The Song Remembers When

"Well I might as well get the coffee started," he said reaching for his sweatshirt, which he had thrown on the floor last night.

Riley walked out of his room and across the hall to Jordan's. He opened up the door to see Evan and Jordan cuddled together in one bed and Mason sleeping in the other. The night before Riley had a small war on his hands when he tried to convince the kids that it was best of Evan slept on his own. Jordan and Evan would have none of that though insisting that they be allowed to sleep together. Their closeness baffled Riley and he tried to recall whether all brothers and sisters at this age were this close.

Riley closed the door again and he headed down the hall toward the stairs. He stopped in front of Buffy's closed door, thinking that he could knock on her door and tell her that he had been 'in the neighborhood'. It was early though and Riley doubted that she would appreciate it that much so he shook his head and continued down the stairs to the kitchen.

"Oh my god! He is so cute in this picture!"

Riley could hear Buffy gushing as he walked into the kitchen. To his horror he found her and his mother sitting at the kitchen table going through old photo albums.

"That was his 5th birthday. He wanted to be a cowboy that year."

"Oh well, that explains the cowboy hat and the holster," Buffy giggled as she reached for her coffee mug.

"This picture. this picture of Evan! I'm positive I have one of Riley doing the same thing!" Katie sputtered reaching for another album to find the picture in question.

"Oh that's one of my favorites, too," Buffy said, smiling at the picture of Evan in his diaper on the kitchen floor with his teddy bear and crying.

"I can't believe how much they look a like! Right down to the way their bottom lips shake when they are about to cry," Katie sighed as she handed Buffy the picture.

"Yeah there's no doubting that Evan is Riley's son, is there?" Buffy smiled, touching the picture of the little boy Kate handed her.

"None what so ever," Kate agreed and smiled as she felt her son kiss her check.

Upon noticing Riley, Buffy quickly grabbed for one of the photo albums on the table and slid it onto the floor. She hoped that Riley hadn't noticed it. The album had been one of the gifts she'd been planning on giving him for Christmas this year. It was a year by year look at Evan's life, right up to the Christmas picture he'd had taken with his sisters. She was hoping that maybe it would take a little bit of the sting of Riley's having missed so much of Evan's life.

"Mornin' Mom," Riley said as he made his way around the table to kiss Buffy good morning as well.

"Morning Riley. Buffy and I are sharing a little private girl time together."

"Yup, we're bonding over pictures of our sons," Buffy said, smiling into his beautiful blue eyes as he pulled back from the quick kiss.

"Ah, girl time. So should I leave you both alone?" He asked, heading towards the counter to pour himself a cup of coffee.

"Oh no! You and your son are the topic of conversation here. So if you're not embarrassed by your mom telling stories about you as a little boy, then you should stay," Buffy said as she turned another page in the photo album.

The picture at the top of the page was staring of three boys standing in front of a Christmas tree. Buffy was instantly struck by the age difference between the boys. Kevin looked to have been about 13, Riley about 7 and Marc 2 or so.

"How old were you guys in this picture?" Buffy asked, holding the picture up for Riley to see.

"I don't know? Mom?" Riley asked, looking at his mother as Buffy turned the album toward her.

"Oh that was the year that you boys had the flu at Christmas. It was the first year we missed Christmas mass," Katie told them, remembering the year as one of the family's less fun holidays.

"Oh yeah! I remember that now. I was so afraid Santa wouldn't come because we were so sick and Kevin kept telling me that Santa would come anyway because he never got sick," Riley laughed and sat down next to Buffy.

"Speaking of your brother, Riley. I'm starting to worry about him. He said they would be here last night," Kate said as she looked out the backdoor. She frowned slightly at the amount of snow that was coming down.

"Oh Mom, I'm sorry I should have told you that Kevin called last night and said they'd be here first thing this morning. Chris's case went later than they thought. It appears that she's dealing with a haunted Nativity scene," Riley frowned. "Or at least it seems to be haunted."

"Haunted Nativity scenes? Isn't that just a little sacrilegious at this time of year?" Kate asked staring at her son to see if he was joking.

"Not if it's Angels doing the haunting. Kevin says that Chris is positive it's a hoax but that the church asked her to look into it," Riley said closing the photo album in front of him.

"Well at least the Catholic Church is keeping roofs over the heads of my family," Katie sighed.

"Mom Chris and I never charge the Church, you know that! You're starting to sound like Graham," Riley muttered in disgust. His mother was the chairwoman of the Catholic Women's league and even she was telling him to charge the Church for his services!

"Well they're rich enough," Katie quipped smiling at Buffy.

"It's a good thing Dad isn't here to hear you say that," Riley said and then he noticed that his father wasn't in the kitchen. This surprised Riley because Bryan Finn had been a farmer all of his life and was usually up at the crack of dawn. "By the way where's Dad?"

"I sent him to the store so we can make biscuits for breakfast. This house is too healthy!" Kate said handing Buffy another album to look through. "I swear Riley, there's not one fattening thing in here anywhere!"

"So what you're really saying is that Dad went to escape the girl talk?"

"No, I had to kick him out the door," Katie told her son. "He and Buffy were the first ones up this morning."

"You and my dad?" Riley said, turning to look at Buffy. He felt an urge to run his hands over her to be sure that she'd escaped unscathed her time with his dad.

"Yes, and I'm still alive! Don 't look so shocked, Riley," Buffy giggled seeing the look on his face.

"So did you two talk?" He asked carefully.

