Howie looked up as he caught sight of movement near the hall entrance. Kevin and Nick were standing there, unsure of whether they should come back into the room.
"You guys can come in. You don't have to hang around the hallway." He grinned at his friends as they re-entered the room.
"Shane's still asleep." Kevin informed them as he took a seat in an arm chair.
Rhiannon smiled gratefully at Kevin and Nick. "Thanks you guys. I don't know what I would have done without all of you."
"No problem, Rhi." Nick replied, tossing her the patented Carter grin.
"Rhi." Howie spoke up. "I don't know how you feel about this, but I would feel a whole lot better if you and Shane would come and stay with me. I don't think it's safe for you to stay here." His brown eyes held a worried look.
"I think Howie's right." Kevin added. "David's not going to give up this easily."
Rhiannon nodded. "I know." She sighed, knowing it was for the best. "We'll stay with you, Howard."
Howie wrapped his arms around her tightly, ignoring the wide-eyed stares of his friends as he kissed her softly. "I love you." He whispered as he pulled away.
"I love you, too." For the first time Rhiannon voiced her feelings.
Howie smiled, happiness shining in his deep brown eyes. "It's getting late. Just pack enough for a few days. We can come back and get the rest of your things later."
Somewhat unsteadily Rhiannon got to her feet. Howie did the same, sliding a supporting arm around her waist. They slowly made their way down the hall to Rhiannon's bedroom. Quickly Howie packed Rhiannon's clothes and other essentials in an overnight bag. Once they were done, they walked across the hall to Shane's room. Rhiannon sat down on the edge of his bed.
"Shane. C'mon baby, wake up." She shook him gently. The little boy sleepily opened his wide brown eyes. "We're going to go stay at Howie's house, okay?"
Shane nodded, rubbing sleep out of his eyes as he watched Howie gather clothes for a few days. "Is Dav'd comin'?" He asked, a worried frown on his face.
"No, buddy. David's staying here. He's not going to hurt your mommy any more." Howie told him, sitting down on his other side. Shane crawled into his lap and Howie hugged him. "You and mommy are going to live with me now. Is that okay?"
Shane looked up, meeting an identical set of brown eyes. "Howie, are you my daddy?" He asked softly.
Howie looked over Shane's head at Rhiannon, not sure if she was ready to tell him the truth. She nodded, unwilling to keep this from their son any longer. She sighed softly, tears stinging in the corners of her eyes as she watched father and son together.
"Yes, buddy. I'm your daddy." Howie told the little boy, anxious to see his reaction to the news.
"I love you, Daddy." Shane whispered, throwing his small arms around Howie.
"I love you, too, buddy." Howie said softly, hugging his son tightly.
They were interrupted a few seconds later by a soft knock on the door. Kevin and Nick stood in the doorway.
"You guys ready to go?" Kevin asked.
Shane leapt off Howie's lap and ran over to Kevin, who picked him up. "Uncle Kevin, mommy and me are gonna live with Daddy now." Shane said excitedly.
"Daddy?" Kevin and Nick gaped at Howie and Rhiannon.
Howie simply nodded. He would explain it to them later, back at his own home when Shane was once again asleep. "Yeah, we're ready to go. Let's get out of here." He got up, then helped Rhiannon to her feet, before grabbing the overnight bag from the floor.
