Trust, Love, Happiness

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters or anything else in this story. All credits go to the Hallmark Channel, Janette Oke, Brian Bird, Michael Landon Jr., the actors, and the writers of this amazing show. No copyright infringement intended.

Chapter 28

Jack, Elizabeth, and Taylor had been sleeping for a couple of hours when the newborn started to get fussy. The couple heard her and knew what she needed.

Elizabeth started to get out of bed when Jack gently grabbed her arm and stopped her. "Elizabeth, don't get up. I'll get her." Jack kissed his wife then got up to tend to the baby.

Elizabeth smiled as she watched her husband with their daughter and could tell he was still over the moon about being a father.

As Jack walked back over to Elizabeth, he gently rocked Taylor in his arms and talked to her. "Shhh, …it's ok, peanut. Daddy's here. I love you very much." He shortly paused to kiss Taylor on the forehead then looked lovingly at her. "Yes, I do." He shortly paused one more time while still looking lovingly at their daughter, who was still crying. "Here's mama." He gazed lovingly at his wife as he handed Taylor over to her to start nursing.

Moments after Elizabeth was given Taylor, the cries slowly stopped. Jack was in awe as he sat in the chair right beside the bed and watched Elizabeth interact with their daughter.

Elizabeth smiled as she looked down at her daughter. "It's alright. Mama's here. Yes, she is." She shortly paused. "I love you so much, sweet girl." She kissed Taylor on the top of her head.

The whole 20 minutes Elizabeth nursed, she and Jack engaged in casual conversation loving the peaceful moments as a family of three. Once Elizabeth was finished, she covered herself back up and continued talking to Taylor. "Is that better?" Elizabeth paused as Taylor started cooing. "You were hungry weren't you, baby girl?" Elizabeth gently rubbed Taylor's head and continued talking after she made another cooing noise.

Just then, Jack smiled lovingly at his girls as he made an offer to Elizabeth. "Honey, would you like me to burp her?"

Elizabeth smiled back at Jack. "Sure. That would be great. Thank you for the offer." She handed Taylor to Jack along with a towel just in case it was needed.

Jack again looked lovingly at his daughter. "Hey, peanut." He shortly paused as he held Taylor over his shoulder and against his bare chest while gently patting her back. "Hey."

About a minute later, Taylor let out a little burp before making a cute gurgling noise. Jack gently cradled Taylor in his arms smiling and talking to her again. "Yea. Is that better?" Taylor made another gurgling noise as Jack continued. "Uh huh. Yea. You make me so happy, Taylor." He paused to gently give his daughter an Eskimo kiss. "Yes, you do. No matter how grown up you become, you'll always be my little girl."

Elizabeth's heart melted at the sweet interaction between her husband and daughter. "Oh, Jack. I just love seeing you with Taylor. You're such a natural and I never doubted for second how amazing you'd be as a father. She's definitely daddy's little girl."

Jack very gently rubbed Taylor's head as he gazed lovingly at his wife. "Thank you for your sweet words, honey. Elizabeth, I never imagined I could love another person as much as I love you," He shortly paused and looked down lovingly at his daughter. "But this little angel sure has made me feel a love I never knew possible. Now I know what our parents have felt all these years. It makes me feel whole. I love you for blessing me with her. A blessing that I never knew possible." Jack kissed Taylor on the head before giving her to Elizabeth then sitting in the big hospital bed with his two girls.

"Jack, darling. I feel the same way. I love you both so much." She paused as she looked lovingly from Taylor to Jack then back to a Taylor. "My heart is overflowing." Tears started flowing down Elizabeth's face as she cradled Taylor in her arms.

Jack noticed the tears and looked at Elizabeth while stroking her hair. "Sweetheart, I didn't mean to make you cry or upset you. I love you with all that I am." He kissed Elizabeth on the temple letting his lips linger there for a moment.

Elizabeth looked back at her husband. "I'm not upset, just emotional. I feel so much love for both of you." She looked from Taylor to Jack again while propping her knees up and gently placing their daughter in her lap.

Just then, Taylor made another gurgling noise, which both Jack and Elizabeth noticed.

Elizabeth smiled while talking to her daughter again. "What are you saying, sweet girl?" Taylor kept making gurgling noises as Elizabeth gently rubbed her head, stroked her face, and continued talking to her in a baby voice. "You've has a long day haven't you?" Taylor continued gurgling. "Yea. Tell me about it. I'm so happy you're here, baby girl. Mama loves you very much." She smiled and gently tapped Taylor on the nose. "Yes, I do." Taylor made a cooing noise and very slightly smiled at Elizabeth.

