Saturday evening

"Mom?"

"Yeah, buddy."

"So, I'll really be yours?"

Elizabeth set the cut up apple in front of Hunter at the island and smiled. "You're mine now but in the eyes of the law, yes, you will officially be my son on Monday."

"No one can take me away?"

"Nope. Never."

"Good." He took a bite of an apple slice and grinned. "I love you, Mom."

"I love you too, Hunter." She kissed his soft curls and gave him a quick hug.

"Can I have a brother?"

Elizabeth almost choked on the tea she was drinking. "Some day, yes. Not for awhile though."

"Why?"

"Because there are lots of things we need to think about before having a baby."

"Like what?"

"Grown up stuff."

"Oh."

Elizabeth chuckled and finished cleaning the kitchen. She and Jack hadn't talked specifics but she had just become Sargent and if she got pregnant right away, she would be stuck at a desk instead of doing the job of the Sargent. It was definitely something they needed to chat about. Once they actually got some time alone.

"Ok, bud, time for your bath," Jack told him as he walked down the stairs.

"I'm clean!"

"Good one. You just played hockey for hours. Even boys like you get smelly and dirty after that."

"Come on, Dad."

"You come on, son." Elizabeth took the apple slices on his plate away.

"Hey."

"Upstairs, Hunter James. You can finish the apples after your bath."

"Fine." He pouted.

"Excuse me?" Jack asked.

"I mean, yes ma'am."

"Thank you. Now scoot."

Elizabeth smiled at Jack. "That was good teamwork, I think."

"Agreed. Not sure what got into him tonight."

"Well, this whole thing is new for him too. He is testing to see what he can get away with. He just asked me if he would really be mine after Monday and that no one can take him away from us. Then after I assured him of that, he asked for a brother."

"Hmm. What did you say?" He stepped closer, backing her up against the counter.

"I said yes, he would really be mine."

"I meant about the little brother part."

"Oh, I told him yes but not for a while."

"How long were you thinking?" He leaned down and kissed her neck, giving her goosebumps.

"We need to talk about that when we have some time."

"We have time now."

"No, because the moment we start talking or doing something else, we get…"

"Mama!"

"Interrupted." She sighed and kissed his cheek. "Coming, Hunter." She walked away and he thought about that. It was something that they needed to make sure they were on the same page about.

After the adoption hearing and Elizabeth's ceremony, he would make sure that they sent Hunter to his parents or hers and took some time just for them.

…..

Jack waited for Elizabeth to come to bed. She was downstairs reading by the fire last he knew. She seemed a little off and he wanted to talk to her but she seemed to want to be alone.

After an hour of waiting, he put on his sweats and headed downstairs.

"Beth?"

She had fallen asleep reading with the cat right next to her. He hated to move her but he had gotten used to sleeping next to someone again. "Beth, honey."

Her eyes fluttered open. "Jack?"

"Why don't you come to bed?"

"Why don't you stay here with me?" She moved over and waited. She did look pretty comfortable so he scooted the cat away and laid down next to her.

"Beth, are we ok?"

"Of course. Why?"

"You just seem off tonight."

"I'm ok. I'm just working through a lot too. A lot of changes in a short amount of time can be overwhelming." She looked at his face and saw a bit of panic and uncertainty. "Everything is ok, love. I promise."

"I don't want you to be overwhelmed. What is overwhelming you?"

"Maybe that was the wrong word. I'm just adjusting. Are you saying that everything is perfect on your end?"

"Maybe not perfect."

"One thing I know for sure, I miss you, Jack. Having a new marriage and balancing that with a five year old is a lot."

"It is. After the adoption and your ceremony, your parents are going to take Hunter for a weekend. And I think that we should do that twice a month, alternating grandparents."

"That would be great."

"Are you sure you don't want to go upstairs?" he smirked. "There's a nice, big bed up there waiting for us." He kissed her neck slowly, fully distracting her.

"Upstairs, yes."

…..

Finally, the day they'd been waiting for arrived. Adoption day! Even though it was a school day, Jack and Hunter took the day off. For Elizabeth, she couldn't think of a better way to spend her last day of her vacation.

The family had the house to themselves that morning. Everyone was planning on meeting them at the courthouse. Hunter would have a full room of grandparents, uncles and aunts and cousins standing with him today. For now, the family of three sat at the breakfast table, each with a stack of pancakes in front of them.

"What if they changed their mind at the last second?" Hunter asked.

"No one's changed their minds." Jack smiled. "We go in, listen to the judge and you come out with the last name Thornton."

"Forever?"

"Forever!" Elizabeth smiled.

"Alright! Let's hurry!" Hunter stuffed the last of his pancake in his mouth and ran upstairs.

"We don't have to be there for a couple more hours!" Elizabeth laughed. "Well, he's excited."