"Pretty much a blue streak. He had a ton of questions about Evan, and I had my share about you, so that's how we ended up with the photo albums out," Buffy said, waving one hand over the pile of albums and handing Riley her mug for a refill with the other.

"Riley, you've found a great girl here. I wouldn't let her go again if I were you," Katie teased as the back door opened and Xander stuck his head in.

"Any coffee ready yet?"

"You bet. Is this for you or Anya?" Riley asked as he reached for another mug.

"Me. She's still asleep. Between the jet lag and her pregnancy, we'll be lucky if we see her before noon!" Xander told them as he stopped his feet on the mat.

"You're awful!" Buffy laughed, throwing a dishtowel at him.

"No, only honest."

"She was up earlier than that yesterday," Riley said, trying to defend the absent Anya.

"What ten to twelve?" Xander cracked ducking as a sugar pack sailed across the room at him.

"I repeat you are awful!" Buffy giggled as she took her steaming mug from Riley.

"So what do we have here?" Xander said taking a picture from the pile. "Buffy I don't remember this tricycle."

"You wouldn't, it's Riley's," Buffy said and smiled upon seeing the picture Xander held.

"Wow, talk about a resemblance! We're gonna have to start calling Evan RJ," said Xander as he reached for another picture.

"RJ?"

"Riley Junior. Or Little R."

"I don't think Evan would be too happy about sharing my name with him, Xander. He has his own," Riley said handing Xander a cup of coffee. "Cream and sugar are on the counter."

"Nope take it black. After working construction sites for the last 10 years, you can never count on such luxury as milk and sugar."

"How goes the construction business these days? Busy?" Riley asked. It was nice to have some time to talk to Xander without interruptions for a change.

"It's been great. I started.I should say we started our own construction company a couple of years ago and." Xander said nodding his head at Buffy.

"Wait! You own a construction company? Why didn't you tell me?" Riley asked turning from Xander to Buffy.

"Silent partner here, its all Xander. We turned a tidy little profit last year, and we have several projects underway right now," Buffy boasted proudly.

"We've been doing mostly reconstruction on a lot of those old Hollywood mansions that have been falling apart thanks to the salt air. I did Willow's place as a favor and the next thing I knew, I had more business than I could handle," Xander said leaning back in his chair.

"Really? Well I know this place could do with some work. When it was converted 20 years ago there was some damage done to the original wood and plaster in the ballroom and library. If you could take a look and maybe give me an estimate, I'd appreciate it," Riley said suddenly excited about having a professional carpenter in his house.

"Sure, I can do that and recommend someone out here too.."

Xander didn't get to finish his sentence as the backdoor flew open with a crash and Marc burst through the door carrying an arm full of grocery bags followed closely by Dawn.

"What are you doing here?" Riley asked, confused by the new arrivals.

"Dad invited us all for breakfast. Said he wanted the house so full that you'd run screaming from the building," Marc told him as he dropped his bags on the counter.

Graham came in next with another armful of bags, but stopped to kiss Kate good morning on his way to the counter.

"Morning Kate," he said as he continued over to drop his bags.

"See Marc, Graham kissed me good morning and you didn't. He must have been raised so much better than you," Kate sighed before crossing her arms over her chest and giving him the eye.

"Mom my arms were full," Marc said, attempting to defend himself.

"Oh, and Graham's weren't?" Katie said, pointing to her cheek.

"Yeah and now I'm gonna get grief all day cause I didn't kiss her as soon as I got here. Thanks buddy," Marc grumbled to Graham as he shouldered his way over to his mother for a hello kiss.

"You keep grumbling kiddo and I'll smack your butt in front of the ladies," Katie warned him.

"You wouldn't!"

"Don't dare her bro. You ought know better by now," Riley said shaking his head at his brother's stupidy.

"He spends too much time up in Canada instead of visiting his mother like I do," Graham said innocently. Marc gave him the death glare in response.

"Where's your father?" Katie asked suddenly, not sure whether she was sparing Marc from the teasing or Graham from Marc's wrath.

"Oh he's helping with the twins. Do babies always need so much stuff?" Marc asked shocked at the carload of stuff they needed just to visit for the day.

"Yes they do Marc but you never took the time to notice the traveling circus Claire and I traveled with when we went home for the holidays. No no, you and Graham were too busy chasing after the Hughes sisters."

"No. that was the Carmicheal sisters actually," Marc said, highly indignant that his brother would get his women wrong. "Tracy was my age, and Linda was Graham's. It was you and Kevin who had a thing for the Hughes sisters."

"Hey does this place have a Bell Captain or am I expected to carry my own luggage in?" a deep, masculine voice called from the front hallway.

"Kevin!" Marc yelled racing out to the hallway with Riley to find his oldest brother and his rambunctious family staggering under the weight of their luggage.

"Kevin, don't you know when Congress adjourns for the holidays the city becomes a ghost town? You're supposed act like any other government official and disappear when the final gavel hits. You're sticking around D.C. is un-American," Riley informed his brother as he pulled him in for a bear hug while Marc hugged his sister-in-law.

"No, I'd say staying there is a convenient way to delay hearing one of Dad's fire and brimstone sermons," Kevin retorted. "Believe me, listening to filibuster is more pleasant."

