home," he expressed as much with his eyes as his words. "I need your advice on something," he paused again like he was building to something. "Why don't we get Diana back? HW's had her long enough!"