Chapter 29

Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope you are doing well and are enjoying time with family and friends. Again, I apologize for not posting sooner but I have been working on this chapter and went back and forth with where this story is going to go. Please read and review, I always value the opinions of my readers and appreciate all of you. Anyway, let's go...

"April, slow down," Owen tried to stay calm himself. Looking around he saw an open conference room and they calmly walked inside. Attempting to calm her down, Owen put his hands on April's shoulder, as if coaching her to breathe. "Ava's parents were right down in the waiting area. I didn't want them to hear us. Now tell me what's going on."

"I had someone from Psych come up and talk to Ava. I took a video of it on my phone. Hunt, it's Vanessa; Ava's stepmom. She's been poisoning that little girl." She handed Owen her phone and pressed play for him. Seeing on a small screen was just as chilling for April.

"So, do you think that's enough for the police?" April asked him.

"I'm pretty sure it's more than enough. The police are still waiting for a word from us on this matter. You've just given us the last piece of the puzzle."

Just then there was a knock on the door and Jackson walked in. "Is everything okay?"

Owen handed him the phone and told him, "Take a look at that."

"So it was her," Jackson breathed out. "I was hoping that I was wrong; that maybe we'd find something else."

April nodded and added, "I had hoped so, too. So what do we do with the video?"

Owen explained that a couple of officers were downstairs talking Ava's parents at that moment. Because of the age of the victim, police came in frequently to speak with the parents, hoping that one of them slip up. They never once expected that Vanessa should be considered as a suspect.

"I'll go talk to the officers downstairs," Owen said.

Once he had walked out of the room, Jackson finally looked up to see the tears in April's eyes. He walked over and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. She wanted to cry, scream, and yell. What happened to Ava wasn't fair. No child should have gone through this.

"Are you okay?"

"No," she simply answered. "No Jackson, I'm not okay. I'm pissed off. What the hell made that woman think she could go on poisoning that little girl and no one would catch on? I mean what would make her even do it in the first place? Ava never even seemed scared of Vanessa. She even called her, "Vivi."

Jackson narrowed his eyebrows, staring in disbelief. How could anyone do this to a child? Becoming a father had changed his perspective on life. And with Brooke nearly dying herself at such a young age, he could relate to those parents downstairs.

"I'm sorry," April breathed out. "I just…I don't know what I am. I mean Ava was just telling this story and didn't even understand what she was describing was her almost murder. God, Jackson, what if she never forgets this? What if she always remembers what that monster did to her?"

"April, stop," he gently yelled grabbing onto her shoulders. "Honey you have to stop."

"I just don't understand why anyone wants to hurt a child. That little girl did not deserve this and no excuse in the world is good enough. If they hadn't brought Ava into this hospital, Erica would be burying her daughter. I could've been—," April couldn't even finish as she burst into tears.

Jackson was right there as she nearly crumpled to the floor, holding her in his arms. Were they ever going to be able to put it all behind them? Maybe not. But it helps to know that he can do for his patients what was done for his family.

"Sweetheart," he said looking at April. "You saved that little girl's life. What if you had never done that tox-screen on her? We never would've known what that woman was giving her."

Just then, they heard a commotion down in the waiting area. Stepping out of the conference, they walked and started down the short staircase. As they came down to the bottom, everyone on the floor could hear Erica, with Brian holding her back, screaming through her tears. April had completely forgotten that Owen had taken her phone to show the police. She watched as he handed it over to one of the officers; it was now a piece of evidence.

"Why would you do this her? She's just a little girl!"

"Because she's just one more thing that keeps my husband tied to you! Everything is always about the two of you and I'm sick of it!" Looking at Brian she added, "You didn't even want another baby because of Ava."

"Vanessa, I just wanted to wait until she was older! She had a hard time with the divorce; me not being around, and I just wanted to wait. I just needed you to be patient with me."

He stopped talking as Vanessa was escorted out of the hospital in handcuffs. Brian stood there, with Erica wrapped in his arms, letting her cry into his chest. Watching the kind interaction, April said a silent prayer that maybe the two had a chance at fixing their family. She looked up to say something to Jackson but was quickly interrupted when Owen came up to her.

"Kepner! I gave the police your phone, they said you could come down to the station to get in a couple of hours. You could even wait until morning if you wanted."

"Yeah," April nodded. "I can wait until morning, it's not a big deal."

"Listen, I told Ava's parents what you did. They want to talk to you."

She looked up at Jackson, once again, and he just nodded his head. She slowly made her way across the room and stopped in front of Ava's parents. Jackson watched his wife as she talked to the awestruck pair, then let out a breath he didn't even know he was holding; that is until Erica reached out to hug April.

"Thank you so much." Brian couldn't help but express his gratitude.