Buffy stood in the doorway watching the Finn family reunion with her mouth hanging open. In the middle of this crazy family stood one of the most powerful, influential, dynamic people in modern U.S. politics. She'd been a fan of Iowa's Senator Kevin Finn for some time, but she hadn't realized that he was Riley's older brother. Suddenly she was glad she hadn't known or she'd have been obsessing about meeting him all week! On quiet days at the office, Buffy would slip into the library and flip on C-SPAN so she could drool over this charismatic man. Yes, it was true. Buffy Summers was a political groupie and Senator Finn was definitely a 'hottie'! Like his younger brothers, Kevin was tall, 6'4" with light brown hair, dark brown eyes and the famous Finn smile and he definitely resembled Marc more than Riley. Riley had spoken about his oldest brother Kevin in the past. He would describe how he had idolized Kevin growing up and how Kevin had been a more lenient father figure to Marc than their own father until he left to go West Point but Buffy still never put two and two together.

Well respected by everyone on Capital Hill because of his honesty and integrity, Kevin was a close friend to many of Washington's top officials. Pictures of him and his beautiful wife Chris often graced the Washington social columns and they were considered Washington A-list. This meant frequent visits to White House formal dinners but what truly set them from other A-list couples was that they were considered friends of the President and First Lady, not just 'business' associates. Buffy had seen pictures of the Senator standing next to the President at several formal functions honoring visiting dignitaries and royalty over the years. Kevin's ability to speak several languages fluently made him invaluable to the President when interpreting was needed for delicate situations and like the rest of his family, Kevin could make anyone feel welcome regardless of a situation.

In addition to his outstanding efforts as a senator, retired Lt. Colonel Kevin R.J. Finn had served his country well during a well-decorated and documented career in the Army. Because of this experience Kevin found himself sitting on the Senate Appropriations Committee on Military Spending and was considered a friend to the Military, held in high esteem by all commands. As such when troops out in the field ran into enemy forces of a demonic nature, the Pentagon always called Kevin on the QT. He was considered the unofficial liaison between the military's brass and RAGE, Inc.

"So how goes the business Chris? Haunting or Hoax?" Riley asked as he hugged his sister in law.

"Hoax, just some poor man's dream of brining people back to the church again and what better time than Christmas?" She said hugging him back tightly.

"Was his name Bryan Finn?" Marc asked in mock seriousness. The whole family burst into gales of laughter.

"Marc!" Chris admonished while fighting giggles. "It was really quite sad. I felt sorry for the poor soul."

Chris and the rest of the family had managed to quell their laughter until Bryan entered the room. At his appearance however, they all collapsed again.

"What's so funny?" He demanded which only sent his sons into further hysterics.

"You're all nuts! Myles, Travis come help your grandfather carry the rest of the luggage in," Bryan called, shaking his head in disgust at the antics of his children.

Buffy's gaze drifted back to the famous Chris Finn. On first meeting her, people often thought her to be a shy, reserved, beauty who preferred to stand in the background behind her tall, imposing husband. That first impression was quickly forgotten however, for Chris was neither shy nor reserved. After helping her husband climb the military ladder of success, this Army officer's wife became the perfect politician's wife and was a trusted member of Kevin's election team. Intelligent and quick-witted, she made a wonderful dinner companion at State dinners by often exhibiting a droll sense of humor. Chris was also a great listener and possessed an incomparable memory. Many times after dignitary functions, Kevin would turn to his wife and ask questions about discussion points which he had either missed or forgotten. Chris would repeat verbatim the entire conversation.

She was also experienced in another field, one only her husband, in-laws and Graham knew about. As a child growing up in a haunted house, Chris became an expert in the paranormal. On dark and stormy nights she was often asked to tell ghost stories to listeners who thought she had a wonderful imagination while in truth, the stories were never fabricated. There were also rare occasions when RAGE, Inc. ran into a paranormal rather than a demonic threat, and Chris would be called. From their busy Georgetown townhouse, she ran a clearinghouse for mediums, priests trained in the art of exorcism and others experienced in poltergeist and spirit activity to help alleviate the situation.

Buffy was caught off guard when Chris suddenly turned on her.

"So you must be the famous Buffy Summers. I'm Chris Finn and I must say I'm a huge fan! In addition to bringing this old man out of retirement, I saw you debate the Death Penalty case in the Supreme Court last year. Very nice work," Chris said giving Buffy a hug.

"Oh well thank you for your kind words," Buffy blushed, "but I can't take all the credit for that one."

"Oh yes you can! Your name has raised more than a few eyebrows on the Hill I fear. There's talk that you might be approached about running for Senator Holloway's seat when he retires," Kevin said turning to see the beautiful woman his younger brother stood beaming at.

"Well thank you Senator."

Buffy was stopped cold by the sudden burst of laughter that filled the room and she looked at Riley in bewilderment.

"Baby, here he's just plain old Kevin Finn, and he'll be putting the garbage out after dinner tomorrow night," Riley laughed as he wrapped his arms around Buffy's waist.

"Really Buffy, its Kevin please and I really would like to speak to you sometime about your future but this is family time," Kevin said to her. "Speaking of family where did Dad take Myles and Travis?"

"Probably to help with the moving nursery," Marc cracked as his mother's and Buffy's hands clipped the back of his head. "Hey!"

"Gee Buffy you fit into the family nicely already. Slapping Marc is usually my job," Chris grinned and stuck her tongue out at Marc.

"And now you know where her sons get their refined behavior from," Marc grumbled as he went look for Graham.

"You have two boys?" Buffy asked Chris.

"Yeah, Travis is 14 and Myles is 11. He'll be a great age for Evan. Kevin and I are so excited about meeting him."

"Where is my nephew and for that matter my nieces?" Kevin asked looking around. He was surprised that the Hurricane Finn sisters hadn't attacked him already.

