Scott and Hope continued with their lives as best they could despite the baby situation. They continued working like normal, though Hope's days were usually interrupted with occasional distracting bouts of nausea, and sometimes vomiting, but that was about it. None of that interfered with the work they had to do. Jack was working hard, too, now that his son was out of the hospital and Becca was home with him. She still wasn't ready to leave her son with someone else during the day.

Since she was home now, she had some time on her hands to start arranging plans for the wedding, and since she wanted to get married in North Carolina, that meant she had to plan a visit. Her parents offered to let her, Jack, and the baby stay with them for a weekend, which was gladly accepted. They arranged the flights and bought tickets, and it was settled for the second weekend in October, which was coming up at the end of the week. By the time that Thursday rolled around, everything was packed to fly the next morning. However, Becca wanted to do something before she left… something that wouldn't be easy, but she knew she had to do it.

That morning, she drove to work, but in a separate car than Jack, with Porter in the backseat. In her purse that she had in the passenger's seat, there was a white business envelope, sealed and ready to be delivered. She parked the car in the staff parking lot, took Porter and placed him into the wrap she used to baby-wear him, and she headed inside. After taking a deep breath, she went into Hope's office. The dark-haired woman looked up and was very pleased to see her friend.

"Becca!" she smiled and stood up to go and hug her. She was careful, though, since Porter was situated on Becca's chest. "Hey, sweet Porter. What are you doing here?"

"I came to give you something," Becca replied and reached into her purse, removing the envelope and handing it to Hope. "Here's this."

Hope took the letter, her eyebrows knit. "What is this?" she asked, opening it to read the letter inside. When she saw the first line, her expression completely changed, and her eyes flickered up in surprise. "Are you…?"

Becca gave a slow nod. "Yeah… I formally tender my resignation," she admitted. "I need to stay home with my baby. I can't bear the thought of him being in someone else's care while he's got this monitor. I want to be home with him."

"I understand," Hope nodded. "I don't blame you at all. Just promise you'll stay in touch."

"Well, duh," Becca winked. "What, did you think I'd just stop visiting altogether? No."

Hope laughed some. "Okay, good. As long as you and little Porter are happy. How is he doing, anyway?"

"Things are going pretty smoothly. We had one little scare, but right away, he started breathing again. Still makes me nervous, but he's still here."

"Good," the other woman smiled, holding the baby's little hand.

"What about you? How are you holding up with baby Lang?"

"Everything's going okay. I still feel sick all the time, and all I want to do is sleep and eat, but that's normal, I guess. Also, I can't fit into any of my pants anymore." She couldn't help but run a hand across her belly.

Becca glanced down and smiled. "You're starting to get a bit of a belly there, I see."

"Not funny," Hope blushed. "Should I be showing so soon?"

"Every pregnancy is different. From what I could tell when I was looking for the heartbeat for you, you're carrying low. That could be one reason. But don't be ashamed of it."

Hope let out a sigh. "I know I shouldn't be, but when I look in the mirror it looks more as if I've gained weight, not having a baby."

"Oh, I get that. But hey, you know that it's because of a baby, that your body is working hard to create inside of you. Forget what others have to say. Just take a deep breath, Hope. You'll be just fine."

Hope nodded, taking a breath as Becca had said. Then, she had to sit down, as she started to feel nauseous and dizzy.

"Take it easy, there, mama," Becca warned lightly. "Please don't overwork yourself. Not good for you or the baby. I probably sound like a broken record saying that. Scott probably says it enough."

"You're right, he really does," Hope chuckled. "I'm doing my best, I promise." She then glanced up to Becca, looking a bit sad. "I wish you didn't have to leave."

"I know. It was really hard to come up here to do it, but I had to. After what's happened with the scare and everything, the thought of being away from Porter scares the crap out of me."

Her friend nodded. "I can imagine. Gotta do whatcha gotta do, I guess. You'll be a good stay-at-home mommy, I'm sure of it."

"Thanks," Becca giggled and pressed a kiss to her son's head. "I will say, I'll definitely miss this place. Lots of memories."

"We'll miss you," Hope said. "But this is more of a see you later thing."

"Mhm exactly," Becca agreed. "Honestly I'm sure we'll see each other again by the time next week rolls around. I would say weekend but I'm going out of town."

