Jack woke up in his own big comfortable bed with his wife in his arms. He'd been on leave from work for the past couple weeks, needing time to heal and process the outcome of the undercover case. Once the dust had settled, the raid was deemed a success as all key players were now in custody, and the intel gained from it and Jack's months on the inside would soon lead to several more arrests. The best part, he and Sarah were officially off the case. They made their statements and would potentially have to testify, but other than that they were done. It felt good, freeing even.

Of course, the FBI was still lurking in the background waiting for their answers. Elizabeth nearly fainted when he told her about the offer. Then to try and hide her shock and disappointment she turned her encouragement up a notch, talking so fast that Jack couldn't get a word in to tell her he didn't want the job.

"I want this, Elizabeth. I want you and me and the kids. I want what I hope turns into a boring, yet rewarding, job at the Hope Valley PD. I want to coach t-ball and go to dance recitals. I want to lay in bed beside you every night and tell you how grateful I am for our life."

That was exactly what she wanted to hear. Now all that was left was to tell the FBI when the formal offer came.

"Good morning, beautiful," Jack whispered against Elizabeth's lips. She was just barely waking up. "How are you this morning?"

"Mmmm. Sleepy."

"Sleepy?"

"Someone kept me up all night with his affections."

"Regrets?" he laughed.

"Nope. Then after that, a tiny someone decided it was time to learn soccer in my belly."

"Oops, sorry."

"It's not your fault," she laughed. "Just remember this when he or she is out and needs a middle of the night change. You can make it up to me that way."

"Deal." He slid forward on the bed, kissing her. "Are you too tired for a little…" He wiggled his eyebrows at her flirtatiously.

"No," she giggled. "But we can't."

"How come?"

"Look behind you."

Jack looked over his shoulder and there, snoring ever so softly was his little boy.

"When'd Ash come in here?"

"I don't know," she laughed.

Ever since Jack returned, Asher had been finding his way into their room in the middle of the night. He'd always curl up on Jack's side. It was clear he missed his Daddy very much over the past couple months.

"I think I should take him and Mya out. Just the three of us."

"They would love that, but you have to go with your brothers to your mom's house later today."

"I can do both."

"If you're sure. Maybe take them skating? Or sledding?"

"I can do that, yeah. Want to meet us at Abigail's after for lunch or something?"

"I'd love to!"

While they waited for the kids to wake, Elizabeth rolled back over and pushed her back against Jack's chest. He instinctively wrapped her up in his arms, placing a hand on their little nugget. Elizabeth's pregnancy was now clearly out in front of her and they both loved it. They'd had an ultrasound the day before and all looked perfect. Now all they had to do was wait for his or her arrival.

….

Sarah laid in bed with her eyes closed. She'd been staying with Vince in his apartment above one of the barns on the ranch since being released from the hospital. He'd managed to arrange for time off his vet job in the city so he could be with her and get some much needed work done around the ranch.

"You're watching me sleep again, aren't you?" she asked, sensing Vince's eyes on her.

"Maybe." His voice was a bit bashful. "How are you feeling?"

"Like a goldfish in a bowl."

"I meant…"

"I know what you meant." With a tired laugh, she slowly rolled over to face him. "I'm feeling okay. Sore, but okay. Think I can get out of bed today? Maybe take a walk?"

"I think that can be arranged. But if it becomes too much please tell me, okay? Last thing I want is for you to end up back in the hospital."

"I will listen to my body, I promise. That hospital stay was frustrating. No one would let me sleep!"

"They were just checking on you."

"Well they could have done it quieter. If I was breathing, leave me alone."

"Something tells me the nurses weren't sad to see you go," Vince laughed.

"I was a model patient there!" She playfully pouted. "What's for breakfast?"

Vince rolled over and grabbed a bowl from the night stand. "Oatmeal with apples and cinnamon. There's also a breakfast quiche on the counter if you want. All from Charlotte of course."

Charlotte had been keeping the young couple well fed during Sarah's recovery. The little kitchen of Vince's loft apartment over the barn was full of sweet breads and brownies. His fridge and freezer were overflowing with casseroles and soups.