"Sleeping," Riley said when he saw Giles and Joyce coming down the stairs. "It was a late night last night, but if Tristan doesn't get up soon she'll miss her outing with her Grandpa Giles."

"Good morning Mom, Dad," Buffy said seeing her parents as well.

"Oh I hope we didn't wake you," Kevin said as he noticed the couple on the stairs. "We Finns aren't the quietest family you're ever gonna meet. We were raised on a farm after all."

"Mom, Dad this is Riley's oldest brother Kevin and his wife Chris," Buffy introduced the newcomers.

"No not all," Joyce laughed, gracious as always. "That was Hope and Tristan about 2 hours ago."

"They had you up at 5:00 am? Oh Giles, Joyce I'm so sorry," Riley apologized, totally embarrassed that his daughters had woken Joyce and Giles up.

"Riley please don't apologize. I miss having little ones climb into bed with us. Evan hasn't done that since he was Tristan's age and I can't remember the last time Buffy did that," Joyce assured Riley.

"Where are they?" Buffy asked having learned her lesson the other day. A quiet Tristan was a Tristan getting into something! Usually Christmas presents.

"Brushing their teeth," Giles said surprised to see the shocked expression on Riley and Buffy's faces.

"Did you say brushing their teeth?" Buffy asked.

"Yes. Why? Aren't they allowed to do that alone?" Joyce asked, afraid they'd committed some faux paux in the Finn house.

"It's just that normally you have to bribe my youngest daughter to brush her teeth," Riley said.

"You're kidding? All I said was let's get your teeth brushed and you can meet us downstairs for breakfast and both girls raced for the bathroom," Giles said shrugging his shoulders.

"Sir you have the touch," Kevin grinned.

"Uncle Riley? Where do you want us to put all this?" Travis asked as he came in the front door with suitcases and shopping bags.

"Sorry, Travis we should have come out to help you," Riley said to his nephew, but the boy was no longer listening to him. Instead he was staring at the kitchen doorway where Willow Rosenberg stood in a pair of Graham's sweatpants.

"Travis, this is my friend Willow Rosenberg. Willow these are my nephews, Travis and Myles Finn," Riley introduced the boys to their favorite actress calmly with just a hint of a smile. Both boys stood open mouthed, staring at the beautiful Hollywood starlet.

Willow looked at the young men and smiled at them. She could already tell that these boys had the potential of all the other Finn males she had met; namely height and good looks.

"I know you can't tell right now Willow, but both boys are honor students. Hi, I'm Chris Finn, Riley's sister in law and this is my equally starstruck husband Kevin," Chris said as she smacked her husband's arm.

"Travis has your poster up in his room, he kisses it each night before he goes to bed." Myles blurted suddenly, not wanting to miss an opportunity to embarrass his older brother.

"Oh and you didn't tell me you were gonna marry her," Travis hissed, elbowing his brother to shut him up.

"Only because I was sparing her from marrying a slug like you," Myles retorted before smiling at the object of his pre-teen affections.

"Well you'll both be standing in line 'cause she's all mine," Graham said as he came up behind the boys and threw his arms over their shoulders.

"Uncle Graham!" Myles said, his cheeks turning pink.

"It's okay Myles, he's too old for me," Willow winked at the young boy causing him to blush even more.

"Guys take these bags up to the second room on the.." Riley looked to Buffy for confirmation.

"Left."

"Second room on the left but be quiet, ok? Evan's still sleeping okay."

"Is he okay?" Travis asked. Chris and Kevin had told their boys about their new cousin's illness.

"Getting better all the time," Riley smiled.

"Why'd you ask that? Can't you see you're upsetting Uncle Riley?" Myles whispered as they climbed the stairs.

"Shut up peanut brain. Dad said it was okay to ask that."

"Dad didn't tell me that."

"That's because you're brain dead and he didn't want you talking at all."

Riley laughed at the conversation that Myles and Travis were having as they went up the stairs. It could have been him and his brothers when they were that age! The way the two boys played with each other reminded him of his own wars with his brothers and the verbal jabs that the older Finn siblings had thrown at each other. In fact, it sounded a whole lot like him and Marc now! Riley knew these two cousins would become perfect companions for Evan and if Evan survived the transplant, Riley could see many guy trips with his son, brothers and nephews. It was something he had always wanted before Evan entered into his life.

"Dad?" Jordan's voice broke through his thoughts.

"Good morning princess," Riley smiled up at her as she stood at the top of the stairs with Mason.

"Evan's up and wants to know if you can help him." she began but trailed off as she noticed the hall full of people.

"I'd help him Uncle Riley, but I think he needs you," Mason said, looking at Jordan's blushing face. She couldn't say that Evan needed to go to the bathroom.

"Right there buddy," Riley said, taking the stairs two at time "Why don't you kids go say hello to your Uncle Kevin and Aunt Chris while I help Evan."

"I think I better go find Tristan and Hope," Jordan said looking down the hall to the girls' room where shouting could be heard.

"Dani, you come have breakfast with your aunt and uncle and I'll deal with your sisters," Buffy said climbing the stairs to give the little blonde girl a hug.

"Thanks Buffy," Jordan said, grateful that someone else would take care of her little sisters for a change.

"Come on Jordy, let's eat, before Myles and Travis find their way to the food," Kevin said waiting for his niece and her friend. Helping Riley get through his son's illness meant distracting the girls and that was something that Kevin had gotten good at since Claire died.