"You're welcome. Take care of your daughter, she is special," April said as she started to walk away.

"Wait," Erica called to her. "Only a mother would fight for Ava the way you did. And when I couldn't be there, you became her mother. So really doctor, thank you. We will never forget what all of you did for our little girl."

"I will never forget her, either. She's upstairs waiting for you. I think it would help all of you to see each other." She waited as they walked away towards the elevator, waving to Erica as she stepped inside. Once the doors were closed, she walked back over to Jackson. Wrapping her arms around his waist, she let a long sigh as he protectively pulled her in. Owen saw the exchange and was touched.

"Go home guys," he said, patting Jackson on his shoulder. "Get your kids and go home, everything else can wait until tomorrow."

"Hunt it's early," Jackson let out a slight laugh.

"I'm serious guys. Go home, be with the kids for a while, I'll call you if I need you."

Taking the chance before Owen changed his mind, Jackson nodded his head. Taking April's hand, they walked towards the bank of elevators. Noticing a funny look on April's face, Jackson could tell she was struggling with something.

"What is it, Apri? You only get that look on your face when you're trying to figure something out. So, what is it?"

"I'll tell you at home," she answered. Looking at him, she saw that he wasn't satisfied with her answer. She put one hand on his cheek and leaned up to give him a brief kiss. His body relaxed a little bit, but it wasn't quite enough to ease his mind. Not wanting to argue she tried changing the subject.

"Let's get the kids home for dinner and I promise, we will talk."

Later that night...

Jackson was down the hall putting Brooke to bed for the night. When they'd gotten home earlier, April insisted that they all go spend the evening outside in the backyard. Jackson, Richard, and April's dad, Joe, had put together a playset for Brooke right after her birthday. That was in October. It was now November, meaning that it was usually cold and rainy most days when they got home. But it was not raining on this day, however, it was pretty chilly out. Jackson insisted they stay inside, but April wanted to brave the weather and have some family time anyway. They decided to come in for dinner when Brooke kept saying, "Daddy, I'm cold." Bringing the kids inside they had a small dinner of soup and sandwiches; baby food for Camden. That was a couple of hours ago and April was exhausted. Getting two kids bathed and dressed for bed should be an Olympic sport, and she wasn't even sure that she would win. Trading off, she took Cam for the night and rocked him to sleep in his room, while Brooke got to snuggle with her daddy downstairs on the couch. Just as April was settling into bed to read her latest book, Jackson came into their bedroom and shut the door.

"She's out," he let out a sigh.

"Good job, baby." She laughed as he walked into the bathroom, listening to every movement he made. Hearing the shower turn off after a while, April then heard him turn on the faucet as he brushed his teeth. His final step was to step inside their walk-in closet to grab some pajamas.

When Jackson walked back into the bedroom, he saw April looking at the book in her hands. She had recently started reading a book by Amy Schumer, but he could tell that she was not really reading. He slid under the covers beside her and kissed her shoulder.

"I know you're not really reading that book," he said as she put the book down on her nightstand. "You want to tell me what's going on. I mean I know you're still worried about Ava and her parents, but something else is going, Apes. What is it?"

April turned her head towards him, with a sad look in her eyes. "Jackson, there's something I need to do and I don't want you to be mad when I do. Can you promise me?"

Hesitantly, Jackson answered, "I promise."

"I need to go somewhere. I'm not leaving you guys again, Jackson. I could never do that to you for a second time."

"Okay, so where are you going?"

"Kansas."

"Kansas why in the world...? No way, April! You're not going to see Stephanie," he said getting out of bed.

"Jackson, please. I need to do this. It's what I have to do to move on. Can you understand that?"

"No, honestly April, I can't. Stephanie is a closed chapter in our lives. We agreed that after the trial we wouldn't mention her again. So why do you go back there?"

"Maybe she's a closed chapter for you. But not for me. I've been trying to get over this, but it's hard. I think I need to see her and say what I need to say." She watched him as he stared out of their bedroom window, an angry look on his face. He let out a deep breath, then ran a hand over his face, before coming to sit down on the bed beside her.

"Listen," he said staring into her eyes. "I love you. I know we've been through a lot these past few years and it hasn't always been easy. But baby, this, this is something I just can't get on board with."

"Honey, I appreciate your opinion. But I'm going."

"Damnit, April!"

"Shh, don't wake the kids."

"Well, when their mother starts making stupid choices I think I'm entitled to yell."

"Really, Jackson," she said getting out of bed. "I'm telling you what I need to do to heal and you're calling it stupid?"

"April-"

"Don't talk to me." She got out of the bed and walked towards the door.

"Where are you going?" He walked towards her.

"I'm sleeping down the hall. I can't be near you right now."

"Babe, don't do this. How is this solving the problem?"