"Charlotte is going to fatten me out of a job at this rate."

"Remind me to thank her," Vince smiled playfully.

Sarah's injuries were serious, but no longer life threatening and as long as her PT went smoothly, she would be back on duty within a month or so, something Vince was struggling with. He didn't want to tell her. Not with her having a big decision looming over her.

"What tasks does your dad have for you?" Sarah asked as she ate her oatmeal.

"More work on the barn to get it wedding ready. Then I told him I'd ride out to check on the fences after lunch. He's concerned that the wind storm from last night might have damaged some on the north field."

"Sounds fun."

"It will be, actually. I think I'll ride out on Ginger and see how her leg is fairing after that sprain."

"You are a man of many talents, Vince."

"I like it, it makes life not so boring." He leaned over and gave her a kiss. "What about you?"

"There's a Netflix series calling out my name. Other than that I'm not sure."

"Maybe take some time to think about that job offer you got," Vince said, referring to the FBI agent job.

"I told you, I already made up my mind about that."

"But that decision was made when you were still recovering in the hospital. You were on meds, and in shock. I just want you to be sure. I don't want you having any regrets."

"I've never been one to make decisions lightly, Vince. I think you've learned that about me by now."

"I have, yes."

"Okay. Good." She sighed. "I'll take some more time. I know I need to think about where I want my career to go, but it's not that. But as much as you don't want me having regrets, I don't want you to either."

"What regrets would I have?"

"I… I don't know." She took another bite of her breakfast. "I think I'm full now. I should rest some more."

"Ok, sure." Vince took the bowl from her and went to place it in the fridge. It wasn't far of a walk. The apartment was one big room in an L shape. Kitchen and living room together, with a bathroom and bedroom area around the bend. He glanced over his shoulder and watched her slowly roll before he rounded the corner and put the bowl in the fridge.

"I love you," she whispered.

Vince walked over and kissed her head, "Not nearly as much as I love you."

"Does it have to be a competition?" she smiled.

"No, but it's more fun this way."

…

Later that morning Tom pulled his car into his mom's driveway, Jesse with him in the passenger seat. Jack was already there by the look of things. His suv sat in the driveway with the back hatch open and a stack of flat moving boxes inside.

Jack was coming down the back steps from the deck when the brothers got out of the car. He waved as he went to the back of his car grabbing some boxes.

"Boys," Jack said with a grin. "Jesse, is Clara still pregnant?"

"Much to her frustration, yeah. Between us, man, I don't think she can hold out much longer. I mean, she's so…"

"Jess, don't even finish that sentence," Tom laughed. "Just in case Clara has some mystical powers and senses you calling her fat."

"I wasn't going to say fat! She's not fat! Just..."

"Don't!" the brothers yelled.

"Don't you guys have a few weeks left though?"

"Roughly 3, according to the doctor, but who knows." Jesse scratched his head. "Lets go check on Mom. She's nicer than you two any day."

"Good idea," Jack said, slapping Jesse on the back. "But first, Tom can I talk to you for a second?"

"Sure."

"I'll just go head in while you lecture Tommy Boy here."

"What makes you think I'm in trouble?" Tom asked.

"You're always in trouble."

"That's fair… I guess," he laughed.

Taking the steps up to the house, Jesse felt overwhelmed. This old New England house was the first real place Jesse had ever called home.

Many years before...

Tom Thornton drove his patrol car up the dirt driveway to his home. Putting the car in park, he glanced over at the sulking young man sitting next to him. Eleven years old and already carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.

"Well, this is it," Tom said with a soft smile.

"Great…" Jesse said sarcastically. "Home sweet home. For all of two days."

"Who says this is just for two days?"

"I know the drill. Foster parents don't want the kid anymore so social workers beg other families to take him. But no one wants an eleven year old with a bad attitude who's used to people kicking the crap out of him. You'll keep me for the weekend, hate it and then they'll ship me off to someone new. Or one of those group homes."

"Jesse…"

"I can take it, man. I'm tougher than I look."

"You know how I said I have two boys?" Jesse nodded. "My wife and I always wanted a bunch of kids. God only gave us two though."

"Why do you think he did that?"