Riley entered the room to see Evan lying on his back with his eyes closed. If he hadn't of known better, Riley would have sworn that Evan was still asleep. The little boy was so pale that white sheets appeared to have more color than he did and other than the dark circles under Evan's eyes and his red lips, he was a pasty white. Riley shook off the dread that seemed to settle over him. How had Evan's condition changed so much since last night without their noticing it?

"Ev?" Riley called softly not wanting to wake Evan if he'd fallen asleep.

"I'm awake Dad, just resting my eyes. I didn't get much sleep last night," Evan said wearily. He tried to find the strength to smile up at his father, but the smile came out as a grimace.

"I knew you kids would sit up talking too late," Riley sighed, kicking himself for not insisting that Evan sleep with Buffy or him.

"No we didn't, honest," Evan said defending his sister and friend.

"You should have had Jordy wake your mother or me up," Riley said sitting down next to Evan.

"I didn't want her to leave me."

"Then you could have had Mason come get me," Riley said not understanding why Evan hadn't gotten him up.

"Dad, I was fine. I just couldn't get comfortable. Mason said I sounded like Aunt Anya," Evan tried to laugh but it came out as a strangled cough instead.

"Mason said you needed some help with the bathroom or did you just want your dear old Dad," Riley said helping Evan sit up.

"Both," Evan said looking his father in the eye.

Steve had suggested they put him back on a catheter, but he refused saying he could make it to the bathroom alone and now suddenly he couldn't. This was not lost on Riley.

"Do you think we need to call Uncle Steve?"

"Nope, I'll be okay. I just need some rest so I can stay up late tonight," Evan said as Riley lifted him easily into his arms.

"Not too late."

"Nope, just a dry run for tomorrow night. Gotta be in bed for when Santa gets here," Evan managed a real smile and winked at his father.

"I hope you haven't told the girls that there's not a Santa."

"No Dad. I remember what it felt like to believe in him. Jordy doesn't believe in him anymore though, did you know that?" Evan said as Riley lowered him to the floor.

"Stand or sit?"

"Stand, just stand behind me."

"Done," Riley said steadying his son.

"Hey are my guys in here?" Buffy's voice came from the outer room.

"In the bathroom," Riley called.

"Hey Mom," Evan smiled in the mirror as he saw his mother enter the bathroom behind them.

"What you getting lazy or something?" she laughed, seeing them standing together in front of the toilet. It was a bad joke though and she knew it but she needed to hide her fear from them. Evan was slipping and she was glad she'd decided to make this trip before they lost him. With Jordan's marrow a match they had a chance to save their son, but if it didn't work, at least Riley would know his son.

"Just lending a helping hand," Riley threw her a look that made her laugh. He didn't want her upset or worried about Evan, this was now his job.

"So do you wanna meet the rest of your new family?" Riley asked looking down at his son as he reached over him to flush the toilet. He leaned down to scoop Evan up in his arms.

"Can't wait," Evan said as he rested his head on Riley's shoulder.

"Buffy, grab that blanket and pillow there and I'll carry him down to the kitchen. You think you can eat anything buddy? Your grandpa Bryan's been known to cook an amazing breakfast."

"I can try, but I'd like to try walking if that's ok," Evan said closing his eyes as his mother kissed his forehead.

"Sure, I'll just put you down," Riley said as he slowly lowered Evan to his feet. Riley held on to his son until he was satisfied that he was okay on his feet. Letting go was one of the hardest things Riley had ever had to do. In the last few days Evan's strength had almost disappeared and the little boy he'd gone to the batting cage with was almost completely gone.

Evan tried to take a step on his own, but he wobbled horrible, pitching forward. He would have toppled right over if his father hadn't grabbed him. Evan felt like a baby, he didn't want people's help, but it appeared he'd need it after all.

"Dad, could you give me a hand here?" he asked quietly.

"Sure, let me just ." Riley stopped talking as he wrapped his arm around Evan's shoulders.

"Thanks Dad," Evan looked up at his father, giving him a nod.

"You guys go ahead and I'll be down in a second. I just want to make up these beds,"

Buffy said trying to keep her voice even. The last thing she wanted was for Evan to see her crying.

"Sure honey," Riley said making a mental note to send either Dawn or Joyce back up to comfort Buffy.

"Be down in a minute!" she said brightly as Evan turned his eyes to her. She fought the tears that threatened to overflow any second. "It's ok honey. Go with your Dad. I'll only be a minute, I promise."

*************************************

The rest of the Finn/Summers clan was in the kitchen helping Bryan and Kate get breakfast together when the new arrivals came into the kitchen. The large kitchen was in a state of controlled chaos. In one corner Kelly was crawling away from Cordelia as she and Dawn tried to get Kristie's snowsuit off while Xander tried to control the kids as they set the table. Squatting down, Graham picked up the dark haired baby and tucked her under his arm.

"This is.." Graham looked intently at the baby's face, then over at Cordelia for assistance

"Kelly," Cordelia laughed.

"Kelly Chase, and that beautiful woman is her mother Cordelia and Kelly's twin sister Kristie," Graham said by way of introduction as he shifted Kelly to his right hip so the little girl could see better, " and that remarkable woman next to Cordelia is Marc's newest crush."

"We're just friends!" Dawn protested blushing wildly.

"Dawn Summers, Buffy's younger sister," Graham continued as if never interrupted, "and the man controlling the children is Buffy and Willow's best friend Xander Harris and that his son Mason."

"Did I miss anyone?" Graham asked as he looked around the room. "Where's Wes?"