"So am I." Jack pulled Elizabeth down onto his lap as she cleared the table. "I'm the luckiest man alive."

"Oh really?" she teased. "How do you figure that?" Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pulled him in for a soft, long kiss, both enjoying the stolen moment alone.

"I know I am because I have you and that boy upstairs. We're a family. I can't ask for more than that."

"Knock knock!" Rosie sang as she entered their home.

"Except maybe more privacy…." Jack groaned. "Morning Rosie. Forget where you live?"

"You're such a joker. Of course I didn't forget anything! I'm just popping over to say good luck today!" As an honorary member of the Thornton clan, Rosie took the day off to attend the ceremony and help with the party afterward. "Also, the cake Hunter requested is ready and looks great!"

"Thank you Rosie." Elizabeth stood up and moved off of Jack's lap. "I wanted to make one for him, but I'm still learning."

"I don't mind at all! Besides, this day is about the three of you, I'm happy to help."

Hunter thundered down the stairs in his dress pants and shirt, a cute little tie in his hand. "Dad, what do I do with this?"

"You wear it." Jack teased.

"How?"

"Come here and I'll show you." He ran over and handed the tie to Jack.

"Aunt Rosie, did Dad tell you I got to pick out my tie for today? We even bought matching ones for Dad, Grandpa and Pop!"

"I hadn't heard, that's wonderful! What tie did you pick out?" Hunter showed off his new black and yellow tie. "Oh my!"

"It's Batman colors!" Hunter exclaimed.

"Well I see that, yes!" she giggled. "Jack I can't wait to see your father in his."

"The man's not one for ties, or color for that matter, but for Hunter he said he'd wear it proudly." Jack finished tying the tie and patted his son on the back. "You're all set."

Hunter ran over to Elizabeth, "How do I look, Mom?"

She hugged her little man tight. "You look just as handsome as your father! I love you, sweetie! Try to stay away from Bruce and Snowy though."

"Why?"

"Because your nice dress pants will look like fur by the time we leave if you go sit and play with them."

"Oh, I'll be careful!"

"Thank you." She smiled as he ran back up to his room.

Rosie loved watching this family. She felt herself wanting one of her own more and more each day. Things between her and Lee had been going well. Very well in fact. They both knew how important this time was for Jack and Elizabeth, so it made sense that Lee would want to wait a bit to propose. She just hoped he wouldn't wait too long. He'd dropped a few hints along the way, making her feel like it wasn't a ridiculous notion to think that he would want to ask her. Patience, she kept telling herself. Patience.

…..

While Hunter played Legos in his room, Jack and Elizabeth got dressed for the day. Jack in his matching outfit to Hunter's and Elizabeth in a brand new dress she had bought for the occasion.

"Love, can you zip up my dress?"

Jack turned around and his jaw dropped. Elizabeth looked stunning in her navy pleated flared dress. It held her every curve and fell just above her knees.

"Jack? Honey, did you hear me?"

"I heard, I just got distracted." She bit her bottom lip, happy he liked what she had picked. Jack crossed the room, gently turning her so he could finish with the zipper. "You know, I think I like helping you unzip more."

She laughed. "Maybe later, love."

"Maybe?" He teased.

Kissing his lips, she whispered, "Definitely."

A few moments later they pulled apart. It was almost time to leave.

"Before we leave, I have something for you." Jack walked over to his dresser drawer and pulled out a small black box.

"Jack, you didn't have to get me something."

"I know that, but I wanted to. Today's a big day, Beth. I wanted you to have something to remember it by. Something you could look back on and smile."

"Something other than my handsome husband and son?"

"Yeah, something other than that," he laughed. "Here, open it."

She took the velvet box from his hands, gasping when she saw what was inside. It was a necklace with a beautiful tree shaped charm on it, fixed to the tree was one little stone.

"That's Hunter's birthstone. There's plenty of room for us to add the birthstones for our other children. If we have any," he smiled.

"I love it Jack. So much! And you're right, there's plenty of room for our other children." Placing her hand on his neck, she moved in close for a kiss. She loved this man so much. She couldn't imagine a better partner for life. "Please don't let what I said the other night about children scare you. I want more children with you, I promise!"

"I know. I just don't want you to feel rushed. We just got married, we have Hunter. When we're ready, we're ready. I'm just happy I have you in my life."

"Oh Jack, you're so sweet."

"Na, I'm just good at pretending," he grinned.

"Mom! Dad! You ready yet? Or are you still kissing?"

They both laughed. "Be right out, Hunter!"

"We don't kiss that much in front of him, do we?" Elizabeth blushed.

"I don't think so. But he's a kid, and a boy. Any kissing would be too much."

"Good point."