"Oh, really? Where?"

"North Carolina to visit family. I haven't been back in a very long time. It's where Jack and I plan on getting married, so a visit is necessary."

Hope smiled at the thought of her friend getting married. It excited her. "Aww, that'll be fun."

"Yeah, I'll get to see my parents at their place after so long. I haven't been in god knows how long now. I think the last time I was there was in 2012."

"That long ago?" Hope gasped. "I bet they're happy you're the one visiting them this time."

Becca nodded as she ran a hand through her son's wispy hair. "Oh, definitely. And I'm happy, too. I miss it. It was where I was raised for most of my life before I turned fourteen. We moved that summer and I started my freshman year here in San Fran. When I graduated college and my sister graduated high school, they moved back to NC."

"Makes sense," the other woman replied. Then, she stopped for a second. "Wait, you have a sister? I didn't know this."

"Lots of people don't. We, uh… we had a falling out. I haven't seen her in a while."

"Aw. I'm sorry about that." Hope knew all too well about falling out with family members. "I hope you two reconcile."

"Me, too."

They talked for a while, and soon, Becca headed out to be home with Porter. There wasn't much of an emotional goodbye, because she wasn't walking away from that building for the last time. She'd be visiting, considering two of her friends and her future husband worked there. She'd be back for sure. In the meantime, now she could officially stay at home without worrying about leaving her son.

The next morning, bright and early, Becca and Jack forced themselves out of bed, changed, got Porter, packed the car, and drove to the airport. Before they knew it, they were in the air, on their way to Becca's old home. Porter was surprisingly quiet on the flight (he slept the whole time), much to everyone's relief. After a few hours, they landed, and when they walked out of baggage claim, there was Kevin to greet them. He hugged them both.

"Hey, Dad," Becca smiled as she embraced her father.

"Welcome home, Bex," the old man returned the grin. He then hugged Jack. "And to you, too, Jack. You're family. This is one of your homes now, too."

Jack was touched. "Thank you, sir," he replied. It was still weird to call him 'Dad,' even though it was allowed and encouraged. He'd only met her parents once or twice, so he was still getting used to it.

Kevin kept his grin as he glanced to Porter and kissed his cheek. "Hello, sweet boy," he said. "I'm glad y'all are here. Come on, Colleen is waiting for y'all."

The men got the bags into Kevin's truck while Becca installed Porter's car seat. Before long, they were on the road, headed for the ranch. Becca sat in the back to keep an eye on her son, since the monitor was packed away, and the men exchanged banter up front. Even Porter took part in some of the conversation with his random babbling. That was kept them entertained for most of the ride, and before long, they made the turn down the long dirt driveway leading to the main house.

Jack glanced around as they drove. On either side of the driveway were stretches of white fences, which surrounded the lush, green pastures they enclosed. Shrubbery lined the fence, adding some color and decoration to the path. When Jack looked past the fence, he could see some horses dotted across the fields. Everything was well kept, it was as if it was a huge professional equestrian center. He could even spot an arena far back behind the main house.

The car tires crunched the gravel and dirt below as they pulled up to the house, and Jack was already staring. It was like a traditional farm house he'd seen in movies, but way nicer. It was two stories, and enormous, covering a lot of space. The outer walls were of cream-colored vinyl siding, and the columns that held up the awning above the front door and the rest of the front porch were of stone. The foundation was stone, too. It was absolutely beautiful.

"Wow," Jack said in awe. "This is amazing."

"Thanks," Kevin said. "Home, sweet home." Then, he shut off the car and got out, the others following.

Colleen had heard the truck pull up and rushed outside to greet Becca as soon as she got out of the car. "Hi, honey!" she exclaimed. "Oh, I'm so glad you're here."

"Me, too, Mom," Becca smiled as they hugged. "It's been so long. Here, let us get our stuff and get inside."

Colleen shot Kevin a quick, knowing glance before she shook her head. "Hold on, come inside real quick I have to show you something." Before Becca could even react, Colleen was pulling her inside the house.

Jack was curious, and he went to follow, but Kevin urged him quietly to stay outside with him. "Just wait," he said.

"What?" Jack asked.

"You'll see in a few minutes."

Inside, Colleen led her daughter into the living room, the latter very confused. "Mom, what's going on?"