"Down in the den stoking the fireplace. We thought it might be a good place for Evan to hang out," Katie said cutting across the room to kiss her two grandsons on the check

"Oh that's a good idea," Graham said making faces at Kelly.

"We're still missing Xander's wife Anya, and Cordelia's husband Angel, but you'll meet them both later," Katie told Kevin and Chris.

"As if you can't tell by the family resemblance or anything but this is my missing brother Kevin, his wife Chris, and my handsome nephews Travis and Myles," Marc said tousling each of the boys' hair as he bounced into the room. "And this is Wesley Wyndam Price."

Wesley smiled somewhat shyly as he followed Marc into the room full of strangers.

"Nice to meet you all," Xander said, stepping forward to shake Kevin's hand over the children's heads.

"Great to meet you Xander. I remember Riley talking about you years ago," he said as Kristie pulled herself up on Kevin's pant leg.

"Kristie! No!" Cordelia exclaimed as she noticed what the baby was doing.

"I see your daughters have great taste in men already," Chris laughed as the toddler ignored her mother's dismay and continued to tug on Kevin's pant leg.

"The two of them are so anxious to walk that they're constantly trying to pull themselves up on whatever they can find. It would appear that your husband's leg seemed like the best thing in the room," Cordelia wanted to die! How embarrassing to not be able to control her own children and in front of a senator to boot! It was mortifying!

"Don't worry Cordelia, my boys have down worse things over the years. Believe me, if I felt up to embarrassing them today, I could go on for hours," Chris snorted, seeing the horrified looks on her sons' faces.

"Hey! Anyone home?" Nicole yelled as the back door flew open and she breezed in with Steve who thoughtfully closed the door behind them.

"Follow your nose," Graham called as Nicole came into the kitchen from the mudroom.

"I knew if my favorite Finn man was in the house he'd be whipping up breakfast," Nicole beamed as she floated over to the stove and kissed Bryan Finn on the cheek.

"Nicole! Look at you honey! You look wonderful as always," Bryan said hugging the woman to him

"Steve! It's good to see you," Kevin said as he slapped the other man on the shoulder.

"How many doctors do you know who make house calls like this guy does?" Chris asked, kissing his cheek.

"Good to see you Chris. You look as beautiful as ever. When are you going to leave this goof and run away with me?" Steve joked.

"Soon Steve. Doctors definitely make more than senators do."

"Yeah, but I bet you a million bucks they have better hours," Nicole cracked.

"Hey isn't breakfast ready?" Riley said, entering the kitchen with Evan tucked against his side for support. It was so important to Evan to walk into the room on his own two feet, even if he did need a little support from his dad.

Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to look at Riley as he stood in the doorway, cradling his son against his side.

"Can't seem to get these city types to help," Bryan said, pulling the room's attention away from the sick little boy.

Riley nodded at Kevin to follow him into the living room so that he could introduce him to his son for the first time. Riley was already seated with Evan on the couch when Kevin entered the room a few minutes later.

"Kevin, I'd like you to meet my son. This is Evan," Riley said looking up at his older brother, pride shining brightly in his eyes, "and Evan this is my big brother, your Uncle Kevin."

Kevin sat on the floor in front of Evan, marveling at his new nephew. He looked over at Riley and smiled the famous Finn smile before returning his gaze to Evan.

"You don't know how happy I am to meet you, Evan. Do you know that when we were kids, Riley always used to talk about having a son of his own?" Kevin rested his hand on Evan's cheek.

"Don't tell your sisters this because we wouldn't want to hurt their feelings but I was starting to worry that your Dad would never have a son of his own," Kevin continued. "Evan there's something special about the bond that fathers and sons share and it makes me so happy to see that your Dad can finally experience this with you."

Kevin blinked back a tear as he finished his sentence. He leaned forward and hugged Evan with extra care. Riley was moved by his brother's memories and also a little surprised that his older brother had actually listened to his childish babble.

"Your Aunt Chris and I are dying to have you come stay with us up at the lake this summer. You'll have great time Evan, the girls always do," Kevin promised the child, hoping that he would, in fact, live to see the summer.

"Is this where I'll find my new nephew?" Chris said as she peeked around the doorframe. She entered the room but stopped short, her face paling noticeably as she looked toward Evan.

"Honey, you okay?" Kevin asked as Riley rushed to his sister-in-law's side.

"Fine.just.Riley! He's you!" Chris said, looking from Evan to Riley again.

"This is your Aunt Chris Evan. She's kind of on the crazy side but we love her anyway," Riley laughed and wrapped one arm around Chris.

"Really? Then if I'm crazy what does that make you? " Chris retorted as she hugged Riley back.

"Has your Uncle Kevin invited you to come stay with us this summer?" Chris asked Evan. She looked at the couch but not directly at Evan, rather it seemed that she was asking her question just to the left of him.

"You sure you're okay?" Kevin asked giving his wife a strange look.

"Perfect," she assured him. Kevin wasn't so sure about that but before he could pursue it Marc stuck his head into the room and cracked,

"Breakfast is being served in the Coral dining room."

"Come on Ev, I'll give you a free ride. Jump on," Kevin offered, crouching down so Evan could climb on and with Riley's help Evan sat proudly on his Uncle's back.

"Chris? You coming?" Riley asked turning to stare at his sister-in-law who was still standing in the middle of the room, looking at the painting over the couch.

"Yeah, in a bit. I'm just admiring the picture," she said looking over her shoulder at Riley.

"Suit yourself," Riley said as he followed Kevin and Evan to the kitchen.

