I do not own any characters, plots, or anything else pertaining to "Greys Anatomy". This chapter is a two-year time jump. I want to explore how their relationship has evolved now that they've talked about Jordan and Samuel. I hope you continue to review and enjoy.
Chapter 11
With Love
April and Jackson pull into the graveyard. Today marks five years since they lost Samuel and the ache from his loss is still present. April knows that the tears will come like they have since they started coming here as a family two years ago. It had been Jackson's idea to come to his grave on his Birthday and she had loved the sentiment. They had promised that they'd talk more about Samuel and both had thankfully kept that promise. April carries the bouquet of flowers and Jackson follows behind her carrying Harriet. She's memorized the path to her son over the years and could make her way to the grave with her eyes closed. April stops and kneels next to the small grave and takes a breath. It still hits her hard whenever she thinks about how it's their baby buried beneath the ground. It's as if she goes through the motions on this day every year, until she gets to this moment and physically sees the grave in front of her. Then the emotions hit her all at once. April feels a hand touch her shoulder and she grasps it. She turns her head and looks up at her pillar of strength, her person. Jackson's been nothing short of amazing over the last two years and she couldn't be more grateful for that. He knows exactly what she needs and doesn't hesitate to be there for her. April turns back around and places the bouquet of flowers in front of the gravestone. She takes another breath before pressing her lips to her fingers and placing it on his gravestone. She feels the tears begin as she gets up and stands next to Jackson. He shifts Harriet to the other side in his arms and wraps his arm around her to bring her close to him. She lays her head down on his shoulder. "Hey buddy, Happy Birthday, we love you." April turns to Jackson who's now tearing up at his words. Every year he only manages to say that phrase, but it's enough. "We tell your sister about you, even though she's not quite old enough to understand. We tell her that her big brother is watching over her." The tears keep coming as their small family stares at the gravestone of their lost family member. Forever in their hearts.
After their visit to the graveyard, they drive home in a melancholy state. As usual, April has remained silent since she entered the SUV. He normally gives her space until they get home, but today he has the urge to comfort her now. There's something in her demeanor that scares him. "April, are you okay?" Her eyes look away from the window and meet his. "I'm fineā¦it just hit me harder today." As he stops at a stoplight, he interlocks their hands and rests them on the console. "Samuel is always with us April, I don't have faith in a lot of things, but I believe that." April nods and they lock eyes. "I know that Jackson, but there's something I need to tell you." Jackson's mind freezes as the light turns green and horns honk behind them. He snaps out of it and drives forward to a grocery store parking lot. Jackson parks the car and turns to April wondering what she's about to say. "I found out this morning that I'm pregnant." Jackson's breath catches at her words. They hadn't planned on having any more children right now, but they hadn't planned the other two pregnancies either. April stares at him expecting a reaction and he gives her a smirk. "I'm surprised that we're having another baby, but I'm happy." April observes him for a moment. "Really?" Jackson pulls her face towards his and April smiles back. "We're finally in a place where we're not arguing and there's no drama. We can do this." Jackson remembers saying those words long ago when they had that pregnancy scare. He had meant those words then and he still does now. They can do this together. Jackson sees the tears falling down her cheeks again. "When I was at Samuel's grave today, it seemed like we were replacing him somehow. It's probably the hormones, but I felt like we were moving on without him." Jackson shakes his head and kisses her gently on the lips. "We're not moving on sweetheart, we're just adding another member to our family." April nods and turns to look at Harriet. "Are you ready for another brother or sister Harriet?" Jackson looks into the rearview mirror. "Ya." He can't help but smile at her emphatic response, reminding him so much of her mother.
April feels like a big weight has been lifted off her chest. She hadn't expected Jackson to take the news of another baby well, but he had. The thought that they can finally enjoy a pregnancy together makes her feel a wave of excitement. Their relationship is stronger than it's ever been and she has confidence that it'll stay that way. Their new baby will usher in a new chapter of their never-ending love story. She parks in the parking lot at Grey Sloan and makes her way into the E.R. Ready for her day with a new sense of hope for the future inside her heart.
Jackson picks-up Harriet from the couch. She fell asleep about a half-hour ago while watching a movie. He takes her to her room and lays her down in bed. Jackson tucks her in with her favorite blanket and can't help but smile. He can't wait to have another baby in the house and to set-up the new nursery. Jackson places a small kiss on Harriet's temple and walks to the room next door. He opens the door and it's filled with boxes because they've been using it for storage since they moved in. Jackson tries to picture where the new crib and changing table will go. He also makes a mental note that they should buy a new bookshelf for the baby's room like they had for Harriet. Currently, the bookshelf is being used as a place for her stuff animals, but he knows that she'll grow out of them and need a place to put her books, pictures, and other things. He sweeps his eyes once more around the room, wondering if they'll have a boy or a girl this time around. Whether boy or girl, he'll just be happy to have a healthy baby come into the world.