"Goodnight, Jackson," April replied closing the door. What Jackson really wanted to do was go after her, but he knew his wife and he didn't want to push her. Hearing the guest bedroom door close, he dropped down onto the bed. Sleep was not going to come easy tonight.

One month later...

April was busy running around the kitchen getting things ready. It was Thanksgiving and everyone was coming to her house. Catherine had just called to say she was on her way after she stopped to get April's parents from the airport. She was still sleeping in the guest bedroom, however, this morning she had washed the bedding to hide the evidence since her parents would be sleeping in there. A few months back, she and Jackson decided to have a murphy bed put for his mom and Richard to stay. She was pulling the turkey out of the oven when Jackson came downstairs with the kids.

"Mommy, we ready," Brooke called out. April looked over to see Brooke holding Jackson's hand while Cam was being carried. She had just fed him and Jackson had agreed to get them both dressed. Once they reached the bottom of the steps, Brooke ran to her mommy while Jackson put Camden in his playpen. He smiled when watching April hug and kiss their little girl. But just as quickly his smile turned into a frown. It had been two weeks since their little disagreement and April still wouldn't sleep next to him.

Just like the last time she was gone, he could barely sleep and held onto her pillow all night. In the mornings she came into their bathroom and got ready. Like always, the sexual tension was really starting to get to him. He felt weak because he could only go about seven days before his mind drifted into more erotic thoughts about his wife, and she was not helping matters. Just as she did every morning, she would walk around their bedroom in nothing but her underwear as she did her hair and makeup to get ready for work. He wasn't sure if she was doing it on purpose or if it was really just second nature. His thoughts were broken when she called his name.

"Your mom just called, everyone is on their way," April said as she put Brooke back down to go play.

"Okay, do you need any help?"

"No, Jackson, I've got it."

"April," he said as he came to stand beside her. "This is crazy. Our parents are on their way and they're gonna know we've been fighting."

"We haven't been fighting. We can't fight if we're not talking. Look, we will talk about this when they are gone, but for dinner, we can pretend to be civil."

"I'm not gonna pretend. I love you, this is getting ridiculous."

"Not now, Jackson," she walked away from him into the dining room to finish setting the table.

About 30 minutes later the doorbell rang. They answered the door together and hugged their parents when they walked in. After getting settled in, April had everyone come in to sit for dinner. As they sat to eat, Karen announced that her other daughters would be coming later on for the family to do their annual black Friday shopping spree. Karen and April laughed as they reminisced about their shopping escapades when April and her sisters were growing up. Richard raved about the food, especially the turkey April had made. Jackson sat at the head of the table, catching glances of wife whenever she would look up from her plate. When dinner was over, Catherine and Richard agreed to put Brooke to bed, while Joe and Karen took Cam up to his room before turning in themselves. Jackson was washing the dishes and April was cleaning up the dining room. She brought the last wine glass into the kitchen and handed it to him.

"Dinner was great, babe."

"Thanks. Libby just sent me a text they just landed and are headed to their hotel," she said turning to fridge. He watched as the dress she was wearing slid up a little as she bent down. Seriously, Avery! If he was being honest, it had been almost a month since they'd had sex. He didn't know how April could hold out, because for him it was torture. Not having her next to him every night was killing him and seeing her in lace panties almost every morning was murder. She didn't know it, but cold showers had definitely been his thing the past two weeks.

"I'm taking the moms out around 7:00. Are you sure you'll be okay with the kids?"

"Yeah, I've got it."

She stopped talking when she heard footsteps on the stairs. It was Catherine and Richard. The two couples exchanged goodnights and Catherine assured that she would be ready when it was time to go in the morning. Jackson and April walked up the stairs towards their bedroom. He closed the door behind them as she walked into the bathroom and turned on the faucet in the bathtub. Jackson was not far behind her and turned on the shower. This wasn't an uncommon thing for them to do, in fact, it was almost a nightly thing. When they were done, both stood looking into the large mirror.

"April, we need to talk."

"Not now, Jackson. Not now," she said walking into their bedroom but stopped when he grabbed her arm.

"No April, now. I'm tired of this. We've been through some crazy things and had our disagreements but, this is getting out of hand. I know you probably didn't like my reaction to you wanting to visit Stephanie, but I just got scared."

"Scared?" April was confused.

"Yes, scared. The thought of you being around her makes me nervous. I just don't trust her. And I don't want anything to happen to you," he started wrapping his arms around her waist, kissing her forehead.

"Honey," April whispered. "Nothing is going to happen to me. I'm gonna be surrounded by security and I'll be fine. So can you just support me on this? Please?"

"Look, I don't think it's a good idea. But if it's what you need, then I can't stop you. I learned that lesson a long time ago." He let out a smile then leaned down to plant kisses around her collar bone.