Finally, they stopped, standing in the center of the room. Colleen offered a smile. "There's someone here who wants to see you."

Becca's brows knit. "What? Who?"

That was when, in the corner of her eye, she caught sight of movement from the kitchen, so she turned her head to look. Immediately, her eyes widened, and her jaw dropped. She thought her heart had stopped. There in the doorway stood a short brunette, looking similar to Becca, with the same blue eyes and freckles. Those blues were fixed on Becca with the same surprise she had. Becca couldn't believe what she was seeing, to the point where she had no words… except for one. "Rachel?"

"Becca…" the other woman breathed.

They stood there for a while, silent, disbelieving. Rachel watched her sister with a tiny bit of resentment, remembering the last time they saw one another. Becca could see that in her eyes, and remorse filled her immediately. Then, out of complete guilt, as well as gladness to see her sister again after so long, Becca couldn't help but approach her sister and wrap her arms around her. Rachel didn't hesitate to do the same, and feeling that hug returned made Becca's heart lift.

"God, it's so good to see you, Rach" she let out a breath of relief.

"You, too, Bex," Rachel grinned. "It's been so long."

"I know," Becca sighed with guilt, realizing it had been maybe two years since they last spoke. "And that's my fault. I'm so sorry."

"No, don't apologize," the younger woman shook her head. "It's my fault for acting like such an ass while you were grieving. I should have known better."

Becca pulled away to look her sister in the eye with the glassy blues of her own. "I was the one to shut you out. And I should have called you sooner once things got better. I'm so sorry for that. I'm just glad I can see you again."

Instead of arguing, Rachel just pulled Becca into another tight hug, both of them a bit teary-eyed now. All at once, those two years of bitterness were released and faded away. "I missed you. All of us did, actually."

The older of the two drew back again to wipe the tears that had slipped. "I missed y'all, too. Wait, are David and Olivia here, too?"

"They are," Rachel nodded. "They're in the back. Want me to get them?"

"No need," a man's voice spoke from the doorway leading to the kitchen. Becca glanced up to find a familiar blond man standing there, smiling at her. "Hey, Becca."

"David," Becca smiled and went to hug her brother-in-law. "Oh, it's so good to see you."

David grinned as he hugged her, bending down to do so, because Becca was so much shorter than he was. "You, too. It's been so long."

"I know, I know. I promise it won't be that long again."

Just then, behind David came a little girl, about five years old. Her big hazel eyes locked with Becca's and the girl's face brightened with glee. "Aunt Becca!" she squealed, running toward the woman.

"Olivia!" Becca exclaimed, kneeling so she could hug the girl and pick her up. "Oh, you've gotten so big!"

"I missed you so much!" the girl said as she hugged her aunt tightly.

"I missed you, too," Becca responded happily, and then she placed the girl back down. "So much. You've grown up so much."

Olivia smiled proudly. "I'm a big girl now."

Her aunt ruffled her hair. "Oh, I'm sure." After that, Olivia went to play with a toy by David's feet. She then glanced up and looked around at her sister and her family. God, she was glad everything was okay between her and Rachel. She'd missed everyone. "I'm so glad to see all of y'all."

"Well, you haven't seen all of us yet," Rachel stated.

Becca tilted her head. "What do you mean?"

Instead of speaking right away, the brunette turned to look at David, who also turned to look behind him with a smile. Colleen was coming into the room, so he stepped out of the way. Becca was about to greet her mother, but she stopped before she even started, because she couldn't believe what she saw. In her mother's arms, there was a baby.

"Oh, my god," Becca whispered with a gasp. "What?"

Rachel grinned and went to stand by her husband and mother. "Becca, meet your youngest niece, Addelyn, or Addie."

Becca could only stare for a moment before she could manage to speak again. "What?!" she repeated herself, her voice muffled, as her hand was covering her mouth, now. She approached them slowly.

Rachel couldn't hold back her giggle. "Surprise."

"Oh, god, she's so beautiful!" Becca had a smile from ear to ear. A hand reached out to take hold of Addie's, and the baby smiled when her aunt said hello to her. "God, how old is she?"

"She's just over a year," David answered.

So this was what it felt like to not know about a baby. "Wow, she is adorable," she replied.

