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Chapter 18

Eric, Marcus and baby… Oh my

Tobias' POV

It feels like it has been hours since I started pacing in this waiting room. Up and down, back and forth, I can't sit still for very long. Uriah and Zeke remain sitting in the chairs that are on the other side of the wall. They learned in the first half hour of us being here that it's best to just leave me alone.

Funny, all this time… All of this pacing, yet my eyes remain on one place and one place only, the entrance. It's not just any entrance, it's the entrance of the operating room that my wife and unborn son are in. I can't take much more of this. Not knowing, not being told what the hell is happening to my wife and son. It's been hours, yet it feels like a century ago that this all happened.

I felt like death warmed over when I saw Tris refuse to shoot me, as she dropped her gun and held her hands up. I can't blame her for not wanting to shoot me though, I know if our roles were reversed I would rather shoot myself than harm her.

Since I was young, I have always known this life damages us, everyone. We can't escape the damage, but now I am also learning this: We can be mended. We mend.

But at the same time, for her to sacrifice not only herself, but the life of our unborn son… I can't fault her, I know that, but the moment that gun went off, it was as if a slow motion movie began playing. I could see Tris getting hit by the bullet, her body falling to the ground and I was helpless to help her. It was at that moment that I didn't care about what happened to myself or anything else for that matter. It was in that moment that I became my animalistic self, as I used all of my strength to battle the monster that has always haunted me. I saw red, as I couldn't stop myself from doing what he projected into me all those years ago. It wasn't until I heard my wife's voice, the voice of an angel call out to me that I stopped hitting Marcus. She was already so weak, whether it was from the exhaustion of the scene that played out before us, or from the lack of blood that was quickly pooling around her, I wasn't sure. I finally stopped, dropped Marcus' limp body on the floor and hurried over to my wife. I dropped onto my knees, hard. I didn't think twice before I peeled my shirt off my body and started to apply pressure to her wound. I don't know much about medicine, but I knew enough from my time with Marcus to know that the amount of blood she was losing wasn't good for her or the baby. I slowly tried to feel for an exit wound that would have been behind her shoulder, only there wasn't one. My body grew even more numb at the thought of the bullet still being inside of her, damaging god knows what in her.

"Eric's dead," Uriah said, in the coldest tone I have ever heard him say. A wave of relief washes over me. I glanced up, watching him as he moved over to Marcus' still limp body. He bends over placing two fingers against Marcus' pulse, he shakes his head no, towards me. I killed him, I killed my father.

Words can't describe how I felt the instant I realized that I killed someone. That I… With my own two hands killed a person. Not just any person though, but the person that made my life a living nightmare. But at the same time, I worried about one day turning into him, of becoming a terrorizer to my family, to my own children. But I hold no regrets at all. I have no doubt in my mind that if Marcus had the chance he would have killed me and he would have made sure I suffered every minute of it. I also have no doubt in my mind that Marcus would have reflected the same hell on our children, Marlene and Shauna once he was done with the three of us.

It didn't take long for the ambulance and police sirens to be heard from the main road. I tried to keep Tris awake for as long as I could, as I was worried about all of the blood loss and god knows what else, but she wouldn't wake back up.

Thank god for Uriah's quick thinking, he ran upstairs to grab some extra bed sheets to cover up both Eric and Marcus' dead bodies. The moment their bodies were out of sight as best as sheets could hide them, Uriah ran out in search of Marlene, Shauna and the kids.

I thank our lucky stars that someone was clearly watching over us last night. The kids were right where Uriah said they would be. Hiding in their secret hiding spot under the cabin in the cellar. Apparently Ethan heard the alarm go off, he didn't hesitate to do exactly what his Uncle told him to do. He grabbed his little sister and snuck out of the cabin and under the covered patio. He even remembered to carry a covered blade with him just in case. He stayed there until someone came out to get him. Although to actually calm him down and to get him to stop shaking was a whole other mission, of course. Marlene and Shauna both agreed it was best to stay with the kids in the secret hideout until the coast was clear. They were worried that they would somehow walk into a trap. Again, someone was definitely watching out for us.