A few seconds later, Elizabeth started singing the nursery rhyme, "This Little Piggy" to Taylor on her left foot.

"This little piggy went market." Elizabeth touched Taylor's biggest toe.

"This little piggy stayed home." Elizabeth touched the next toe.

"This little piggy had roast beef." And the next.

"This little piggy had none." And the next.

"And this little piggy went…wee wee wee all the way home." Elizabeth touched Taylor's little toe, ran her hands up her sides very gently tickling her, then kissed her on the cheek.

This made Taylor slightly smile as she gurgled again.

Jack and Elizabeth shared a loving look then turned their focus back to Taylor with Elizabeth talking again. "You like that, don't you?" Taylor cooed as she grabbed Elizabeth's finger, which didn't go unnoticed. "Yea. You're a sweet girl, Taylor." Elizabeth kissed Taylor on the cheek then looked lovingly at Jack, sitting right next to her. "Jack, would you like to try the nursery rhyme with the other foot?"

"I'd love to, Elizabeth." Jack repeated what Elizabeth did, only this time with Taylor's right foot. Once Jack finished, Taylor very slightly smiled again, started moving her arms slightly, and continued cooing again.

Jack smiled as he tried to imitate Taylor. He shortly paused to make a funny face, which caused Taylor to slightly smile. "You're so precious, baby girl." Taylor grabbed Jack's finger with her right hand while still holding Elizabeth's finger with the other. "Yes, you are."

Elizabeth smiled at the sweet interaction as she spoke up. "Babe, she's holding your finger." Elizabeth paused as she gently stroked Taylor's cheek. "She loves her daddy."

Jack kept his gaze at Taylor. "And I love her, so much." Jack then kissed her nose while talking to her. "Yes, I do." Jack shortly paused one more time. "Darlin', she's holding your finger too. She loves her mama."

Elizabeth gently stroked Taylor's arms. "I love her, more than I can explain." Elizabeth kissed Taylor on the forehead.

Jack and Elizabeth continued playing with Taylor by making funny faces and noises and singing for 20 more minutes before deciding to do something else.

Jack looked lovingly at his girls when he came up with an idea. "Honey, would it be ok if I took our little peanut here for a walk? It might give you a chance to rest some."

Elizabeth smiled at Jack's offer. "Darling, of course, it's ok. I'm sure Taylor would love going on a little walk with her daddy. And yes, thank you. You're so sweet and always take such great care of me."

Jack gazed lovingly at Elizabeth. "I always will. I love you so much, honey." Jack gave his wife a sweet, tender kiss on the lips.

Elizabeth smiled back at her husband. "I love you too." She started talking to Taylor as she gently handed her to Jack. "Hey, baby girl. Here's daddy. He wants to take you for a little walk. I love you and will see you soon." She kissed Taylor on the cheek.

Jack cradled Taylor in his arms as he started talking to her. "Hey peanut, you wanna go on a walk with daddy?" Taylor gave Jack a slight smile before he continued. "Yea, we're gonna have lots of fun." Jack kissed Taylor on the forehead then faced Elizabeth. "Say bye to mama." He shortly paused, gently took Taylor's hand waving it slowly at Elizabeth, and then talked in a baby voice. "Bye, mama."

Elizabeth smiled and slightly chuckled at how cute her husband was, trying to speak in a baby voice before waving back and blowing a kiss at Taylor. "Bye, sweet girl. I'll see you soon." She quickly paused to pucker her lips and blow another kiss at Jack. "Bye, love. Have fun and see you soon."

Jack smiled, puckered his lips, and blew a kiss back to Elizabeth. "Bye, babe. I'm sure we will. See you in a little bit."

With that, Jack left the room to take Taylor for a walk while Elizabeth stayed behind to relax.

When Jack and Taylor came back 10 minutes later, Elizabeth was sitting in bed reading the newest issue of "Charleston Magazine".

As Jack cradled Taylor in his arms, he gazed lovingly at his wife. "You are so gorgeous, darlin'."

As soon as Jack said that, Elizabeth looked up, smiled, and locked eyes with her husband. "Thank you, cowboy. You're so sweet and look very handsome yourself, especially holding our daughter in your arms." She shortly paused. "How was your walk?"