"What do you want here Claire?" Chris asked. A very pale, ethereal woman now sat on the couch next to where Evan had been sitting.

"He's very sick," Claire stated as she got up to cross the room and stand in front of the fireplace.

"Yes he is but that doesn't explain what you're doing here Claire," Chris replied, staring hard at her deceased sister-in-law's ghost.

"I've been with him since I died."

"You've been here since you died? But why?"

"No, not here silly. I've been with Evan since I died," Claire corrected. She smiled sadly, "he's mine to watch."

"What? Why is he yours to watch Claire?" Chris asked. Something didn't feel right here.

"Because he and Jordan are surrounded by darkness," Claire told her former sister-in-law cryptically.

"Darkness? You mean Evan's illness?" Chris asked. She was becoming confused by Claire's strange comments.

"No, a darkness much bigger than that. A darkness that none of us here can protect them from but she will take care of Jordan for me."

"Who's she?" Chris asked. She did not liking at all the strange language that ghosts used at times.

"Cordelia. She knows all about Jordy's path and the Powers have chosen her to guard my daughter."

"Then why are you here?" Chris asked again.

"To protect Evan. I had to tell you.I had to tell you to protect Evan."

"Why you? Why are you the one warning me?" Chris asked, taking another step closer to Claire.

"I don't want Riley to lose someone else he loves. The darkness that surrounds the children will kill this family. You must protect them at all costs Chris but they must not know that you are doing it. They'll try to stop you."

"Who mustn't know?"

"The family. This is Cordelia's and your mission. Guard them with your lives."

"But I have to tell."

"No, you can't Chris! Just know that Evan will never be alone. I promise you that," Claire said and slowly faded away leaving a very confused Chris staring after the spirit.

Chris sunk to the couch, sitting in the same place that Claire had just occupied moments before.

"Claire what are you up to?"

Before Riley could enter the kitchen, Steve grabbed him by the arm.

"Rye do you have a minute? I want to talk to you about Evan."

"Sure, lets go into the library," Riley said leading the way into the room.

Shutting the door behind them, Riley led Steve to the couch where they both sat down. Riley noticed that Steve had a very concerned look on his face and it caused a chill to run up and down his spine.

"Steve what is it? What do you need to say?"

Sighing Steve answered, "I don't like Evan's condition, Riley."

"I know he looks tired and pale this morning but he was up late last night," Riley said trying to come up with a logical reason as to why Evan appeared to have taken a downturn.

"No, that's not what I mean Rye. His condition is deteriorating. I noticed it yesterday when I examined him and his test results didn't come out as I'd hoped either. His white blood count is still up and he was running a slight temperature."

Steve rose from the couch and began to pace.

"Riley, it comes down to this. I shouldn't have released Evan from the hospital," he admitted, "but I didn't want the little guy to miss out on everything and if it wasn't for the fact Jordan was a perfect match, I'd say he wouldn't get much use out of his Christmas presents. I would even venture to say that he might not make it to New Years."

"What!" Riley cried, scared that his ailing son might only have days to live.

"It's true, I'm afraid so let's not take any chances here. I've asked that a private duty nurse be here 24 hours a day in case of an emergency and I want you to call me if anything happens. I've already made arrangements to have an operating room available if we have to move up the date for the transplant."

"What can I do?" Riley asked. He was clearly upset and his hands had begun to shake uncontrollably.

"Calm down for one thing," Steve said to him. "Everything will be all right and Evan should be able to get through Christmas day fairly well. Naturally, I'll want to check up on him when Nickie and I are here for Christmas dinner, but in the mean time, make sure he's resting. I don't want him to get overly tired. The nurse will be here soon and she'll take care of all his health needs. Do you understand?"

Fighting back the tears that threatened to fall at any moment, Riley nodded.

"Rye, everything's going to be all right, okay?" Steve said as he walked back to the couch. He placed a hand on Riley's shoulder for reassurance.

"Should I tell Buffy?" Riley whispered. He wasn't sure if he wanted to ruin her holiday with news this frightening.

"It's your call," Steve answered gently, walking to the door, "but right now I smell breakfast and I'd say it's just what the doctor ordered."

He waited for Riley to get up and follow him out the door.

*****

Breakfast went off without a hitch. Big Bryan's Breakfast was legendary and it was by invitation only. Riley pushed back from the table, watching his family enjoying themselves. He really wasn't shocked by how well the two families got along after all his father and Giles really weren't that different and his mother and Joyce got along like gangbusters, which could only mean further torture and torment for Buffy! His brothers and Buffy's friends were also becoming fast friends and he honestly couldn't remember why had he been so nervous about this meeting!

"Okay here's the scoop," Marc said as he entered the kitchen, a cordless phone in one hand.

"The box for the Bruins and the Red Wings is open, so anyone who'd like to join Kevin and I for the game this afternoon is welcome. We have 4 seats in the RAGE Inc. box for the Boston Pops Christmas concert and my sources at the mall tell me there's a major pre-Christmas sale taking place," Marc said leaning on the back of Dawn's chair.

"Well I think the guys should all head off to the hockey game and let the girls go spend our hard earned money," Kevin said and smiled. It was nice to have a wife that had her own platinum card.

"I'd rather go to the game," Dawn said, her dislike for shopping showing on her face.

"I swear she's adopted," Buffy sighed and winked at Dawn.

"She must be if she's a Summers girl who doesn't like to shop," Xander agreed, ducking as three different napkins were thrown in his general direction.