"Wanna hold her?" her sister asked her.

"Uh, duh!" Becca giggled, and she gladly took Addie into her arms. "Hi baby girl. Oh, you're so friggin cute." Then, she chuckled a bit. "Wow, so now I don't feel so bad. This makes us even."

This got Rachel's attention. "What do you mean?"

Becca handed Addie back to David before she called for her father, who was still in the foyer with Jack and the baby, to come in. Kevin came in first, and he stood near the doorway. The man waved to the other who was still hidden behind the wall. "Come on in, Jack."

As he was told, Jack entered the room, holding his son with Becca at an angle so his face could be seen. As soon as she caught sight of them, Rachel's jaw dropped. She was the one to gasp this time with disbelief. "No way…" she spoke under her breath at first.

Becca went to stand beside her fiancé. "Rachel, this is Jack, my fiancé… and our son, Porter, your first nephew."

"You've gotta be kidding me!" Rachel's hand flew to her now-gaping mouth. "Are you serious right now?"

"Yeah, I am," the older sister giggled. "You're an aunt."

The youngest woman couldn't resist giving a little excited squeal, and she ran up to hug her sister to congratulate her. "Oh, my god!" she laughed happily. When she pulled away, her eyes fell upon her nephew. "Oh, Becca, he's so cute! Oh, can I please hold him?"

"Of course," Becca nodded. Jack smiled and handed the baby to his future sister-in-law, just before sliding an arm around Becca's waist.

Rachel immediately showered her nephew with kisses, and it drew a few little happy noises from him. "Oh, my god, he's so cute! When was he born?"

"June seventeenth," Jack told her. "He'll be four months on Monday."

"Oh, you're so little," Rachel giggled as she spoke to Porter, who was all smiles. When she heard that it was Becca's fiancé who had answered her question, she blushed, realizing that she had yet to shake hands with Jack… actually, she hadn't really acknowledged him yet. She gave a light, nervous chuckle. "Oh, god. Sorry, Jack."

"No, it's okay," Jack laughed. "It's nice to meet you, Rachel."

"When did you two meet?"

"A little over a year ago, now," Becca admitted. "Porter's timing was early, but he brought us closer together, I think." She glanced up to her future husband and smiled, knowing his face was one of agreement. "He proposed the day our son was born, and we want to get married here. That's why we're visiting, actually."

Jack grinned and brought his future bride closer to him. "Checking things out to get them arranged for the big day. I've heard many good things about this property. Rachel, you got married here, right?"

Across the room, David grinned and approached the others, still holding Addie. "Indeed, we did," he was the one to respond to Jack's question. He then held out one hand, not letting go of his daughter. "I'm David, by the way, Rachel's husband."

"Nice to meet you, man," Jack shook his hand firmly. He then noticed the baby girl in David's arm. "And who is this beauty?"

"This is Addie," David grinned at his youngest daughter.

The other man went to let the baby girl hold his finger for a moment. "Hi, Miss Addie," he said in that baby-talking voice of his. When his eyes moved away, he noticed that David's oldest daughter happened to be there, too. When Jack first went into the room, Olivia had been distracted with her toys, but when David went to walk forward to the other man, she wanted to follow him. She was a daddy's girl, it was easy to tell. Jack grinned down at her. "Oh, and who's this?"

"Oh, this here is Olivia, our oldest. Say hi, Olivia." David had the same smile as he glanced to the girl by his feet.

At first, the young girl was a bit shy, not sure what to think of this big man looming over him. Jack noticed her falter, and he knelt to be at her level. His smile was soft and gentle, welcoming. "Hello, Miss Olivia," he greeted her warmly and held out his hand. "My name is Jack. I'm gonna be your uncle, soon."

David watched his eldest daughter's hesitation. "Don't be shy, sweetie. He's family."

"Yeah," Jack nodded. "I don't bite. I promise."

Becca chuckled and stood behind Jack. "It's okay, Olivia. He's a good man."

After a moment, Olivia eventually held out her hand, and a shy smile appeared on her face. "Hi."

"There you go," Jack returned the smile, and he shook her little hand. "It's nice to meet you, Olivia."

"You, too," the girl giggled quietly. After a moment, she noticed her mother preoccupied with a baby she hadn't seen before. "Mommy, who's that?"