Jack smiled back. "Thank you. That warms my heart to hear you say that. Our walk was great." He looked down lovingly at Taylor and gently stroked her head. "We had a great time, didn't we, peanut?" Taylor slightly smiled and cooed again as she kept her focus on Jack. "Yes, we did."

Elizabeth smiled then spoke up as Jack handed Taylor back to her. "I'm so glad it was great." She shortly paused as she gently took Taylor's hand. "Hey, sweet girl. You had fun with daddy?" Taylor softly cooed and slightly smiled again before Elizabeth finished talking. "We love you so much, Taylor." Both Jack and Elizabeth kiss Taylor on the cheek with Elizabeth going first then Jack.

A little while later, Jack and Elizabeth were laying in the bed after eating dinner, feeding Taylor, then putting her to bed. After spending about 15 minutes talking, they were getting sleepy and decided to call it a night.

Jack gently stroked Elizabeth's hair and gazed lovingly in her eyes. "Goodnight and sweet dreams, my beautiful angel."

Elizabeth gazed back lovingly in Jack's eyes. "Goodnight and sweet dreams, my sweet, handsome man. I love you." Elizabeth gave Jack a loving, tender kiss on the lips.

Jack snuggled up against Elizabeth's back and kissed her neck. "I love you. Always have, always will."

October 5

Jack and Elizabeth were lying in the hospital bed snuggled so very close to each other. Jack had his right arm wrapped around her and was holding her right hand resting on his torso with his left while Elizabeth was on her side and resting her head on his chest. It was the first morning since Taylor's birth and the couple wanted to get in some alone time before their daughter woke up. While they both loved Taylor so much, they also enjoyed the peaceful moments that gave them time to bond as husband and wife. After a good morning kiss, they spent about 5 minutes enjoying the closeness without saying a word before Jack spoke up.

"Elizabeth, may I share something with you?"

"Of course you can. You can share anything with me, Jack." She gently squeezed his hand she was holding.

Jack smiled and looked at Taylor lovingly for a moment. "Don't get me wrong, I love our little peanut so much," Jack started rubbing her fingers on her right hand with his thumb. "But there's nothing like these moments with just you, my amazing wifey." He kissed her on the top of the head.

"Oh, Jack. I know how much you love Taylor. I do too but the moments I get to spend with just you, my amazing hubby are always so special." She shortly paused to kiss Jack's left hand where his wedding band and ring tattoo were. "Could you imagine a year ago that this is where we would be?"

Jack smiled as he responded. "No, I couldn't but I'm so grateful. Just a year ago, I was recovering from my injury." He shortly paused. "And now, we've started our little family with a beautiful baby girl we get to see grow up. My life is so good."

"I know, honey. It's so crazy that we have a little girl now but I couldn't imagine it any other way. My life is pretty good too." Elizabeth looked up and gazed lovingly at Jack before they shared a sweet, tender kiss on the lips and he shared something on his mind.

"I was just thinking." Jack shortly paused to start stroking Elizabeth's hair with his right hand. "How would you feel if we go look at land next week for Thornton Ranch? That would give us a little time to relax at home with Taylor and enjoy family time." He shortly paused again. "Now that we've started growing our little family, I think it's time for me to contact a local builder and show him the plans I've drawn so he can get started on our dream house." Jack paused once more. "I hope you're not upset that I can't build it myself. It's just that I'm required to have a license in order to do so. I'm so sorry, sweetheart." He kissed the top of her head again.

Elizabeth sat up in bed to look straight in Jack's eyes lovingly. "That sounds wonderful. We definitely should. And darling, look at me. Of course, I'm not upset with you." She started stroking Jack's hair. "While I am a little disappointed it won't be you, I understand why and know you will do anything to make me happy. With the amazing plans you've drawn, I'm sure that whoever does build our dream house will do a beautiful job. I can't deny that you would do even better though. You're an amazing man with so many talents." She shortly paused to rub Jack's chest while gazing lovingly in his eyes. "Husband, father, Sergeant, artist, singer, guitar player, dancer, photographer, and that's not even half of it. How'd I get so lucky?"

Jack sat up in bed, faced Elizabeth, and gazed lovingly at her with tears in his eyes. "Elizabeth." He shook his head in awe at what his wife had just said. "Thank you for all your sweet words. It means the absolute world to me. I feel the same about you. You're an amazing woman with so many talents." He stroked her hair with one hand while resting his other hand on her cheek. "Wife, mother, teacher, writer, singer, dancer, cook, photographer, and that's not even everything. How did I get so lucky?" He shortly paused. "Babe, I can't even put into words how precious you are to me. I love you so much that sometimes I think my heart may explode. If we weren't in this hospital right now, I would take you in my arms and show you just how much."

