Baby Josie was now six months old. She already had little blonde curls, chubby cheeks, and icy blue eyes like Jack's. She was the cutest thing, and Jack and Rose loved her so much. Daniella had another miscarriage, and this time she was devastated. Rose felt so awful since she was so in love with her baby, and Daniella still didn't have one.

One morning, Rose and Jack woke up to Josie making noises. Not crying or fussing noises, but just sounds indicating she was awake. They quietly entered the room and Rose picked Josie up. "She's getting so big," said Jack. "She's growing up so fast."

"I know, the last six months have flown by," said Rose, changing Josie's diaper. "Josie's already crawling, and teething, and speaking gibberish."

"Before we know it, she's going to be throwing parties while we're out of town," said Jack, laughing.

Rose laughed too. "And she'll be dating," said Rose.

Jack stopped cold. "Don't ever say that," he said sternly. "I want her to be the one girl who doesn't date until she's 95."

Rose giggled. "She's going to date, Jack. And we're going to be happy for her when she does," she looked at him with an equally stern look.

"Fine," said Jack, kissing both Josie and Rose. "I talked to Jena today, and she asked me how we met."

Rose arched an eyebrow. "Oh really?"

"Yeah, and I didn't know what to say. I didn't feel up to telling her what really happened."

"So what did you say?" Rose asked.

Jack sighed. "I just told her we met when I was on my way back from Europe."

Rose smiled. "It's true, we did. Did she ask any more questions?"

"No, so I guess that's good."

Rose smiled and lifted Josie onto her feet. "Alright, little miss, you're all done."

Josie smiled and spit up a little. "Hadabudah," said Josie.

"You're just the cutest little thing in the whole wide world, aren't you?" Jack asked, smiling.

Josie laughed in a cute way. To call it cute would be an understatement, actually. It was like a little giggle while she held her hands to her face, scrunched up her little nose, and puffed her chubby cheeks. Rose was shocked. "Did she just laugh?"

"I think so," said Jack. "Has she done that before?"

"Nope," Rose scooped up the baby into her arms and kissed her cheeks. "Did you just laugh, huh? Do you want to laugh again for Mommy and Daddy?"

This time, Josie turned her head to look at Rose and did nothing. "Huh," said Jack. "I guess she doesn't do things on command, does she?"

"I suppose not," said Rose. She looked at Josie. "You know, darling, if you don't learn to obey your elders, you'll never find a suitor," she said jokingly.

"What a funny, funny girl," said Jack, giving Rose a kiss. He looked at his watch. "I have to go to work. I'll see you later, okay?" He walked over to the door.

"Okay, I love you!"

Jack walked back over to Rose. He leaned in to Rose, but stopped. He reached over and covered Josie's eyes. Then, he gave Rose a deep, steamy kiss. "I love you, Rosie."

"Oh, so not fair to do that right before you leave," said Rose, smiling.

Jack smiled. "What can I say? I have to keep you wanting more." With that, he left.

Rose couldn't stop smiling. She leaned over to Josie, kissed her cheek, and whispered, "Your daddy loves us so much." She scooped Josie up into her arms and took her downstairs. She went to the kitchen and found a note.

Rose,

I hate the fact that I have to leave you both every day.

Take care of my heart - I've left it with you.

Love always, Jack

P.S.: Is my love-letter writing getting better? Still seems a little sappy to me.

Rose smiled. He really did love them. She had no idea how she got so incredibly lucky. And Josie - beautiful, sweet, Josie - was the product of the love they shared. She was so amazing and so beautiful. How on earth did she get so lucky?

•••

Finally, Jack came home to find Rose and Josie laying on their stomachs on the floor, playing. "What's going on here?" Jack asked, kissing the top of her head.

"Well, we ate, we bathed, we slept, we played games, and we crawled around," said Rose. "And it was still only ten thirty. Thank god you're here now. I'm desperate for some grown up conversation!"

"Well, then I'm here right on time." Jack gave Rose a real kiss, and scooped Josie up. He gave her a little tickle and she let out a little giggle.

"Did you just get her to laugh again?" Rose asked. "How?"

"She must like me more than you," Jack joked. "No, I just tickled her a little."

Finally, they put Josie down for the night and went to eat dinner. "I made your favorite," Rose smiled.

"Hot dogs?" Jack smiled, as his face lit up.

Rose stopped and crossed her arms. "Hot dogs are not your favorite food!"

"You're right, they're not. So you made chicken then?" Jack smiled.

"Yes, I did," said Rose, giving Jack a nudge.

They ate dinner, and then Jack washed the dishes. "I'm done," said Jack. "What do you feel like doing for the rest of the night?"

Rose kissed Jack and slid his hands from Jack's shoulders to his chest to his waist to his butt. "I believe you have to finish what you started this morning," Rose said with a mischievous smile.

Jack smiled. "I believe I do," he said. He took Rose over to the couch and kissed her passionately.

Rose pulled away. "In the living room? Are you sure?"

"Well, we certainly can't go upstairs and wake the baby, can we?" He began kissing her again.

They made love on the living room floor, which wasn't as uncomfortable as Rose thought it would be. When they had finished, they went up to their bed. "So, I found your note," said Rose, smiling. "I loved it, and I love you."

"Not too sappy?" Jack asked.

She gave Jack a long, luxurious kiss. "Not at all. It was perfect."