"Come on, Beth, time to adopt our son!" Elizabeth squealed and followed him out the door.

…..

"What's taking so long?" Hunter sighed as they waited in the lobby of the courthouse. It was a half hour past their scheduled time.

"Don't worry, Hunter. Sometimes whatever is happening in the court takes longer than they expect. It throws the whole day out of whack," Faith answered. She had come to make sure everything went as planned. She loved watching the kids she'd worked with get loving, permanent homes. It made up for the days where everything seemed to go wrong. "I'll go see what I can find out."

Hunter turned to William, "Do you ever run late in your courtroom, Grandpa?"

"More than I'd like to admit, yes." He laughed. "Elizabeth, which judge are we seeing?"

"Judge Yost."

"That explains it. He's always running late!"

"Not true!" A tall man with grey hair and a nice smile approached. "I'm never late. Everyone else is just early."

William laughed and extended his hand. "Good to see you, Ned."

"You too. I thought I heard your voice and thought I'd come say hi. What brings you all here today?"

"I'm getting adopted!" Hunter smiled. "These are my parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts, cousins, oh and Lee."

"Hi, I'm Lee." Lee smiled, shaking the judges hand.

"Good to meet you all. Is this the Thornton adoption?"

"Yes sir, I'm Jack Thornton and this is my wife Elizabeth."

"Elizabeth, hi! I've heard about you and your new family from your dad. I just didn't remember the name. Sorry we're running late. There's a case holding up courtroom 6. I'm heading to see if they can fit us into another. "

"That would be great, Your Honor, as you can see our son's a little impatient." They looked over at Hunter sitting in his seat, both legs bouncing.

"I can see that! I'll be with you all soon!"

While they waited, Tom took a few photos of the family. Social and family situations tended to make him uncomfortable. He felt much better with a camera in his hands. He tried to nonchalantly take a few photos of Julie when she wasn't looking. He couldn't help it. He was mesmerized by her. The third one however, the camera flashed and she noticed.

"Tom Thornton, are you taking pictures of me?" she flirted.

"Maybe," He grinned. The same grin that Elizabeth loved on Jack. "They look pretty happy over there, huh?" he asked gesturing to his brother and sister-in-law.

"They do. Kind of makes me want that."

"Yeah."

"Yeah, a lot. Someday." She smiled and walked back over to her dad and mom. She wasn't intending to drop a hint to Tom. Last thing she wanted was to push him. but she did like what she knew of him. She also knew he was a tumbleweed. Here one day and gone the next. Time would tell.

Just then Faith rushed over. "They're ready for us!"

"It's time?" Hunter jumped up.

"It's time bud, its time."

The whole group followed Faith down the hall towards courtroom 9. She opened the large solid wood doors and ushered the family inside.

"Welcome, everyone," the judge smiled. "If you'd all take a seat we can begin. Would the parents and child come up front, please?"

Tom moved around the room, capturing the whole event.

"I met you all out in the lobby but lets do this again for the record. I'm Judge Yost." He shuffled through the papers in front of him before beginning. "Let me start by saying I love these kinds of cases. It means something that was once broken, is being made new." The whole room, including Hunter nodded. "In my opinion, there is nothing more powerful in this world than love and family."

Elizabeth took in a sharp breath. She could already feel herself losing control of her emotions. She stood there in front of the judge with Jack, Hunter in between them.

"So let's see. Jack and Elizabeth Thornton, do you understand what signing this adoption form entails?"

"We do," they both said.

"It means that you are promising to take care and responsibility for Hunter as your own legal child. Providing for his health, welfare, and educational needs."

"Yes, sir." Jack said, squeezing Hunter's shoulder.

"Wonderful. Now, Hunter, do you know what this all means?"

"Yup!" he grinned.

"Boy, you're easy!" they all laughed. "Hunter, from what I can see, you've found yourself two wonderful people to call your parents. You have chosen them and they, you. I know you haven't had it easy, and I'm sorry for that, but I'm happy to sit before you today and tell you that your future is bright."

"This is really happening!" Elizabeth whispered to Jack, who nodded. The biggest smile stretched across his face.

"Now, let's make this official!" The judge spoke. "I am happy to say that on this day, Jack and Elizabeth Thornton have officially adopted Hunter James."

The judge signed the order, confirming the adoptions and the whole room cheered and clapped.

Jack picked up Hunter, giving him the biggest bear hug. "I love you, son! So much!"

"I love you too, Dad!"

Elizabeth jumped in and hugged them both. "My two handsome men," she smiled. "I'm so blessed." She kissed both their cheeks and held them tight.

"Alright guys," Tom called out gaining everyone's attention. "Let's have the first official Thornton family picture!"

They took so many photos with every family member combination they could think of.

As they were leaving the courthouse, Lee thought he saw a familiar face off to the side. When he looked again, the figure was gone.

