I've decided to momentarily finish this story depending on tonight's episode.
Owen and the rest of the hospital welcomed April back with open arms. She was able to easily shift gears and was relieved to be doing what she was trained and despite getting the satisfaction of helping those who were in need, she was where she wanted to be. She could always volunteer on her time off. The girls were old enough for pre-k and could return part-time. There were a lot of new faces, but many knew who she was. She was happy Meredith had turned a corner and was back at work. Even though she was a private person, Meredith told everyone she saw in her COVID coma, she got closure from that. She was sad to learn Alex had left and felt for Jo, but Alex took the responsibility of being a father as more important but didn't mean he should have left Jo behind without consulting with her. She wished she and Jackson would have communicated more before ending their marriage. Ever the optimist April believed there was a purpose for everything and the Universe was sending her a signal that maybe Matthew's death meant she and Jackson deserved another chance.
A few weeks of settling back in, Owen handed over the reins to April explaining he was taking a few days to concentrate on his own family.
She would occasionally pass Jackson in the hallways but they've been trying to keep things low-key since they see each other at home. Sometimes their fingers would brush against the other when passing by. Sometimes when she had to work late and walked into the new place Jackson would already have food ready and she chuckled when she saw he put up a row of hooks next to the front door for each of their keys.
After dinner and the girls were put to bed he said, "April, I'd like to take you on a real date and I've already asked Richard and my mother if they could watch Harriett and Ruby, but if you think it's too soon, I would understand."
April smiled and replied, "I'd like that. I don't think it's too soon and I think Matthew would approve."
Jackson made a few phone calls and the made plans for two days later. In the morning they sat the girls down to explain their date plans. They were both close to the same age and while Ruby already had a close relationship with April, they weren't sure how she would react to her step-mother getting involved with someone so soon after her father died. Ruby was confused at first but said she missed her father very much and loved April and wanted her to be happy.
The night had arrived and Katherine picked up the girls and kissed Jackson on and cheek and asked, "are you sure about this?"
Jackson smiled and said, "yes, but I wish it was under different circumstances. I've wanted April back in my life more, but not like this."
After the handoff, April walked out of her room catching Jackson off guard. She was as beautiful as ever. They have dinner at a place between casual and romantic, with little COVID restrictions. They laughed, everything was comfortable and easy as before. At least it was for him. He couldn't read her like he used to. They returned home and April changed into a pair of sweats and Jackson into shorts and a t-shirt. He opened a bottle of wine and they spent hours talking. She kissed him on the cheek to say goodnight and he pulled her into a kiss. She responded, all the old familiar feelings came rushing back, but she pulled away wiping a tear away saying not yet, and rushed back to her room.
The following morning, Jackson made waffles and they talked over coffee and orange juice; also about what happened last night. April explained that she wanted it, but was feeling guilty. He said he understood and would wait until she was ready.
A few weeks later after work, April dropped the girls off at Ruby's grandparents and April got home first and ordered in Chinese with extra fortune cookies. Jackson walked through the door and put his keys on the hook. He laughed and asked if she was trying to tell him something.
She smiled and said "maybe".
After dinner, she was about to open up a cookie and he stopped her, leaned in, and kissed her. She said "one".
He asked "one what?"
She smiled and ate a cookie tossing one to him and waited until he finished his. She stands up, holds out her hand, and leads him into his bedroom. They slowly make love to each other, neither saying a word. She rests her head on his chest and asks, "what does this mean now?"
He replies, "you know what I want, but what do you want?"
She lifts her head and says, "you".
They both have a few days off and retrieve the girls. They take them home and explain their new relationship. Harriett was very happy and Ruby smiled and gave them hugs and said "I want to stay with
Harriett and if she is happy, I'd rather be with your family than grandma and grandpa"
The next day after dropping the girls off at school Jackson and April walked into Katherine's office and confessed their feelings for the other. Katherine looked up, smiled, and asked, "are you sure?"
Jackson said "yes, she's the one.
The end, for now, possible to continue.