Everyone turned to Rachel. The woman walked up to her daughter and knelt down carefully with Porter in her arms. "This is your baby cousin, sweetie. Can you say hello to Porter?"

When she learned that this baby was in fact her cousin, her fact lit up all of a sudden. "I have a cousin?" she gasped. "Oh, yes, yes, yes! Hi, cousin Porter!" She was bouncing with excitement, now, as she gushed over this new cousin of hers. In response, Porter cooed at her.

Rachel giggled. "He's Uncle Jack and Aunt Becca's baby. See how little he is? Remember when Addie was this small?"

Olivia nodded. She didn't take her eyes off the baby in front of her.

Nearby, Becca smiled at this, loving how much her son was adored already. She let out a happy sigh, looking up at Jack for a while and sharing the same smile before glancing back to the rest of her family. Colleen was beaming, too.

"Hey, Bex, you have someone else to reunite with," the older woman stated.

At first, Becca was puzzled. "Who?" she asked. But when Colleen jerked her head toward the back door, leading out to the back part of the property. The oldest Ronan daughter suddenly gasped in realization. "Bowie?"

Colleen nodded, and she laughed as Becca flew past her and out the back. The others followed her outside. Jack took Porter back in his hands as Rachel offered to return him, and once her hands were free, she ran out after her older sister. The two women headed down a path that led to a building that was obviously a barn. Jack looked around in awe. This place had facilities that a professional equestrian center would have. There was a large barn, an outdoor arena, an indoor arena, and lots of pastures, some of which had horses dotted across the grass. Jack was very impressed. Becca hadn't been kidding about her parents working with horses.

Everyone followed the older women to the barn, Becca entering first. She rushed down the aisles, around a corner, and right to a particular stall. As she approached, she made a clicking noise, and a horse poked his head out, ears pricked in interest. Becca stopped and gasped happily. "Bowie…" she giggled. In response, the horse nickered. The woman approached the stall gleefully, and she let the horse sniff her hand before going to hug his neck. "Oh, hey, big boy. Oh, I missed you so much."

Soon after, the others made it into the barn, where they found Becca reuniting with her horse, Bowie. She was very happy, all smiles and laughs, as her beloved horse recognized and remembered her. Colleen and Kevin chuckled. "He really missed ya, Bex," Colleen stated.

"Oh, the feeling is definitely mutual," Becca said, stroking Bowie's neck. "Oh, I'm definitely taking him out. Rachel, go get Ziggy."

Rachel laughed, and she went off to do as told. Kevin led the others outside, and they all stood behind the fence surrounding the outdoor arena. After a few minutes, the barn doors opened, and Becca and Rachel came out leading their horses together. As soon as she was in the center, she hopped atop her horse. No saddle, no bridle, nothing. She even kicked her shoes off. Rachel had done the same, and before long, the two were riding together all over the arena. After a while, they went to leave the arena and run around the property instead. Becca rode Bowie up to her fiancé and their son. Jack drew out of the trance he'd been in. He had watched his future wife ride like a pro, and he couldn't take his eyes off the way she moved her hips. He struggled to focus on anything else. But when he noticed she was coming up to them, he blinked and smiled. Meanwhile, Porter was watching with big, curious eyes. He'd never seen an animal so big before.

Jack chuckled. "What do you think, little man? See Mommy?"

"Hi, baby boy," Becca grinned from above the animal. "Look at the look he's giving Bowie. He's like 'Mom, what is that?' He's so confused."

"It doesn't seem like he's fazed, though," Jack pointed out.

"Bring him closer, babe," Becca said with a smile. "Bowie is very gentle around kids."

Jack nodded and stepped forward, standing beside the horse and letting Porter touch it. Bowie turned his head in curiosity, but he stayed very calm and relaxed. Porter's little hands seemed to like the feeling of the animal's coat, and he smiled and babbled.

"What do you think, huh?" Becca smiled. Her voice got her son's attention, and he looked up and smiled again. "When he's a bit older, I'm definitely gonna teach him to ride."

"That'd be so cute," Jack grinned at the thought. "You'll have to teach me, too."

"I will," the woman giggled.