Elizabeth now had a tear in her eye as she continued gazing lovingly at Jack. "Thank you for all the kind words. You're the absolute sweetest and I can't even explain how special you are to me. I love you so stinking much, darling." She shortly paused to gently wipe the tears from Jack's eyes. "How about once we get back home and I've had a while to recover, we have some special alone time to show just how much we love each other? I would say when we get home tomorrow but I was told that we have to wait about six weeks before any deep intimacy can happen."

Jack smiled as he gently wiped the tears from her eyes and continued stroking her hair. "That sounds wonderful. I'd love that. While I can't deny wanting to make love with my beautiful wife as soon as we get home, I know we need to wait. I care about you more than you'll ever know and one of the most important things to me is that you take of yourself too. Whenever you're ready, I will be as well. You're my everything and no matter what we're doing, I'll be happy, as long as we're together."

"Thank you for always looking out for me, babe. You truly are the most amazing man in the world. You're my everything and I'll be happy with whatever we're doing as long as it's together as well. I can't wait to make it up to you though, and in a big way I might add."

"Of course, honey. I'll always look out for you. You're the most amazing woman in the world. I can't wait to see what you have planned. I know it'll be amazing. Hurry up, six weeks." Jack stroked Elizabeth's hair again while kissing her nose before giving her a sweet, tender kiss on the lips.

Elizabeth smiled and chuckled at Jack's cute comment. "You're so cute, Jack. I'll definitely make it amazing."

Jack wrapped his arm around Elizabeth again and gently pulled her close.

While Jack and Elizabeth were snuggling so close to each other again, they looked lovingly at Taylor and watched her sleep.

While she was sleeping, she started smiling as Jack spoke up. "The angels are talking to her."

Jack and Elizabeth looked deeply into each other's eyes then shared a very passionate kiss.

After the kiss, Jack noticed a tear rolling down Elizabeth's cheek. "What's wrong, sweetheart?"

Elizabeth looked lovingly at her husband and smiled. "Nothing's wrong, honey but thank you for asking. You're so sweet. I just never in my wildest dreams thought I'd ever be this happy. It's all because of you. You've made so many wonderful things happen in my life and I know you'll only continue to this for me and now our sweet baby girl."

Jack kissed Elizabeth's tears away then gazed in her eyes as a few tears escaped his eyes, rolling down his cheek. "Oh, my dear, sweet, Elizabeth. I definitely will continue doing it. I've got my two beautiful girls, you and Taylor, and that makes me happier than I ever thought possible. You two are my heart and soul and I can't imagine my life without you." Jack gently took Elizabeth's right hand with his left and rested it on his chest.

Elizabeth gently kissed Jack's tears away. "Oh, Jack. I feel the same. You all are my heart and soul. I can't imagine living without either one of you." They shared another tender, loving kiss as they continued snuggling in peacefulness until Taylor woke up.

A little while later, Elizabeth nursed Taylor then enjoyed breakfast with her husband. Once Jack and Elizabeth finished eating, they spent about an hour bonding with Taylor before Lee and Rosie stopped by for a visit.

When Lee and Rosie walked in the room, they smiled when they found Jack and Elizabeth sitting in the bed playing with Taylor.

Even though Jack and Elizabeth didn't know they were standing there, Lee and Rosie's hearts melted at the sweet moment between their two best friends and daughter.

After a few minutes, Rosie smiled as she spoke up and walked towards Jack, Elizabeth, and Taylor with Lee following. "Well, if it isn't our fave little family ever."

Jack and Elizabeth both looked up and smiled when they saw their friends with Jack responding. "Lee, Rosie. It's so good to see you."

Lee smiled, shook Jack's hand, and then gave him a gentle pat on the back. "It's good to see you too. How you doing, man?"

"I'm doing well. Just feeling really blessed. The labor and birth were long and tough but my girl here did amazing bringing our little bundle of joy into the world." Jack wrapped one arm around Elizabeth's shoulder, gently pulled her close, gazed lovingly in her eyes, and then kissed her temple.

Lee slightly smiled as he responded. "Glad to hear you're doing well. I'm sorry to hear about the labor and birth. We hope there weren't any complications with Taylor. How are you doing, Elizabeth? Are you feeling ok?"