"Lee, lets go." Rosie said tugging on his arm. "I told Elizabeth I would help with the party."

"I know, just wait a second. I thought I saw someone."

"Who?"

"Someone who's trouble…"

"Lee, what do you mean?"

He looked around again, seeing that they were alone. "Remember how I said some guy was at Hunter's mom's court hearing. Seemed to know her well?"

"Yes…"

"His name is Nate Tolliver. He's Hunter's biological father."

Rosie gasped. "And he's here?"

"I thought so. I don't see him now though."

"If I hurry I can catch a ride over with Charlotte and Tom. You go look around."

"Thanks, hon. I just need to make sure."

Before Lee could see him, Nate slipped out the back, rejoining his friend in the car. He climbed in and sighed.

"Did you see him? Your boy?" the friend asked.

"Yeah. He was here. Got adopted just like Jamie said." He looked back at the courthouse just as Lee came out the door. "Let's get out of here. That guy was with them. Pretty sure he's a cop." With that they left.

Lee walked back inside and called Rosie, letting her know he didn't see anything else. He figured he must have imagined it.

….

The Thornton's home was filled with family and friends wanting to celebrate Hunter Thornton. Elizabeth was very thankful for the open layout of their home. It made fitting so many people into the space so much easier.

While Jack and Elizabeth talked with Jesse and Mike, Hunter ran over with his cousins.

"Mom, Dad, why does Bruce have to stay in his cage?"

"Hunter, he's sneaked so much food already I shouldn't have to feed him for a week." Jack laughed. "Too much people food can be bad for him."

"But he's lonely!" Hunter whined.

"After the party we can take him for a nice long walk. I'm sure he'll forgive us." Elizabeth said, trying to soothe the situation.

"I hope so," he sighed, and ran off with his cousins again. Elizabeth watched him disappear into the crowd in his hockey jersey, the one with the name Thornton on the back. The one Jack had given him at Christmas to tell him the adoption would one day be final. He'd changed into it as soon as they got home from the courthouse. He was a proud Thornton now.

The doorbell rang and Elizabeth slipped away from Jack and his friends to answer it.

Jesse watched Jack as his eyes followed his wife to the door. He couldn't have been happier for his friend. "You're a lucky man Jack."

"Very!" Jack grinned.

Elizabeth opened the door. "Abigail! I'm so glad you made it!"

"Of course I came! Couldn't miss celebrating something like this. Besides I wanted to see how you were doing. We haven't talked much since the wedding."

"I know, life has just been so crazy. Good crazy though."

"You adjusting from going from single to full time wife and mother okay?"

Elizabeth laughed. "To be honest, I have no idea how well I'm doing there. They both seem happy though.."

"I'd say you're doing well then!" Abigail laughed.

Elizabeth looked past her friend. "No Bill?"

"Not today. He's working. Things are good though."

"Great!"

"Miss Abigail!" Hunter ran over. "I'm a real Thornton now!" He spun around to show off his name on the jersey.

"I heard! Congratulations!"

"Come on, Abigail," Elizabeth said taking her coat. "Let me introduce you to everyone."

Rosie and Lee spent a lot of time talking with Charlotte and Tom and catching up with Tom and Julie as well. Rosie didn't buy the whole "just friends" act but decided to play along nevertheless. When they were finally alone, Rosie asked Lee about what happened at the courthouse.

"Did you tell them?"

"Tell who what?"

"Jack and Elizabeth about what you saw at the courthouse!"

"Oh that. No."

"Why not? Shouldn't they know?"

"Rosie I only thought I saw something. Why worry them over something I can't even verify?"

"What if you weren't just seeing things and he was there?"

Lee thought about it for a moment. He glanced over at Elizabeth. He'd never seen her so happy. "I'll tell them. Just not today. Today I want her to stay that happy."

Now it was Rosie's turn to take a look. She saw Jack wrap his arm lovingly around Elizabeth and then kiss her temple. Both looked so madly in love and content as they watched their son. Their son. He was finally theirs.

"You're right Lee. Let's give them today."

….

"That was one crazy day. I could sleep for a week." Jack walked over and plopped on their bed.

Elizabeth raised her hand and softly stroked Jack's back as he continued to lay face down on the bed. "It was a good day, though. Don't you think?"

He picked his head up. "It was. One of the best." He rolled over and pulled her down into his arms. "You know I just checked on Hunter. Both he and the pup are sound asleep."

"Oh really?" she flirted. "What do you have in mind?"

"A little up close and personal time with my wife." He rolled over on top of her, kissing her neck. She could have easily forgotten her name in the daze he'd placed her in.

"I thought you were tired?" she giggled as he jumped over the bed and locked their door.

"Call it a second wind."