"Well Dawn, your welcome to join us," Marc offered. He was secretly thrilled that Dawn preferred hockey to shopping. It was just one more thing they had in common.

"Xander?"

"Count Mason and I in."

"Kevin?"

"I'll go, and I know the boys will too," Kevin said.

"Giles?"

"No thanks. Joyce and I are taking Tristan to Salem with us for the day. Seems the child has a thing about it," Giles smiled at his new granddaughter. He was vastly amused by the youngster's love of witches.

"Wes?"

"Nope, I've agreed to escort the Finn ladies to the Pops this afternoon," Wes said smiling at Kate. An afternoon of music would be infinitely more bearable than watching a bunch of grown men hurl themselves around with sticks.

"Steve? Oh wait, let me check with Nicole first," Marc cracked and ducked quickly as Nicole tossed a biscuit at him.

"Just because I told him he couldn't do something one time, I'm branded for life as a controlling wife," Nicole sighed and then turned to Cordelia to explain, "it was my sister's wedding and buddy here wanted to go play golf with these two."

"Only once?" Riley snorted from his place at the head of the table. "More like twice or maybe even three times."

Graham burst out laughing but stopped just as quickly when Willow poked him in the ribs with her toes.

"Yes, he can go," Nicole said.

"See what did I tell you," Marc said, nudging Xander with his elbow.

"Count me in then," Steve laughed. He really wasn't as hen pecked as everyone made him out to be although he did let Nicole handle their social calendar. He was wise enough to know that if she left it to him, they'd be double booked all the time.

"Dad?"

"I think I'm gonna hang out here and enjoy the peace and quiet without the lot of you," Bryan said looking at his grandson. He knew that someone would need to stay behind to baby-sit and as hard as he'd been on Riley the other day about Evan, the man had to admit he'd fallen in love with the boy.

"Okay, so that leaves only Riley and Graham."

"I'm in," Graham said from his place on the floor where he was playing with the twins and Tristan.

"Riley?" Marc asked although he knew the answer already.

"Nah, I'm gonna stay here. I'm expecting a call from Rome," he said watching Evan as he talked with Travis and Myles.

he thought to himself.

"Okay any of the other ladies wanna come?"

"Are you kidding? This is guy free day, of course we don't want to come!" Chris laughed.

"Have you noticed yet how the men in this family surround themselves with strong women?" Steve asked Wes. "I think it reminds them of their mother or something."

"I think I'll stay home," Buffy said quietly, looking at Riley.

"No you go, I'm staying home and Dad's here as well," Riley said patting her hand. She needed a day to be an ordinary woman again, someone that didn't have to worry about a terminally ill child.

"Ok, then I guess I'll go too," Buffy said slowly and smiled at Riley. She was so grateful for his support.

"I'm staying home with Evan," Jordan announced from her place next to Buffy's chair. Buffy pulled the little girl up onto her lap hugging her. "Is that okay Dad?"

"I just figured that was a given, sweetie," Riley said and smiled at her.

"Okay then! Let's get this place cleaned up and get out of here," Katie said, putting her hands flat on the table and pushing herself up.

"Joyce, you and Rupert get going or you'll never get back in time for dinner," she said, taking the empty plates from Joyce. "Riley make sure that Rupert has the proper directions."

Katie continued handing the dirty plates to Marc, issuing orders with everyone that she handed him.

"Graham, you keep playing with those little girls. You're more help doing that."

Graham nodded and sat back down on the floor to amuse the twins.

"You know Willow, you have a real fine man in Graham," Chris whispered and nodded her head at the man she though of as another brother. "He's amazing with kids."

"Really?" Willow answered quietly.

"Oh yeah. After Claire died, he raised these girls on his own until Riley could get out of bed. Tristan was just a baby at the time, and other than Riley, the only person she'd go to sleep for was Graham. He's one in a million," Katie said as she joined their quiet conversation. She liked Willow and thought having one of her favorite actress as part of the family was a mighty fine plan.

"Definitely a keeper, Wills. The girls never take to strangers this easily. Look at them!" Cordelia said.

Willow turned from the sink to watch the scene. Kristie was sitting on top of Graham's stomach while Kelly blew him kisses from her spot in the crook of his arm. They were right of course. He was wonderful with children. It had been obvious to her from the first day in the airport when he'd bent down to meet Evan. Graham Miller was definitely one in a million and she knew she was lucky to have him.

She stepped out of the taxi and rushed to the doors of the restaurant, shaking her umbrella as she entered. Sam was late for her dinner date. She'd forgotten how bad London's traffic could be around the holidays.

"May I help you miss?"

An older gentleman asked, taking in her stunning beauty and stylish dress. Obviously an American, he thought but his opinion changed as soon she opened her mouth.

"I'm meeting someone," Sam replied her crisp British accent matching his own perfectly. She knew that in places like this, having a haughty attitude would get her whatever she wanted. Nobody would ever doubt where she belonged again.

"The party's name?" He asked, impressed by her cool beauty and imperious demeanor.

"I see them. Thank you for your help," Samantha said, dismissing the man as she floated through the restaurant. She smiled to herself as she turned heads.

Sliding into a chair, she shrugged out of her trench coat.

"Sorry I'm late but traffic was bloody hell," she apologized to her dinner companion.

"Would you like a drink?" the waiter asked approaching the table as soon as Samantha had settled herself.

"Yes. A Martini please," she said, dismissing the waiter as easily as she had the man at the hosts' stand moments before.

"You really are a bitch aren't you?" Her companion said.