Elizabeth smiled as she responded. "I'm feeling ok. Just so grateful like Jack said. Thank you for asking and for your concern. We really appreciate it. It was definitely tough but she's perfectly healthy and doing great." Elizabeth looked down lovingly at Taylor and gently rubbed her head. "I couldn't have gone through it without this amazing man right here who never left my side." Elizabeth looked lovingly at Jack then kissed his cheek.

"You're welcome, Elizabeth. Rosie and I love and care about all of you and it's so great you're doing well. We can already tell how amazing you are as parents."

Rosie smiled and nodded. "I agree with everything you said, Lee." She shortly paused. "We're both so happy for you all, Jack."

"Thank you, Lee and Rosie. It means a lot to us." Jack shortly paused. "Would you like to meet our daughter?"

Rosie's face lit up. "We'd love to."

Jack smiled and gently handed Taylor to Rosie. "Lee, Rosie, meet Taylor Hope Thornton."

Rosie continued smiling as she cradled Taylor in her arms. "Oh, Jack, Elizabeth. She's beautiful." She shortly paused to look lovingly at Taylor. "Hey sweet girl, it's you're auntie Rosie."

Lee smiled as he chimed in. "And your uncle Lee." He gently took one of Taylor's hands. "We're so happy to finally meet you." He shortly paused. "Yes, we are."

Taylor slightly smiled and made a cooing noise.

Rosie chimes in again. "We love you so much, Taylor. You're a lucky girl to have Jack and Elizabeth as your parents. They love you more than you know."

Elizabeth smiled at how good Taylor was being and Rosie's sweet words. "Thank you. We're lucky to have her as our daughter. She loves her uncle, Lee and Auntie Rosie."

Jack chimed in as he agreed. "I agree, darlin'." He shortly paused. "She is a great baby."

Rosie smiled and agreed. "She definitely is." Rosie shortly paused to gently rub Taylor's cheek. "You're a sweet girl, Taylor." She paused again. "Yes, you are." She gave Taylor a kiss on the forehead.

Jack smiled as he asked Lee a question. "Would you like to hold her, Lee?"

"Of course, I'd love too." Lee smiled as Rosie handed Taylor to him. "Rosie is right. She really is beautiful, Jack. She looks so much like y'all already."

"Thank you, man. That means a lot. Elizabeth and I are so in love with her and still can't believe she's ours." He shortly paused. "You know, seeing the both of you with Taylor gives me no doubt in my mind how great you'll be as parents someday. Don't you agree, darlin'?"

Elizabeth smiled as she nodded and responded. "Of course. You and Rosie will make wonderful parents someday." Elizabeth shortly paused. "Speaking of, how are things going with your relationship?"

"Thank you, Jack and Elizabeth. That means so much." Lee shortly paused to look lovingly at Rosie. "Things are going really well. We're growing closer every day and as happy and in love as we've ever been. We'd love to get married in the future but we're enjoying being together and waiting till we're both absolutely ready. Isn't that right, Rosie?"

Rosie smiled and kissed Lee on the cheek. "So right. I love you, honeybunny."

Lee smiled and chuckled. "I love you, sweetheart."

Elizabeth smiled and chuckled along with Jack and Lee before speaking up. "You're welcome. So glad to hear things are going really well. You are seriously the cutest couple."

Rosie smiled at her friend's comment. "Thank you again, Elizabeth. While it means a lot to us, Lee and I beg to differ. We think you two are the cutest couple on the planet, without a doubt."

Jack couldn't help but smile then gaze lovingly at Elizabeth for a moment. "Thank you, Rosie. That means a lot to hear you say that. Just like you and Lee, Elizabeth and I continue to grow closer every day. Even after Taylor's birth, we're more in love than ever before." Jack gave Elizabeth a kiss on the cheek.

"That's so great to hear. Lee and I love y'all so much and really are so happy for you."

Jack smiled as he responded. "We love you too. Thank you again."

Rosie smiled. "Anytime."

The four of them continued talking for 20 more minutes before Lee and Rosie decide to head out. Once Lee gave Taylor back to Jack, he and Rosie said their goodbyes, told Jack and Elizabeth they would talk soon, then left for the day.

About 30 minutes later, Taylor was asleep in Elizabeth's arms. While she was sleeping and Jack and Elizabeth were having more bonding time as a couple, they heard a gentle knock on the door.

"Knock, knock." Abigail smiled as she entered the room with Frank following right behind. "How are two of our favorite people doing?"