"Are you serious?" April pulled away and tried to wiggle out of his arms. But Jackson wasn't having it. It had been way too long and he was tired of waiting. Getting a firm grasp on her hips, he backed her up until the back of her knees went against the bed. "Are you serious, Jackson?"

"Shut up," Jackson replied as he pushed her down on the bed, crawling on top of her.

"Jackson Avery, my parents are right down the hall, and your mother is downstairs. And you can't really think I'm in the mood right now!"

"Okay, number one, the door is closed and if you would stop talking, then they won't hear a thing. And two, you can't tell me this isn't getting to you."

To prove his point, he went back to kissing her neck. He shifted his lips from one shoulder to the other, pulling the straps of her gown. April's breathing was getting ragged and she felt all of her control slipping. When Jackson slid a hand up her thigh, she knew she was a goner.

"Jackson, please...," she pleaded, but it was no use. He came up to give her a kiss and braced himself in between her legs. It was almost like he was searching for approval in her eyes. But when he didn't see any hesitation, he reached down and joined his body with hers. Establishing a rhythm, he rocked his body against hers and she matched him with every movement. Leaning down to her ear, he whispered that he loved her and promised to be supportive. As much as April didn't want to do this tonight, she slowly realized over this last year that making love was Jackson's way of communicating. It was how he expressed all of his feelings and became vulnerable. When she felt an orgasm creeping through her body, she turned her head and bit her lip to keep from screaming. As Jackson rolled onto the bed, she tried to get her breathing under control and immediately went to rest her head on his chest. They lay in silence for a few minutes, before he spoke up.

"Do you remember the night before we got married? We drove to that shop for you to find a dress, even though I told you it didn't matter to me."

She laughed, "that dress had a ketchup stain on it."

"Yes, but I didn't care. You insisted on getting a new dress. Then we had to have a minister because it was what you wanted."

"You knew that was important to me," she said in a blank tone.

"And then we just had to have those separate rooms at the hotel. And we never even used the other room because...well you know why?"

"Are you trying to tell me something, Mr. Avery?"

"What I'm trying to tell you is that you've always known what you wanted. Even the small things in life and I've always supported you, no matter how much I didn't agree with it. So if you need to do this, I'm gonna be right there with you. However, you need me to be"

April adjusted herself in his arms so that she could look into his eyes. "Thank you, Jackson," she said leaning up to give him a kiss.

Giving her a puzzled look, he asked, "When do you have to be up?"

"In five hours. So you've got plenty of time." She laughed as he quickly flipped her onto her back.

Christmas Day...

April, Jackson, and the kids had all traveled to Moline for Christmas. It was Camden's first time there at only 7 months old. Jackson could tell his son was enjoying playing with all of his cousins, and so was Brooke. It was a possibility at one point that she wouldn't even be here. If Leah and Stephanie had gotten their way, his little girl would be gone. And he never even understood why. They hadn't told any of their parents yet, but they had scheduled to fly Topeka right after the new year on their way home. Stephanie was finally cleared to have visitors and April had called so that could be put on the list. Jackson was still hesitant but he had agreed to stay in the hotel with the kids while she went to the facility. He silently watched April as she laughed while talking with her sisters. Once each woman had two mugs in their hands, they dispersed to different areas of the room. April came around to sit on his lap and handed him the cup, which he saw was hot chocolate.

It was Joe Kepner who stood up and cleared his throat. "Kids, your mom and I are so happy to have all of you home. It's been a long time since we were all together and it feels amazing. Christmas is almost over and we just want you all to know that we love you. You know we were given four beautiful, smart, and headstrong daughters. And I'm so glad that we gained four handsome, intelligent, and strong sons to be their support through life. As the new year comes I want you all to make me and your mama a promise: take care of each other. You're all changing and creating your own families, and we couldn't be happier. So, Merry Christmas, we love you. Cheers!"

"Cheers!" All of the adults repeated and clinked their mugs, carefully, together. Once the night's festivities had died down and the family made plans to go ice skating tomorrow, Jackson and April were upstairs putting the kids to bed. With all of the fun and playing, it didn't take much for both Brooke and Cam to pass out in their portable cribs. Satisfied that they were both content, she looked over to see Jackson as he patted his leg for her to sit on his lap. They sat together on the recliner in front of a large picture window, watching as the snow fell outside.

"I'm glad we came here," April announced.

"Me too. It was good for you to see your family before we went to Kansas. Seeing you with them and watching the kids play, I just, I don't know. What I do know is that I love you so much and even though I haven't said it: I'm proud of you, April. It takes a strong person to do what you're doing and I couldn't be prouder to call you mine."

She leaned down to give him a kiss, then looked into his eyes. "Merry Christmas, Jackson."

"Merry Christmas, sweetheart."

Merry Christmas, everyone!