The kids had a hard time trying to keep from screaming and crying when they saw their mother laying there in a pool of her own blood. Although I tried my best to soothe them, I knew it was a battle I would not win. Not with their mother clearly being hurt and we were all defenseless to do anything about it.

Of course it didn't help when Zeke finally sat up with the help of Shauna. He looked like death warmed over too. He had no color on his face and there was blood coming from the back of his head.

I stood back with the kids giving the EMT's room to work and get Tris and Zeke ready to be transported to the hospital. I tried my best to answer any questions that they had about Tris and her medical history and her pregnancy. Other than the most recent incident that involved a knife and Uriah… Tris has always been more than healthy. Even this pregnancy has been mostly uneventful for her. Shauna then proceeded to answer any questions that they asked about Zeke.

I was surprised when I finally heard Tris speak, holding her hand out for Uriah to take since he was the closest to her. "Tell Tobias," she tried to say, her voice sounding weaker than I have ever heard it. "If anything happens… Tell Tobias… I never wanted to leave him." Uriah glanced my way, making sure I did in fact get her message. There was no way in hell I was going to accept that message. I let the kids go, telling them everything was going to be okay and that I needed to tell something to Mommy. I slid between Uriah and an EMT, as I took her hand from Uriah.

"You listen to me, Beatrice Eaton. I can't force you, I can't make you want to survive this, but you will do it. It doesn't matter if you believe you can or not, you will because that's who you are," I say, leaning in and kissing the top of her forehead. She smiled at me as they wheeled her out of the cabin and into the ambulance. With transporting both Zeke and Tris in one ambulance, there was no more room for the rest of us. One of the EMT's that stayed behind to pack up the gear gave us instructions to the hospital they were taking her to. He did warn us to not take too long, as she had lost a lot of blood already.

I'm hard on her because I know she can handle it and also because I don't know any other way to be.

After a quick talk with the police, we arranged that they would have full access to the cabin while we were gone. They explained that the coroner would be coming by shortly to claim both Eric and Marcus' body. As well as the Detective on scene would be calling and exchanging notes with Detective Caldwell. We totally understood, agreeing that we wouldn't be going anywhere but to the hospital that they took Tris and Zeke to and not until their investigation was over.

We arrived as soon as we could to the hospital. Shauna and I both rushed towards the reception desk, needing to check on the status of both Zeke and Tris, while Uriah and Marlene took the kids to the kids children's corner. One of the hospital staff told us it was a perfect place for the kids. They had plenty of toys, movies playing and comfortable couches for the kids to sleep in if need be. I hoped it wouldn't come to that. Ethan and Maddy have been through so much already, they deserve a safe and comfortable place to sleep in.

It was three in the morning when the doctor finally came out for both Shauna and I. I could see the relief rolling off of Shauna's body when the doctor announced that after several tests Zeke would be fine. He did suffer from a minor concussion, but nothing too serious.

As for Tris, upon her arrival she was wheeled into surgery immediately. Taking her blood loss into consideration and her being 35 weeks pregnant… They were worried about the baby as he began showing signs of distress. They hoped to operate and get the bullet out of her shoulder as quickly as possible, but if the baby showed any more signs of being in danger they would have no choice but to deliver him via C-section. Like matters couldn't get any worse…

Zeke insisted that he was more than fine and persuaded the Doctors that he should be released, as he refused to stay in the hospital bed for a moment longer. Not when he felt that he was more needed here with me. I couldn't deny him. To be honest, I would do the same thing if the roles were reversed. I don't think I would want to be anywhere else. The moment he was released he took his seat next to Uriah without saying one word. He continued to hold a cold pack against the very tender bump on his head.