"I don't know. What I'm saying though, is there's a place for you here. Just give it a shot."

"Fine. But when your wife starts yelling at you to ditch me, don't say I didn't warn you."

"Noted, young man."

Jesse followed the man into the house. It was the largest Jesse had even set foot in. Not to mention the cleanest. It was homey, and smelled like apple sauce and cookies. It was what he always thought home would be like. Then he reminded himself, this wasn't his home.

"Char!" Tom called out. "We're home!"

"Coming!" A thin woman with long dark hair and an apron rushed out of the kitchen. "Welcome, Jesse! I hope you like spaghetti and meatballs! We're just waiting on the garlic bread to finish cooking."

The woman's smile and kindness matched her husband's and Jesse was finding it harder and harder to be rude.

"Yes, ma'am."

"Listen to you, all formal." Charlotte laughed. "You can call me Mom or Charlotte, whatever you prefer."

"Um, okay."

Two boys came stomping through the back door, laughing and covered in dirt.

"What on earth were you two up to?" Tom asked them. "Came say hi to Jesse."

"Hi." The boys said.

The oldest stepped forward. "Hey, I'm Jack. Welcome home."

"It's just temporary." Jesse didn't mean to but he said the words out loud.

Jack just smiled. "Okay."

"Want to see your room? We decorated it ourselves!" The other boy, a bit younger than Jesse, said.

"Introduce yourself, you dork," Jack teased.

"Don't call me a dork, you brat!"

"For the love of life!" Charlotte growled.

"Sorry," both boys apologized.

"My name is Tommy. I'm 9, almost 10."

"Cool, I'm 11."

"Jack's 13," Tommy said. "He thinks he's cool because he's tall and has a girlfriend."

"Your brother better not have a girlfriend!" Charlotte raised her voice and an eyebrow.

"Come on," Jack sighed. "Let's show you around before Tommy gets me grounded for a month."

Back to the present...

Jesse turned the knob on the door and entered the house through the same door he did that very first night.

"Mom?"

"Kitchen!"

He took off his jacket and made his way to the kitchen. Charlotte's gray and brown hair was up in a messy bun. She had two boxes. One was for keeping, the other to be donated. Since she and Dale were to be combining households, they now had a number of things in duplicate.

"Hi, sweetie! Can you give me a hand? I can't reach anything on the top shelves."

"I've got it." Piece by piece he handed the dusty items to his mom. "When was the last time you used any of this stuff?"

"I don't know," she laughed. "Considering I can't reach them, probably not since your father passed."

He grabbed the last item he could reach and turned around. Opening his arms wide for Charlotte. She walked right into them.

"I miss him," Jesse whispered.

"I know, son. I miss him too."

"But you're happy with Dale, right?"

"Of course. I love him. It's this house I'm not ready to let go of."

"Me either," Jesse said under his breath.

Jack and Tom came in another door just then.

"Well there you two are! Now I have all three of my handsome boys here!" She stood on her tiptoes to hug them both then grabbed an item off the counter. "Anyone need one of these?" She held up an odd shaped pan.

"What's it for?" Tom asked.

"Beats me, but I've had it for years. Don't think I even used it. Any takers?" They all shook their heads so she placed it in the donation box.

Jack poked his head out of the kitchen and looked around the house a bit. Everything looked as it always had. Every picture and knick knack in its usual place. The only boxes he saw were the ones in the kitchen.

"Hey, Mom?"

"Yes, Jack?"

"Exactly how much packing have you gotten done?"

Charlotte gestured at the boxes in front of her. "And I took some books and clothes to Goodwill this morning."

"Mom!" Jesse laughed. "You're getting married in like, what, two weeks? What about the buyers for the house? Aren't they moving in soon?"

"Well, that's the thing," she began. "I don't have any buyers, per se. Not yet anyway."

"Oh, wow, okay," Jesse ran his fingers through his hair. "Does Dale know?"

"He does." Charlotte looked at Jack. He gave her a nod and smile. "I have a plan. A good one."

"Awesome," Jack smirked. "Where would you like us to help?" Jack rolled up his sleeves.