After that, they decided to put the horses away and head back into the house. Colleen went to cook some snacks for everyone while they relaxed in the living room. Becca washed her hands before taking Porter back into her arms. "Come here, my sweet boy," she smiled, spinning him around and kissing his cheek. The baby was all smiles and babbles as his mother doted him.

Rachel nearby went to take Addie into her own arms and kissed her cheek as well. "I just realized something," she said. "Addie has yet to meet little Porter."

"Oh, you're right," Becca grinned. When she glanced at her son, she found him to be staring at Addie. Becca giggled. "Ooh, who do you see, huh? You see your cousin?"

Meanwhile, Addie had spotted Porter and was watching him with curiosity. She even reached for him. "Aww, who's that Addie?" Rachel giggled, and she stepped closer to her sister with the baby boy she carried. "Be gentle. You really want your cousin, huh? Can he sit up on his own?"

"Not for long periods," Becca shook her head.

This made Rachel laugh. "Addie will probably knock him over since she's quite the crawler. Gotta wait to put them on the floor together."

The elder sister laughed in return. "Yeah, we'll wait a few months."

The women went with their families further into the living room, where Becca and Jack sat together on the couch, Porter in Mom's lap. It wasn't long before Becca found her fingers in Porter's mouth while he sucked away. Rachel was sitting in a living chair, David on the floor by her feet while he played with his girls. Well, he only played with Olivia for a little while, because she was soon distracted when she saw Porter. With curiosity, she edged toward the couch, eyes fixed on the baby. Becca saw her, smiled, and patted the couch beside her to invite her up. When she was given permission, she climbed up, and she crawled up to her aunt.

"He's so cute," Olivia stated once she'd settled down. Her small hand reached out to hold Porter's. "And small!" She then giggled when she noticed that his hand was wet. "And wet."

"He likes to think that either his fingers or Mommy's are food," Jack chided. "We don't know why babies do that."

Olivia giggled again, playing with Porter for a moment. She got the baby to let out a few small laughs and lots of big smiles.

"He likes you, Liv," Becca smiled. "Look at how big those smiles are."

"Really?" the little girl's eyes lit up when she was told this. She was very happy to hear that her new and only cousin liked her. "I like you, too, Porter. I'm gonna be the best cousin ever."

The adults chuckled at this, and the couples all looked at one another, sharing smiles. David and Rachel laughed, proud of their daughter's words. Becca glanced to Jack, both of them happy that their son was so loved. Becca let out a happy sigh. She was very, very pleased and content and relieved that she was with her family again, and during a time of happiness for everyone. No one was grieving. No one was upset. And Becca was very grateful for it.

The family spent the rest of the afternoon together, eating dinner and playing with the kids. Soon, it was time for the kids to head to bed, and the adults decided to call it a night as well. That was when Becca and Jack actually got to take their bags to the guest room they'd be staying in. When they got inside, they shut the door, and Becca went to lie down on the bed with Porter so she could change his diaper and clothes. Jack, meanwhile, went to set up the pack and play that Becca's parents got for Porter whenever they visited. When he finished, he joined his future bride with their son on the bed.

"Your family is very nice," he told her, pecking her cheek. "I'm glad you and your sister reconciled."

"Oh, I am, too," she replied. "I missed her a lot. She was my best friend growing up. No more avoiding each other, thank god. Now I get to see her, David, and both my nieces. I can't believe she had another baby."

Jack chuckled. "She couldn't believe you had one, either."

"I don't think she expected so much to have happened since the last time we spoke," the woman quipped. "A lot can happen in two years, but she probably wasn't thinking a new relationship and a baby. But hey, Aunt Rach loves you, sweet boy." She then nuzzled her nose against her son's. "As do your nieces and Uncle David. But then again, who wouldn't love you, beautiful boy?"

"Good question," Jack smiled, kissing Porter's nose. "But hey, I'm gonna go take a shower. I need to clean up."

"I plan on taking one after you," Becca nodded. "I'll put the baby to bed while you're showering."

He nodded, and after kissing Porter's nose and cheek once more, he got up off the bed and headed to the bathroom attached to this guest room. Becca got up, too, holding her son, and she walked with him for a while, humming to him until he was fast asleep. She laid him down in his crib, stroked his cheek, and hooked up his monitor before slowly backing away. Luckily, he remained sleeping, much to her relief.