Uriah on the other hand kept himself very busy. Once Shauna took his place with Marlene and the kids, they took them to the cafetera to get something to eat. He wasted no time at all getting some calls taken care of. He first reached out to Detective Caldwell who was already filled in from the Detective that we left back in the cabin. They were still finishing up their investigation and will be in contact with us as soon as we are available. Detective Caldwell was already in the process of making arrangements for us to have permission to return home in the meantime. I can't explain the amount of relief that I felt knowing that once Tris and possibly our baby will be released we can take them both home. Our real home.

Of course I felt sorry for Uriah as he had to pull the phone away from his ear as Christina yelled her ass off at not only Will but at Uriah as well for keeping her in the dark about the whole situation. I seriously will never understand how Tris and Christina ever got along in the first place… Christina is very loud and well Christina, while Tris is calm, selfless, smart and loving. They are both complete opposites. From what I gathered or overheard, they were to be on the first flight out here.

Even with all of this going on, I still can't pry my eyes away from the operating room doors. What is taking so damn long? They say that no news is good news. Right?

Finally the doors swing open, my heart sinks as I watch not only the Doctor come out and walk my way, but right behind him, I watch the smallest glass box with all sorts of wires and bags attached to it, being rushed down the hall with a nurse and doctor right behind it.

"Mr. Eaton, I'm afraid I have some good and bad news for you," the Doctor says. I can hear the tension in his voice as he speaks. I know, although I have hope that everything will be alright, I also can't help but feel like something is terribly wrong.

Tris' POV

The sound of steady beeping wakes me up from my deep slumber. My mind is fuzzy. What is happening? I slowly open my eyes, blinking the tiredness away. I feel like I have been drugged or something, the tiredness is so strong. My eyesight finally clears, as I look around what appears to be a hospital room. What the? How did I get here? I notice the IV attached to my arm, as my hand lands on my very deflated, very soft stomach. My baby. Where is my baby? I feel the panic begin to rise as the pain not only from my abdomen but also from my left shoulder increases. What the hell? But my shoulder healed a long time ago… I turn my head, almost too quickly as the room begins to spin. My eyes land on the one thing that always calms me down when I begin to panic, Tobias. I sit back for a moment to take in the sight of this gorgeous man of mine as he sleeps soundly. His eyes are closed while his mouth is slightly open. His head is tilted to the right, leaning into his right hand that sits on the arm rest. His chair is so close to me that I can easily reach out to touch him, I do just that. His eyes snap open, alerted to my awoken presence. He blinks a few times, as he smiles sleepily up at me. He slowly lets his hand drop, straightening up in his chair.

"Hi," he says, leaning forward and taking my hand. He smiles down at me with such love and devotion in his eyes.

"Hi," I say, returning his smile.

"How are you feeling?" He asks with concern written all over his face. It's now that he mentions it, that I begin to feel what I felt when I first woke up.

"The baby?" I ask. "The kids?" The last thing I remember is we couldn't find them.

"Our son was born via C-section at 3:30 this morning." I nod. "I'll buzz the nurse," Tobias says, pushing the button on the wall for the nurse. He tells the responder that I am awake and in need of my next pain medication dose. That reminds me…

"Is he okay?" Where is he?" I ask, as we wait for the nurse to arrive. Tobias reaches behind his neck, scratching it as he always does when he is nervous.

"He is in the NICU. He is so strong and perfect. The stress of the bullet... Caused him to go into some distress and they had to deliver him. Doctors say he will be just fine in no time." He continues speaking as he looks down at his phone, hitting buttons for something. He smiles when he finds what he is looking for, as he looks back up at me with nothing but love and pride in his eyes. He turns his phone and raises it some, so I can see what I can clearly now see are pictures of my beautiful newborn baby boy.

Tears fall from my eyes, as I look at every inch of his too small form. He has a small amount of brown hair, like Tobias. Even his little round face, his full lips and hooked nose reminds me so much of his father. He has tubes everywhere, helping him stay alive. My poor little baby boy.

