Illusions of the island *A LOST fanfic*

Chapter 77: Love knows no boundaries

"Uh uh. It's your turn to change him. I did it last time."

Juliet chuckled at James and shook her head. "Do you know how many diapers we've changed over the years James?"

Now it was James turn to shake his head. "Uh, gee I dunno, too many?"

Shaking her head and trying not to laugh, Juliet sighed and took a breath. "Love knows no boundaries James. We've given all these girls love. They all turned into beautiful young women. I have no doubt Toby will turn into a wonderful young man. But for now, we get to enjoy him while he's still young. While he still wants us around."

James smiled down at the tiny boy and finished snapping up his onesie. "Just wait until you get a little older little man. I'll teach ya how to play ball."

Gathering Toby in his arms, he carried him over to the couch and had a seat. Mayra approached Juliet as she was throwing the soiled diaper in the garbage. "Mama? Will you help me practice for my dance competition?"

Smiling, Juliet nodded. "Of course. I would love to. Did you pick which music you want to practice to?"

Nodding, Mayra pulled on Juliet's hand. Leading her to her room, she went to her stereo and turned it on. Juliet and Mayra waited for the beat to pick up and started dancing. The two started doing a one-two step back and forth. Then Juliet began to spin Mayra in circles around her. The two had the rhythm going until James entered the room with Toby. He was screaming at the top of his lungs. "Sorry to interrupt ladies; but Toby's hungry."

Juliet kissed Mayra's forehead and reached for a screaming Toby. "I'm sorry baby. Your brother is hungry. We'll dance some more later, OK?"

Mayra nodded and kept dancing. Juliet entered the hallway and carried Toby to their bedroom. His screams grew louder. Juliet tried to reassure him. "Toby, it's OK. Let's get you settled. There we go."

James took a seat on the bed next to Juliet and traced his son's tiny pink hand. "We only got one job in this life when it comes to our kids, and that's protecting them. Lovin' them is easy when you have a wife puts in every pennies worth. These kids beautiful."

Juliet chuckled and looked down at Toby who was still eating. She enjoyed spending these little moments with her children. Looking back though, she'd wished she'd spent more time with Hayley. She'd missed nine years of her life that she'd never get back. "The only regret I have James, is that I wasn't there for the first nine years of Hayley's life. Sometimes I wonder what life would've been like had I been there for her."

James put a hand on Juliet's back. Sighing, he ran a second hand on Toby's head. "Now Blondie, don't go blamin' yerself. It ain't your fault. Blame Ben. He's the one who brought you to the island in the first place."

Juliet took Toby away from her chest and straightened herself out before placing him against her shoulder to burp him. "I guess your right. I wouldn't trade anything in the world for these moments. Love knows no boundaries James. I've learned that over the years. It's also nice to know you've still got my back years later."

James gave a low laugh. "Of course, Blondie. I've always got yer back. Now and always. Never forget that."

To Be Continued...