"How about you work on whatever is left of yours in the loft of the garage or the upstairs closets. But first, I'd like to continue this conversation with Jesse. Alone."

"We'll go get started then," Jack said, giving his mom a kiss on her cheek and heading out to the garage. Tom did the same.

Not able to stand still, Jesse put together another box and then started to wrap up the plates in the cabinet, placing them inside.

"Jess, can you stop for a moment?"

With a deep sigh, he obeyed. "What's going on, Mom? With the house."

"I have a plan."

"I hope so. You can't just give this home to anyone. It's special! It's important."

"It's yours."

The plate that was in his hand hit the floor, shattering at once. "Crap."

"I'll get the dustpan."

She handed it to him and he began cleaning the broken pieces. "What do you mean, its mine?"

"Jesse, I can't bring myself to sell this place to strangers. This was our home. Still Is, in many ways. You know Dale's ranch is down the road a little ways. I don't think I could drive past the driveway and know someone else was living here."

"Why me? It was Jack and Tom's house too. You should talk to them."

"Tom's work is too far from here and Jack and Elizabeth already have a home that they love. You and Clara have the condo, but you're about to be parents! You need a home that will grow with you."

"I… I don't know what to say. Did you talk to them about this?"

"They've both signed off. I talked to Jack earlier and he spoke with Tom when you guys got here."

"Holy cow…" Jesse paced. "Even if I could get Clara to agree to this, we can't afford it."

"Dale and I talked about that and we think a rent-to-own arrangement might be just the ticket. If not, we're flexible."

"Mom…" Jesse's eyes began to fill with tears.

"This is your home, son. If you and Clara want it, I will do anything I can to make it happen."

Jesse called Clara a few minutes later once he was able to compose himself. Clara googled the distance between the house to the cafe and found it to be a reasonable commute. She loved the idea of having a home in the country and loved it even more that it was a family home. She knew what that house, that family, had meant to Jesse. Before he hung up, they made a plan to go to the bank with Charlotte and Dale and iron out the details.

….

Elizabeth arrived at the ranch with the kids in the early evening. Packing took longer than Jack had initially thought so instead of kid-and-daddy-time out around home, they changed their plans to meet at Dale's.

"Daddy!" Mya and Asher yelled as they ran to Jack. He knelt down on the ground, wrapping them both in his strong arms.

"Hey, guys! I missed you today!"

"We missed you!" Asher said with a big toothy grin. "What we gonna do?"

"Well, how about we go sledding? Grandpa Dale has a nice big hill we can use. After that we can go have hot chocolate and dinner with Grandma and your uncles."

The kids cheered and ran in the direction of the sledding hill.

"Would you like to join us?" Jack asked, leaning forward to kiss her with his hand on her belly.

"No, you enjoy the afternoon with the kids. I'm gonna check in on Sarah and then maybe head to your mom's."

"Alright. See you soon. Love you."

"Love you more." She watched Jack chase after their kids until they were nothing more than little dots in the landscape. With her hand resting on her belly, she turned and headed to see Sarah.

"Come in," Sarah called out when she heard the knock. "Elizabeth! Hey!"

"Hey! I hope you don't mind me dropping in on you."

"Not at all. Please come join me," she patted the space next to her on the couch. "Ever seen Heartland?"

"I have! It's addictive."

"Tell me about it. I've been watching it all day."

Elizabeth took a seat next to Sarah. "How's the recouperation going?"

"Slow, and a little frustrating. How's Jack? Still doing okay?"

"Yeah, he's okay."

"Good."

They sat in silence for a while and watched the horses on the tv screen as they ran across a field.

"I haven't really thanked you yet," Elizabeth began. "For protecting Jack like you did."

Sarah paused the show and turned to face Elizabeth. "You've thanked me."

"I guess it just doesn't seem like enough."

Sarah reached over and took Elizabeth's hand. "It's enough. I have no regrets."

"Thank you," she whispered.

"Just live happily ever after and that's all the thanks I will ever need."

"We will do our best," she giggled. "How are things with Vince?"

"Okay, I guess."

"Uh oh, you guess?"

"You and Jack came to a decision about the FBI job, right?"