"He's so beautiful," I say, barely above a whisper.

"He sure is. He does need a little help with his breathing, as he is only breathing 75 percent on his own for now. He is also getting a little help with maintaining his body temperature," Tobias explains. I feel relief wash over me, knowing that my baby is okay and that's all that matters. All the pain, all the suffering, it doesn't matter as long as he is okay. "As for Ethan and Maddy, they were hiding out exactly where Uriah told Ethan to go. They are perfectly safe. They were here for a while, until you came out of surgery. I had the others take the kids to the nearest hotel to get some rest," he explains. I feel instant relief knowing that my kids, all three of them, are okay.

The nurse comes in, checking my vitals. She injects some pain relievers into my IV, which I am most grateful for. She congratulates me on my little guy and then lets me know that the doctor will be in to check on me soon. She offers to get me some water in the meantime. When she finally leaves for good, Tobias goes into everything that happened apparently last night, or should I say early this morning. As he speaks he stands, moving to sit beside me on the bed. I smell him deeply, after all these years of being together… I know whenever I smell that scent, his scent, I know I'm safe. I know I'm home.

"You nearly died today. I almost…" I say, unable to look at him in the eye. My voice, barely above a whisper at the end of my trailed off thought. I can't think that, can't think about shooting the only man I truly ever loved.

"Why didn't you shoot me Tris?" He asks, I can hear the exhaustion in his voice.

"I couldn't do that, it would have been like shooting myself," I say, finally looking up at him and hoping that he understands. He looks in pain at the thought of my words. He leans close to me until his lips brush mine as he speaks…

"I have something to tell you," he says. I run my fingers through his soft hair and look back up at him. "I might be in love with you," he says, making me wince as a small giggle escapes my lips. Remembering the first time he said that same line to me. He sheepishly smiles, probably remembering that time so long ago as well. "I'm waiting to make sure to tell you though," he says, his smile never leaving his face.

"A marriage and three kids… And you still are not sure. That's sensible of you..." I say, matching his smile and light tone. I can't help it, it is contagious. I feel his laughter against my body, I love it when he laughs so deeply.

"Fine, then I love you," he says and I kiss him, letting all the memories and nightmares of the day slip away for even just a moment.

A throat clearing snaps us out of our fog, as there stands a very young looking Doctor. She is too bubbly and smiley for my liking. I wonder if this is her first year of her residency or something. Tobias smoothly gets off of the bed and sits back in his chair, giving the doctor all the room in the world to do what she needs to do.

"Hello," she says, walking over to my hospital bed. I notice her eyes follow Tobias' body. She stands on the opposite side of Tobias. She speaks as she unhooks her stethoscope from her neck and hooks the ends into her ears. "I'm Doctor Maser, I am one of the attendees on your team," she explains. One of them? How many are there? "I'm just going to check you over," she says, as she reaches over to listen to my heart and lungs. She has me take in a few deep breaths, in and out while she taps on my back a few times. Seriously? I have an injured shoulder. Which reminds me.

"How did I get… hurt?" I ask, glancing at my shoulder. I watch him nervously reach behind his neck and scratch as he begins to explain.

"Uriah," he says, as if that is the simplest answer to my question. Of course, Uriah. I should have known. Wait.

"And how did Uriah have anything to do with?" I don't bother to finish my question as I gesture towards the shoulder instead.

"Well you see when he stabbed Eric in the chest, Eric's gun went off. Luckily it was your shoulder and not your head," he says, trying to make light of the situation with that last part. I can't help but roll my eyes at his comment.

"Yeah cause that's any better," I say, sounding too bitter.

"Hey, I would rather you still be with us and hurt than not with us at all," he says, holding my hand tightly. Movement from the other side of my bed grabs our attention, as we both turn at the same time to watch the Doctor wipe the edge of her eyes. Shit, is she still here?