Jack and Elizabeth both smiled seeing their two friends standing there before Elizabeth spoke up softly so as to not wake Taylor. "Hi, Abigail, Frank. We're a little tired but all together we're doing great and feeling really grateful. Thanks for asking. How are you?"

"You're welcome. Frank and I are doing well and glad you are too. How'd everything go?"

Jack took a second then responded. "Glad you're doing well." He shortly paused to gently wrap his right arm around Elizabeth. "It was very long and tough but Elizabeth did amazing. I'm so proud of her." He paused again to kiss Elizabeth's temple. "Despite our little girl being posterior before she arrived, we're just so thankful there were no complications and that she's perfectly healthy."

Frank then took a second before he chimed in. "We're sorry to hear how tough it was but so happy to hear there were no complications and that she's as healthy as can be." He shortly paused. "And Elizabeth is really lucky to have you, Jack. There's no doubt in my mind how supportive you were to her through all of that. You're a wonderful man and I know your father would've been so proud of you."

Jack started to speak up as he held back tears. "Thank you, Frank. That means so much. I'm the lucky one to have Elizabeth in my life. She's the most amazing woman I've ever known."

Abigail smiled and shared her thoughts. "I have to agree with Frank. Your father would be so proud of you, Jack." She shortly paused. "And I believe you're both lucky to have each other."

Jack smiled again as he responded to Abigail's comment. "Thank you, Abigail. And we are definitely lucky to have each other."

Elizabeth smiled and spoke up while holding back tears. "Jack, you're gonna make me cry. Thank you for your sweet words. You're the most amazing man I've ever known." She momentarily paused. "I couldn't agree more. We are very lucky to have each other." She paused once more. "Frank, Abigail. Would you like to meet our daughter, Taylor Hope Thornton?"

Abigail's face lit up just like Rosie's did. "What a beautiful name. We'd love to meet her."

As Jack handed Taylor to Abigail, she spoke up again while cradling her in her arms. "Jack, Elizabeth. She's absolutely precious." She shortly paused before talking softly to Taylor. "Hi, sweet girl, I know you're asleep but it's your auntie, Abigail. I love you very much and so happy to finally meet you."

Jack and Elizabeth's heart melted at the sweet moment between their daughter and Abigail. After a few seconds, Jack spoke up. "Thank you, Abigail. Elizabeth and I are so in love with her and still find it hard to believe she's ours."

"You're welcome. We can see why. She's such a sweet baby and so lucky to have you as parents."

Elizabeth smiled as she spoke up. "Thank you again, Abigail. That means the world to us. We're so lucky to have her as our daughter."

After 10 more minutes, both Abigail and Frank each had a chance to hold Taylor. She was now back in her mother's arms, still asleep as the four friends continued talking.

"Jack, Elizabeth. If you're ok with it, I'd love to pray over you."

"Elizabeth and I would love that."

As Frank placed a hand on Jack's shoulder, Abigail placed a gentle hand on Taylor's arm where one of Elizabeth's hands was resting. Once the four of them bowed their head, Frank began the prayer.

"Dear Lord, I come to You today with a prayer for two wonderful people and friends, Jack and Elizabeth and their beautiful daughter, Taylor. I pray You'll give Jack and Elizabeth guidance and protection as they enter this next chapter of their lives as parents. Let them know how much You love them and how You'll always be there for them in the good and hard days. I also pray they'll continue to look to You and keep You first in their life and marriage and as they navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood together. I also pray for Taylor. Let her know how loved she is even as she grows up. I pray that she'll always keep You first and know that she can accomplish anything if she stays strong in her faith. Lord, You are so amazing and we are all so blessed to have You in our life. We love you so much. In Your name, we pray, Amen."

Once the prayer was finished, the four of them raised their heads again as Elizabeth spoke up. "Thank you for the sweet prayer, Frank. It means a lot."

Frank smiled and responded. "Of course. Abigail and I both love you guys and care about you very much."

"Yes, we do. Jack, Elizabeth, and even Taylor. You're wonderful people and we're so thankful to know you."

Jack smiled at the kind comments then spoke up. "We love y'all and so thankful to know you too."

Once that was said, the four friends continued talking for 10 more minutes before it was time for Abigail and Frank to leave. They said their goodbyes then headed out to give their friends family bonding time with their daughter.

Later that night, Jack and Elizabeth ate dinner before Elizabeth spent 20 minutes nursing Taylor.

Once that was done, Jack and Elizabeth spent about an hour playing with their daughter and having bonding time as a family of three.

