New York:

Jack had been released from the hospital after two weeks. He was feeling a lot better. He was still scared but he was able to sleep better and he had started depression medicine to help. Now they were home at least for awhile. In a few weeks they would be moving back to California. Grace's parents had allowed them to stay at their house until they found a home of their own. Jack hadn't found work yet but he wasn't ready to go back quite yet. So they had decided that he would stay home with the kids while Grace would work until he was ready to go back and he found a job.

Jack was sitting on the couch. He was thinking about everything going on and everything that had to be done before they were ready to leave for home. That sounded so good to be going home to their parents and their friends. He knew that would make him happier to be back with their loved ones. He had missed them more now than he had ever realized before.

Grace walked up next to him. She sat down on the couch next to him. She put her hand to gently turn his face to look at her. Then she pulled him toward her and gave him a huge loving kiss.

"I love you so much if I haven't told you that. And I am so glad you are feeling better. Soon we will be home honey." Grace told Jack as she laid her head on his shoulder.

"Me too. Home sounds wonderful. New beginnings and family and friends. But I have also been thinking about the future a lot too. And I realize that there is something else I want with you also." Jack said as he stared into her eyes. " I only hope you want the same."

"Well don't keep me in suspense tell me." Grace said with a smile.

"I need something life affirming. A baby would be a wonderful addition to our family. But only if you agree of course." Jack said as he watched several emotions run across her face.

"Are you sure you want that right now with everything going on right now? I mean if that doesn't just sound crazy. I mean I didn't think you wanted anymore kids." Grace said as she seriously thought about the idea.

" I have never been more sure of anything in my life." Jack said.

"Ok we will try for a baby." Grace said with a smile and a chuckle.

Javk held her close and he pulled her in for a deep and loving kiss. He loved her so much and he knew now was a crazy time but she was done with school and had a good job. It was crazy but it was something they both wanted.

Califonia:

Adrian sat with her hand on the swell of her stomach. She was just beginning to show. This was their last baby so she was savoring every moment of being pregnant. Everyone was so happy too. Bryan was so thrilled about the news. He had already started remodeling the house to make another bedroom in the attic. He was already talking about names and paint colors. He had never been there for the full pregnancy of any of his kids and this would be the one he would be and he was so happy.

Bryan walked in and put his hands on her small bump. He gently stroked where their baby grew. He gently kissed her cheek. Then she turned and kissed him on the lips until they parted out of breath.

"Today we find out what we are having. You ready?" Bryan asked her.

"I think so. We should probably leave before we are late." Adrian said as she picked up her purse.

Several minutes later the doctor was look at the ultrasound and he was continually running the Doppler over Adrian's belly.

"Congratulations you having a little boy." Dr. Mendez said to then both.

Several minutes later both of them sat on their van looking at the ultrasound pictures. Both smiling and full of love and joy.

"A little boy. Noah won't be the only boy anymore." Adrian said as she ran her hand over her belly.

"I couldn't be happier and it narrowed down our list of names now. I can't believe it another little baby and a son. Thank you for giving me such another wonderful gift of a new life. I can never give you that comes anywhere close to that." Bryan said as he picked upper hand and kissed it.

"well I wouldn't have this little one or our wonderful family without you. And for that I love you dearly." Adrian said as she leaned in and kissed him on the lips. "Now let's go pick up our kids and tell them about our good news." Adrian said with a smile.

"Yes mame right away." Bryan said as he started the van and pulled out of the parking lot to pickup their kids from their grandparents house as they had been wonderful and had offered to watch them.

Amy and Ricky:

Amy finished putting the last of the kids down to sleep for the night. Then she made her way to her bedroom. She found Ricky already in bed and looking through his senior yearbook.

"That's a good picture of you and me at my senior dance." Ricky said with a smile on his face.

"Yeah the one you didn't even want to go to. I recall we both had a pretty good time." Amy said with a giggle.

"That's a good one of Adrian and Ben. That was right before their wedding I think. They sure had to grow up fast after everything. And then after such a tragedy." Amy said as she put her hand on Ricky's shoulder.

"Yeah we all grew up a lot in High school. We all went through life changing moments in our lives. They shaped us and affected us all deeply and we all carry our own scars from all the tragic moments. But hey we all had great and happy moments also. And remember Ben and Adrian were also happy too for a while. And they were lucky they found love just like us and for that they were lucky. Ben knew he was loved and that's what counts about Ben. He lost everything and he died for something worth fighting for. He did the right thing. He is the bravest man I am happy I can call my friend. I just hope that I can be that brave." Ricky said with tears in his eyes.

"Oh Ricky you are that brave. Your bravery kept us all going and your love has saved us a thousand times over. Tell me what's bothering you. I can see it in your eyes. And I know you this is more than a trip down memory lane." Amy said gently.

"I know we were financially in a bind and the army saved us and help with the bills. And I know that I served with some of the best men and women out there and some made it back while others didn't. And I was lucky to come home and able to hug my wife and love my kids." Ricky said as tears welled up in his eyes.

"But...?" Amy said.

"But what if I had taken on a second or third job instead and stayed here. I can't help but think maybe I could have made a difference and Ben might still be here. I protected complete strangers. But I couldn't protect my best friend. He was there for me right after John was sick and for so many times before that. And I couldn't see he needed help. I missed the signs and I have always been pretty good at seeing the signs Amy. How could I not see? I feel guilty about not being here I guess I always have." Ricky said as he pulled Amy into his arms and cried.