"Is he always this loving?" The Doctor asks, getting a little too personal for my liking. Seriously, this has to be her second year at most. I smile and nod my head, not trusting what will come out of my mouth. "You are a very lucky girl. I'm going to lay you back a little more, I need to check out your incision," she says, gesturing to my stomach as she pushes the button to lay the bed back more. She pulls up my hospital gown and lowers my blankets, revealing the disgusting large wounds. I wince feeling the pull of the stitches laying this far back. She presses it and checks for whatever she needs to check for. When she is satisfied, she lowers my gown and raises my blankets back up to my waist. She gives me an apologetic smile as she slowly raises the bed back to its original position. Damn who knew just sitting up could hurt so much. She walks around my bed, placing herself between Tobias and I as she goes to check my shoulder wound. I don't miss the eye candy look she gives Tobias as she steps between us. Seriously? I'm right here. Oh who am I kidding? How many times has he been hit on with me, his wife, right next to him?

"Alright, everything looks good so far. We are going to need to change those dressings twice a day for now. We need to keep an eye open for any infections," she explains, as she makes notes on her tablet..

"When can I see my baby?" I ask, eager to see him, to hold him. I can see from the look on her face, that the answer isn't good.

"I'm hopeful that it will be soon, but for now, it's safer that we keep you in bed. You lost a lot of blood, we had to do a few blood transfusions. We need you to have your strength back, plus you and he are both susceptible to infections right now. We also can't risk your incisions opening back up. Baby Eaton is doing wonderful right now, he is stable, his breathing is up to 80 percent on his own and we are hoping to have him off the feeding tube in a couple of days," she says, moving to stand at the foot of my bed.

"Feeding tube?" Tobias didn't mention that.

"It's perfectly normal. He was born just a few weeks prematurely. He just needs a little help," she explains, trying to soothe my nerves. But I fear nothing will soothe me, not until I can see for myself that my baby is indeed fine. I nod, knowing there isn't anything else to say.

"The important thing is that you both are alright," Tobias says, reaching out and holding my hand.

"Is he able to see the baby?" I ask, curiously.

"Yes, the NICU is open to all parents and approved guests for twenty four hours a day," she explains with a smile. Only the smile is directed at my husband more than anything.

"How about in a little bit while you rest, I'll go down and see him. I can even take a few more pictures to show you how well he is doing," Tobias offers. I know he is trying to be reasonable in this situation, but it still irritates me.

"I'll be back tomorrow to check on you, for now your diet is open and pain meds will be administered every four hours as needed. Try to rest, Tris. Not only do you need it, but you earned it," she says, as she turns and walks out of my room. Bitch.

"Did you say that Uriah stabbed Eric in the chest?" I ask, getting back to the topic we were speaking about before we were interrupted by the very bubbly doctor.

"Um... Yeah… He stabbed him in the heart," Tobias says, matter of fact. Tobias watches for my reaction.

"Is he?" I ask, needing to hear it once and for all that he is gone. I hate how my hopes are up for the news of someone's death, but Eric was no person, no, he was a monster. In fact he was pure Evil.

"Yeah, he bled out before help could arrive," Tobias confirms, as the most intense, most powerful wave of relief comes over me. I can't help but shed tears of both relief and happiness.

"Tris," Tobias says, his voice revealing that he is taking my reaction the wrong way. I shake my head no, as I try to get the right words out.

"No Tobias, I'm so… I'm so…" I stutter as a new flood of emotions escape me. "God I'm such a terrible person… I'm so relieved he is gone. It's finally over." The tears continue to fall as I cry for everything, for Eric who will not be missed, for my son being born too early, for the added stress and all of the worrying about my family and for my children living in fear and on the run. Tobias moves to the edge of the bed, holding me carefully in his arms until the tears run dry.

"You listen to me Beatrice Eaton…You are not a terrible person. Eric and Marcus…They're the monsters. We can finally get our lives back," he says, pulling back enough to look at my tear stained face.