The time went by quickly as it was getting late. After Jack and Elizabeth read their daily devotional and said a nightly prayer, Jack came up with the perfect idea. He decided he wanted to sing a song to his daughter before him and Elizabeth put her in her bassinet for the night.

As Jack sang "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts, he held Taylor's hand with one of his while gently stroking her head with the other and looking lovingly at her.

Elizabeth's heart melted at the sweet moment between her husband and their daughter and couldn't feel more blessed. She loved them so much and thought about how this was the happiest she'd ever felt.

October 6

After breakfast and Elizabeth nursed, Carson and Faith came in to check on the Thornton's. "Hey, Elizabeth and Jack. How are you and Miss Taylor this morning?"

The new parents smiled then Jack spoke up, "Elizabeth and I are tired but great. Taylor's great too."

The four adults all talked for a few minutes then Elizabeth and Taylor were checked before being discharged. "Jack, your girls are perfectly healthy. Are you ready to go home as new parents?"

Jack and Elizabeth were anxious but they knew they would get through it together just like anything else thrown their way.

"Yes. As ready as can be. We're anxious but excited more than anything."

Carson told them they were already wonderful parents then gave the information about the follow-up and made sure everything was covered before starting the discharge process.

An hour later, Carson and Faith walked back in the room to let their friends know the discharge process was completed. When they came back, Carson was the first to speak up. "Alright. Jack, Elizabeth, the discharge process is completed. Y'all are good to go."

Faith took a second then spoke up herself. "And Elizabeth, we know you're still a little sore so we brought a wheelchair for you to use so you don't have to be on your feet to walk to the car."

Elizabeth smiled and responded at Carson and Faith. "That's wonderful. Thank you for letting us know, Carson." She shortly paused. "And that's so kind of y'all. Thank you for doing that, Faith."

Carson smiled and nodded, as he was the first to respond. "You're welcome."

Faith then chimed in. "Of course. We care about both of you and will always do anything we can for you. And we're also just following protocol like we do for everyone else."

The four friends continued talking and playing with Taylor for 10 minutes before Jack and Elizabeth started preparing to leave with their newborn daughter. While Jack was helping Elizabeth move from the bed to the wheelchair, Faith gently cradled Taylor in her arms, silently dreaming about what it'd be like to have a child of her own someday.

Once Elizabeth was in the wheelchair, Faith gently handed Taylor back to her mother. "She really is so beautiful, Jack and Elizabeth. Carson and I love y'all so much and couldn't be happier for you."

Jack stood behind Elizabeth in the wheelchair with his hands gently resting on her shoulders. "Thank you, Faith. That means a lot. We love you too."

A few minutes later, Carson and Faith gave Jack and Elizabeth hugs, said their goodbyes, then headed out to take care of other patients.

Once Carson and Faith left the room, Jack wrapped his arms gently around Elizabeth's shoulders from the back of the wheelchair and kissed the top of her head. "So, are my two beautiful girls ready to go home?"

Elizabeth's heart melted at Jack's sweet words and display of affection. "You're so sweet. And yes, I'm ready, love." She gently took one of Taylor's hands. "What about you, Taylor?" Elizabeth smiled as she started talking in a baby voice and gently moving Taylor's hand around that she was holding. "Yes, I'm ready daddy. Let's go home."

Jack smiled, chuckled, and kissed the top of Elizabeth's head again. "Oh, Elizabeth. You're so cute. I love you." He walked around and kissed Taylor on the forehead. "And I love you, peanut."

"I love you, Jack." She gave her husband a sweet, tender kiss on the lips. "You got everything, honey?"

Jack walked back behind the wheelchair. "Yes, I do. Let's go home, sweetheart."

30 minutes later, Jack and Elizabeth with Taylor in her arms, walked in their apartment.

The moment they walked in, they made their way over to the sofa with Elizabeth placing Taylor in her bassinet right next to it.

As they stood side by side looking lovingly at their daughter, Jack wrapped an arm around Elizabeth's waist pulling her close.

Elizabeth leaned her head against Jack's shoulder. "Jack. Have you ever seen anything more perfect in your entire life?"

"I have and she's standing right next to me." Jack gently pulled Elizabeth even closer and kissed her forehead. "Our little peanut is pretty perfect though." He shortly paused. "Beautiful and sweet just like her mama."