She nodded. "Jack doesn't want to take it."

"I'm not surprised. I'm glad. He's miserable away from you and the kids."

"What about you?"

"That's the thing. I've made up my mind, but Vince doesn't want to accept it."

"Oh?"

"I'm not interested. Not anymore. I won't lie, before the shooting I was very interested."

"But not anymore?"

"No. I still want to be a police officer, but I want a role that leaves plenty of room for a life. A life outside the department. I want a husband, kids, all of it."

Elizabeth smiled. "It's worth it."

"I see you and Jack and I know it will be. Vince is worried I'll regret it, I guess. And now I'm worried he's starting to regret..."

"Regret what?"

"Me."

Elizabeth visibly pulled back. "Sarah, no! You can't think that!"

"I don't know what to think. I told him I didn't want to take the job and I feel like he's disappointed! Maybe he was counting on me not being around much?"

"Are we talking about the same Vince? The one that's madly in love with you?"

She shrugged.

"Do you love him, still?"

"More than anything."

"Good. Want my advice?"

"Sure."

"Tonight when he comes home, let him settle in, enjoy dinner together but before you go to sleep tonight, have it out. Put all your thoughts out on the table and encourage him to do the same. Leave nothing unsaid if possible."

"Yikes, got an easier way?"

"Nope," Elizabeth laughed. "Now let's watch some Heartland."

….

Jack, Elizabeth and the kids pulled up to Charlotte's house just after the sun had set behind the mountains. Charlotte walked out onto the porch to greet them.

"Mom, where's my car?"

"Clara's in labor."

"No way!"

"Yup. Jesse got the call and was out the door with your keys before I could stop him." She laughed. "Sorry Jack."

"That's okay, I guess. Just means we can drive home together," Jack said to Elizabeth.

"We're getting a new cousin tonight?" Mya asked.

"Yup!" Charlotte beamed. "And I get a new grandbaby! Come inside and let's eat. I'll head to the hospital after dinner. Tom's inside too."

….

Jesse called the family with updates once he reached the hospital. Clara was in active labor, but it was slow moving. He told Charlotte not to rush, as the doctors had assured them that they'd be there awhile.

Tom played a board game with the kids by the fireplace. He had a way of making them laugh so hard, their bellies hurt. Elizabeth watched from the couch, laughing right along with them.

In the kitchen, Jack helped his mom with the dishes. She washed, while he dried.

"Tell me, Jack, how are you doing?"

"I'm good. My arm's pretty much back to normal. Just a little tender sometimes. I'm sure I'll regret rough housing with the kids in the snow tomorrow," he laughed.

"And emotionally?"

Jack finished drying the plate then leaned against the counter. "I'm good, Mom. I'll admit I've had a couple nightmares. Mostly in the first week but I'm fine."

"I'm glad to hear it." Elizabeth walked in the kitchen and yawned. "Uh oh, someone's tired."

"This pregnancy stuff is for the birds," she groaned. "I don't remember being this tired with Mya or Ash."

"Thornton babies." Charlotte shook her head. "They'll suck all the life out of you."

"Gee, thanks, Mom." Jack gave his mom a gentle smack with the dish towel. "I should get my crew home."

"Of course. I want to get to the hospital to be there for Clara and Jesse."

"Keep us posted on the progress?" Elizabeth asked.

"You bet!"

Within fifteen minutes everyone, including Tom, was on their way.

….

At 4:15 AM, Jack awoke when his phone began to buzz on his nightstand.

"Hello? Jess?"

"It's a girl, bro. I have a daughter."

Jack began to laugh with joy. "Congratulations, Jess! How's Clara?"

"She's amazing. I've never seen anything like it. I've never felt anything like this. Being a dad."

"It's a great feeling, huh?"

"Yeah, it really is."

Even though Jack was late to the game with Mya and Asher, he had a good idea what Jesse was talking about. He couldn't wait till their newest addition joined the ranks.

"Her name is Sierra Gail."

"That's beautiful. Send me some pictures, okay?"

"I will. I'm gonna call Tom. Love you, bro."

"Love you, man. Give Clara and Sierra a kiss from us okay?"

"Will do."