"What about Marcus?" I ask, remembering him choking Tobias and holding him in a head lock as I pointed a gun at his son's head.

"I …Uh… I killed him," he admits. What? "He lost his grip on me when Uriah surprised us all with his attack on Eric. When the gun went off and shot you, it caught him off guard. I fought him, knowing I had to get to you. But Tris, something clicked in that moment, I lost control. Love, it was like my true nature came out and took control… I couldn't stop. I heard your voice and that's what finally snapped me out of the fog. By then I had already crushed his windpipe and he suffocated to death," he explains, as he runs his hands down his face. I can see how all of this has aged him by at least ten years. But none of this is his fault. "I'm just like him," he mutters.

"No. No Tobias, you are nothing like him," I begin to say, as his head drops down to our joined hands. "Look at me," I say, waiting for him to indeed give in and look up. "You are the kindest, sweetest, loving husband and father there ever was. You are nothing like your father. I know you would never hurt me or the kids," I say, without a shadow of a doubt.

"But-" he begins.

"No buts," I say, stopping his words dead cold. "I love you," I say.

"I love you too," he says, finally conceding. Tobias slowly begins to lean in, but stops instantly as the hospital room door flies open almost too violently.

"Oh no, don't you give me that baby crap, Will," Christina says, her voice is higher than it should be in a hospital. I can see the rage in not only her eyes, but in her voice as she charges into the room with Will in tow with his head down like a kicked puppy. No doubt, he has probably been getting scolded since they left home.

"What are you guys doing here?" I say, smiling at their surprise visit.

"What am I doing here? Didn't Tobias tell you that we jumped on the first plane out here? Well that is once I was informed of what has been going on, that is!" She says, crossing her arms over her chest, as she gives the death glare to both Will and Tobias.

"Um, how about I go to the hotel and take a shower…And get the kids. I'm sure they are dying to see their Mommy," Tobias offers. I smile with excitement at the thought of seeing my kids. I miss them, I want to make sure they are okay.

"Okay," I say, nodding.

"Do you need anything or want anything?" Tobias asks, as he stands up from the bed.

"I'm fine. Thank you," I say, cradling his face as he leans in and pecks my lips lovingly. He dodges Christina's death stare as he raises his eyebrows at Will.

"You know I think I'll go with you," Will says, a little too eager. They both slip out of the room as quickly as possible, closing the door behind them softly. Christina instantly relaxes when the two responsible men for her fury are gone. I slowly and carefully try to inch a little to my right, patting at the space that I made for her beside me on the bed. She smiles as she crawls into bed with me being careful not to hurt me, just like we used to do when we were kids.

When either one of us were hurt, sick, or just needed cheering up we would crawl into the bed of the one that needed comforting the most. Of course we would do so with a pint of ice cream while watching horror movies…But still we were always there for one another. Just like she is here for me now. She holds on tight to my hand and leans her head on my non injured shoulder.

"You scared the shit out of me," she admits. I nod, knowing that words are not needed between us right now. I close my eyes.

It feels like minutes, instead of hours when I hear the door open and my family all come barreling into the room. Tobias comes in carrying a happy, clapping Maddy, while Ethan on the other hand is being guided in by Uriah. His head is down, refusing to look up at me. My heart breaks as I see my oldest son shaking like a leaf.

"Hey there guys," I call out, trying to make my voice sound light and happy. Ethan's head finally snaps up at the sound of my voice, his eyes are opened wider than I have ever seen them before. He smiles as he rushes my way.

"Woah there buddy," Tobias calls out to Ethan. He places Maddy, who is happy go lucky in the gap between my legs and turns back towards our son. I feel my stomach drop as I watch the disappointment on my son's face. What did you do that for, Tobias? "Remember what I told you earlier about Mommy. We have to be extra careful with her for a little while, okay? No jumping on her," Tobias says, his voice is gentle, yet stern. Ethan nods, as he comes closer to me, only he stops himself at arms length. He reaches out, touching my lower arm, acting like I'm glass. Well that wont do.