Elizabeth looked up at Jack lovingly for a moment. "Oh, Jack. That's one of the sweetest things I've ever heard. Thank you so much, honey. You and our baby girl are the two most perfect gifts from God I could ask for. He has truly blessed me beyond measure."

"My dear, sweet, Elizabeth. I feel the absolute same. You and Taylor are the two most perfect blessings from God and I'm beyond thankful to have you in my life. You two are my girls and I love you both more than I can put into words."

"We love you more, my darling." She gave Jack a sweet tender kiss on the lips. "Sweetheart, I need to take a shower. Do you mind if I go first or would you like to?"

"Darlin', of course, I don't mind. Ladies first. Taylor and I will be perfectly fine till you get back."

"Awe, thank you. Always such the gentleman. I'll be back in 20 minutes."

Jack smiled and gazed lovingly in Elizabeth's eyes. "Of course. That'll never change. And sounds good. I'll be right here."

"I know it won't. See you soon, love." Elizabeth gave Jack another sweet kiss on the lips then went to take her shower.

While Elizabeth was taking her shower, Jack spent some time working on a drawing of his two favorite girls in his sketchbook and watching Taylor

Twenty minutes later, Elizabeth returned to the living room wearing yoga pants and one of Jack's Beaufort PD t-shirts.

When Jack saw her, his heart skipped a beat at how cute she looked. He walked over to her, gazed lovingly in her eyes, and gently ran his hands down her arms before taking her hands in his. "Wow, you look adorable, babe."

"Jack, you're too sweet. Thank you. I love wearing your shirt."

Jack started stroking Elizabeth's hair with one hand while resting the other hand on her hip. "And I love seeing you wear my shirt. It makes me weak in the knees." He wrapped both arms around her waist, gently pulling her close. "I'm gonna go take a quick shower but I'll be back in fifteen."

"You're so cute, darling." She stroked his hair and gazed lovingly in his eyes. "I'm not going anywhere. See you soon."

Jack buried his nose in her hair for a moment taking in the wonderful scent of her coconut shampoo then kissed her behind her right ear. "Yes, see you soon. I'm ready for cuddle time with my beautiful wifey." He kissed her cheek.

"And I'm ready for cuddle time with my handsome hubby." She kissed his cheek.

While Jack was taking his shower, Elizabeth pulled out her journal and a pen out of her bag as she curled up on the sofa, flipped to the next blank page, and started conveying her thoughts down on paper.

"This year, on Jack's birthday, our first child Taylor Hope Thornton made her debut. The labor and birth were very difficult and painful but I wouldn't change it for the world. Jack's an amazing husband and father and I couldn't ask for better when it comes to our family. As new parents, we are trying to figure everything out but Jack and I are excited about this next chapter in our lives. We know that we have God's guidance and protection to help us care for the blessing He has trusted us with and that helps us in so many ways as we move forward in this new life we have made. I'm eternally grateful and happy to be the wife to an amazing man and mother to our sweet girl and future children. Without Jack and Taylor, I wouldn't be the woman I am today. I love them more than anything and it will never change. Faith, Hope, and Love are some good things He gave us and the greatest is Love. Love never fails."

Once Jack finished his shower, he put on a pair of shorts but left his shirt off then went to join his wife on the sofa.

Within seconds, the couple locked eyes. "Well, if it isn't my amazing hubby looking like a hottie with that no shirt look. Come here, hon. I'm ready to cuddle and feel your strong, protective arms around me."

As soon as Jack sat down, he leaned back against the sofa while Elizabeth leaned back against his bare chest and he wrapped his arms around her waist gently pulling her close. "I'm ready to cuddle with you, darlin'." He rested his hands on her waist slightly inside his shirt she was wearing. He loved that feeling and after hearing the soft moan from Elizabeth, he continued talking. "I'm sorry, Elizabeth. I know we're not supposed to do too much for a few weeks but I couldn't resist. You're just so beautiful and I needed to touch you."

Elizabeth smiled and chuckled as she held Jack's hands under his shirt she was wearing. "Jack, you don't ever have to apologize for that. I always love feeling your gentle touches. As long as we don't do full intercourse for the next 6 weeks, we'll be fine. Truth is, you're just so handsome and I need to touch you too." She gently rubbed Jack's legs for a moment before taking his hands in hers again. "I love you so much." She gently squeezed Jack's hands. "It's so good to finally be home."

Jack smiled and gently squeezed her hands back. "I love you more, baby." He buried his nose in her hair then kissed her temple. "And I feel the same way. Home Sweet Home with my favorite girls."