There are all kinds of love, so what I leave you with on what would normally be the last day of February is a Mother’s Love for her not so perfect sons.

Winona opened her eyes to see him standing there. Her youngest.

He was a beautiful sight, dressed casually in civilian clothes, eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled down at her.

“Jim!”

“Hey.” His voice was cheerful enough, as was his smile, but he couldn’t hide the worry in his blue eyes. “I’d give you a great big hug but…” His gaze went to all the tubes and machines hooked up to her.

Because yes, she was in the hospital. On Earth. And that meant he wasn’t supposed to be there.

He reached for her hand. “I’ll hold your hand instead.”

“What are you doing here? You aren’t supposed to be here.”

“And yet I am.”

“Jim.” She was fretting now and she knew it. She wouldn’t cause harm or problems for her son any more than she had in the past. “Your ship.”

“Can do without me. It’s all right, Mom.”

“But surely—”

“They can for a short time. And don’t call me Shirley.”

The old corny joke they used to share made her smile at the memory, as she knew Jim intended.

“I don’t want to be any trouble.”

“Mom, you had a heart attack. Of course I’m going to be here.” Jim squeezed her hand. “I didn’t go AWOL. It’s all approved and all fine.”

She bit her lip. “It is good to see you. Seems like it’s been a very long time.”

“A few years. How do you feel?”

“Oh. A little weak. Feeling pretty old, I guess. But better with you here,” she admitted.

“See? What’s the prognosis?”

“Good. Change my diet, get more exercise, blah blah.”

“Mom.”

“I know, I know. I’ll do what they say.”

“Please.”

“Okay. Uh. There’s something else I have to tell you.”

“Uh oh. Should I be sitting down?” Jim joked.

“Maybe? Sam’s here.”

“Sam who?”

“Jim.  Your brother, George Samuel.”

Jim narrowed his eyes. “What the hell is he doing here?”

She sighed. “Same as you. His mother had a heart attack.”

“Fucker,” Jim muttered. “Where is he then?”

“He went to get something to eat. But-but he’ll probably be back any minute.”

“Damn,” Jim swore.

“Jim—”

And before she could get in another word, the door of her room opened and her oldest stepped inside holding a cup of steaming liquid in his hands.

“Mom, I got you some tea…” He stopped. Stared. “Jim?”

“George Samuel.”

“Pardon me, but you are blocking the door.”

And suddenly Jim smiled, his face lighting up like the sun.

“Spock! Just shove him out of the way.”

But to her relief, her oldest son merely moved into the room and allowed Spock, dressed as casually as Jim to enter.

“Spock, how wonderful to see you,” Winona greeted him. “Jim didn’t mention you came with him.”

Spock glanced briefly at Sam before moving past him to stand beside Jim and look down upon Winona in her bed.

“Indeed. Given that you are family, I felt I had no choice but to accompany him. You are doing better?”

Winona had to admit she felt a little warm inside at Spock mentioning they were family. Yes, they were, technically, since Spock was Jim’s husband, but there had been times that Winona thought Spock didn’t really care for her.

“I am, thanks to having my three boys here.” She beamed. “But if you’re both here, who’s minding the ship?’

“Commander Scott is perfectly capable,” Spock replied.

“Spock, have you met my older son, George Samuel?”

Spock stared across the bed to where her son stood, looking uncomfortable. Judging by the cold look in his dark eyes he had definitely gotten an earful from Jim.

“I have not.”

“Hello,” Sam said. “I, uh, I wasn’t able to make it to your ceremony. Sorry.”

“Understandable given your whereabouts at the time.”

“Yeah.” Sam flushed red. “Nice to meet you…finally.”

Spock inclined his head but did not return the pleasantry, which clearly mused Jim.

Winona cleared her throat. “You brought me tea?”

“Yes.” Sam brought it over to the bed. Handed it to her. “It really is good to see you, Jim.”

“It’s definitely a surprise,” Jim allowed.

Winona huffed but she let it slide.

“This is great. I love having you all here.”

Jim leaned down and kissed her brow. “I’m glad you’re going to be okay.”