"Come here baby," I say, patting on the spot next to me on the bed. He glances down and back up at his father in confusion.

"It's okay Buddy, you can sit with her. Just be careful," Tobias explains, helping Ethan up into the bed and in his spot. Ethan smiles, leaning his head against my non injured shoulder. I turn my head to the side, kissing the top of his head. There, all is right in the world now.

"Are you okay, Mommy?" Ethan asks.

"Momma hert?" Maddy joins in looking at me, she points at my injured shoulder with sadness in her eyes. Awe, my poor babies.

"Mommy is hurt, but I will get better in no time," I say, hoping to ease both of their worries.

"That's right guys," Tobias says, joining us on the bed. "In no time at all Mommy and the new baby will be coming home and they will be all better. You'll see," Tobias says, smiling proudly as he looks at the three of us.

My heart breaks once more, knowing that that time may take a few weeks before all of my children, my family can be together in one room.

"Alright. Alright… Let's eat," Zeke calls out. It's then that I see that everyone is here where I know they will always be when it matters the most. Christina helps with passing out the drinks, while Uriah tries to hog one of the pizza boxes for himself. Marlene slaps Uriah beside the head and scolds him about sharing with others. I can't help but wince as I laugh out at the family that we have. The family that we are blessed with

"Hey?" I ask, getting Tobias' attention. He instantly turns my way, giving me the attention I so need. "What about Peter?" I ask. It didn't occur to me until now that no one has spoken about him.

"He escaped in the middle of all the chaos, but he was picked up a few hours later. He was caught 10 miles away from the cabin in the woods," he says. I let out the air in my lungs that I didn't even know I was holding.

"It's all over, Tris. Detective Caldwell has cleared us with the Detectives here. Once you and the baby are cleared to travel we are going home, our home, for good," he says, smiling wider than I have seen him do in a long time.

"Really? We can go home?" I want to make sure that I'm not dreaming.

"Yes, we can go home, all of us," he says while leaning in slowly, kissing my lips tenderly.

"Hey you two…Are you guys ever going to eat or are you just going to make out?" Zeke calls out.

"Quiet down Zeke, this is a hospital after all," Shauna says, slapping his shoulder with her mouth full of pizza. It takes everything in me not to laugh, as I know it will hurt like a bitch.

"So have you guys chosen a name for the new little stinker?" Will asks, taking a bite of his pizza slice.

Tobias glances down at me, wondering if I am ready for the big reveal. Up until now we agreed not to reveal our newborn son's name.. Not until we can hold him.

"Not yet," I say, innocently.

"I say we name him pansycake," Uriah chimes in.

"Pansycake? Na I say, Stiff," Zeke jumps in.

"Oh my god, would you two both stop. They are not naming their son… Anything that stupid," Marlene says.

I sit back watching the people that I have come to love all these years. The people that have become like a family to me. My own brother, my own blood is a traitor. My parents passed away a long time ago. Up until a few years ago, the only family I knew of was me and Ethan. I thought I was happy, I thought I was fulfilled. I glance at my loving husband, I can't help but think… Just like I insist on his worth, he has always insisted on my strength, insisted that my capacity is greater than I believe. And I know without being told, that's what love does, when it's right- it makes you more than you were, more than you thought you could be. Together we made a gorgeous little girl and now a perfect newborn son… And a whole extended family that I am proud to call my own.

There is no other group of people… No other family that I would have to be A Runaway Family with other than the people right here in this room.

A/N

Well there you have it guys… like all good fanfics written, all good things must come to an end. To celebrate such a well overdue ending to this beloved story, there will be TWO Epilogues. So stay tuned to find out how it all gets wrapped up.

Comment below let me know all your thoughts…

Revised by: FDFobsessed

Like always happy reading and stay safe and healthy,

Trini