At first, she was going to relax in bed while waiting for Jack, but after a moment of listening to Jack humming to himself in the shower, she smiled and went into the bathroom. She left the door open a little bit so Porter could be heard, and headed to the shower. The shower was also a tub, with a curtain closing it off, so Jack couldn't see her as she walked in and stripped out of her sweaty clothes. It wasn't until she opened the curtain and stepped in when he heard her and turned around with a grin.

"Hey," he murmured.

"Hi," she matched his smile with one of her own, and she went to slide her arms around his waist.

His hands occupied themselves by cupping her face just then, his grin remaining as he captured her lips softly. "You happy, beautiful?"

She nodded. "I am. I'm very happy."

"So am I. And lucky to have such an amazing person I'll soon call my wife."

She giggled and pressed a kiss against his jaw. "You're such a sap, and I love it."

"You should hear my vows," he smiled proudly. "They're like, over-the-top sappy."

"So are mine. I guess that makes us even."

"Amazing," he grinned. As he spoke, he bent down to reach for the shampoo and put some into his hand before having Becca turn around so he could wash her hair. She did as she was told, and he immediately went to work. His fingers worked their magic on her scalp, massaging tenderly, just how she liked it. She leaned into his touch, making a little pleased noise. He kissed her shoulder once he finished and had her rinsed off. She conditioned her hair quickly before turning back around.

"Thank you," she murmured at him, kissing his jaw once. "I'm gonna go lie down. You enjoy your shower."

He smiled. "I'm right behind you, don't worry," he stated as she stepped out of the shower and reached for a nearby clean towel. He turned off the water and followed her out shortly after.

Becca threw her wet hair into a separate towel before she dried off her body and wrapped the cloth around her and ventured into the background. She had to tiptoe, because the baby still slept in his pack-and-play, and she was as quiet as ever while opening the suitcase they brought and slipping into a t-shirt and a pair of shorts. Jack changed into his long, plaid pants at the same time, and before long, he was in bed, watching as his future bride braided her hair and went to join him. Immediately, she went to wrap her arms around him and snuggle close.

"Mmm hi," she breathed quietly.

"Hey," he whispered, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Feel better now that you've showered?"

She nodded with a smile. "Oh, yes. Showering after riding always feels incredible."

"Oh, I bet," Jack stated. "By the way, you looked amazing while riding. I know you told me you ride, but you didn't tell me how good you are at it."

"You think I'm that much of a bragger about that stuff?" she stuck out her tongue. "I'm not as experienced as I used to be as a kid, I will say that."

"You're still amazing," he pointed out matter-of-factly. "I will continue to defend that statement forever."

She giggled. "Like I said, you're a sap."

All he did in response was bump his nose against hers gently before landing a kiss on her lips. "You love it."

"You're damn right, I do," she stated as her eyes flickered from his lips to his eyes. She couldn't resist. She kissed him again.

He let her kiss him for a while before he pulled back teasingly, and she chased his lips before pouting. He chuckled. "You're so cute."

"And you're a tease," she retorted. "Come on, kiss me again." Again, she pouted, trying not to laugh.

Jack pretended to think about it before he shrugged. "All right," he said, just before obeying her request. Instead of teasing again, he let her do as she pleased and kiss him as long as she wanted, until she was the one to pull back. When she did, she rested her head on his shoulder for a while. Soon, they slipped further under the covers before cuddling again. He had her turn over so he could spoon her, and he kissed her shoulder once they went still. "I love you."

She smiled and snuggled into his arms. "I love you, too. So much."

"I'm glad you're so happy," he responded. "I'm happy you're happy."

She only grinned, and he tightened his hug around her. She felt so warm and safe, and she wouldn't have it any other way. "I'm happy you're happy, too."

"Aww," he smiled, and he kissed her shoulder once more. "You're so sweet. Now, get some sleep. You deserve it, baby."

"You, too," she yawned. In fact, she was already drifting off. He wasn't far behind.

Soon, they were fast asleep, smiles on their faces, love in their hearts. It was all they'd ever want or need in their lives, and they were very pleased that they were so lucky to have it that way. Sometimes, it all felt surreal, like in the blink of an eye, it would disappear. But no, thank god, it was very real. Their dreams were realities for once, and they hoped it would remain that way for life.