Guys! Last chapter :)
I have shared (many) thoughts below.

April stirred awake & immediately felt a sensation that she hadn't felt for years & had locked away the feeling of missing. She felt the soft caress of fingers on her exposed waist, moving back & forth & a soft, content smile broke out on her face. Jackson. It had been been years since they shared a bed but it was still his thing. Anytime he would wake up before she did, his hand would immediately find any exposed skin & make itself home till she woke up. He had a thing for her skin - she knew this, so he would be partial to tender touches as frequently as possible. It was relatively inconsequential in the grand scheme of things and she didn't realise she'd miss it till it was gone for good.

She was facing away from him so could revel in his touch for a few more minutes before he realised she was awake.

"Mmmhmm", she moaned softly as she turned around to face him.

Jackson looked at her half awake face & bent lightly to kiss her forehead, "Hey, sleepy."

"Morning.. Been up long?", she reached out to trace his face, noticing it was still early.

"Not too long".

April narrowed her eyes a little, "Liar. A lot on your mind?"

"Hmm.. Kinda. Just.. Everything.", he murmured, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her flush against him, "Having you here helps though."

She snuggled into his side, her arm draping across his chest, "Mmm.. So warm."

That caused him to chuckle & turn to face her, wrapping his arm around her.

"You'll figure it out, no matter what. I'm sure you will.", she whispered softly.

"You always give me too much credit."

"And you never disappoint.", she replied, without taking a beat.

He grinned lightly, shaking his head, "You really want to stroke my ego first thing in the morning?", he raised his eyebrow, amused.

April's hand moved lower, nearing the top of his boxers & she whispered, huskily, "Among other things…"

Jackson gulped but quickly caught hold of her hand & moved it back up, "Don't start something you're not prepared to finish.", he said throatily & she noticed his darkened gaze & chuckled.

"Okay.. okay..", she shifted slightly & pressed her lips against his softly but as she was pulling back, Jackson held her head & kept her in place so he could kiss her more deeply.

"I love you.", he said softly, pulling away from the kiss & nuzzling her cheek, peppering kisses along it.

April suddenly felt overwhelmed by the declaration, even though they had already exchanged the words. Hearing Jackson say it again, unprovoked, so casually, it hit her harder than she was prepared for. After all these years, after having made peace with the idea that they were over for good, being back here, in the arms of the man who was the love of her life - she blinked back tears & swallowed roughly.

"I love you too."

The next few weeks weren't.. great. The program at Grey Sloan had been put on probation, which had, as Jackson had feared, put all the Fox Foundation hospitals under the scanner. So now, Jackson spent most of his time running meetings & coordinating efforts across teams & heads of the Hospitals to ensure they would come out of the inspections successfully. He was always exhausted & couldn't make enough time for either Harriet or April - a fact that irritated him beyond measure.

This wasn't why he took over the Foundation. He wanted to make a change, to make a difference for people who needed it. He had made some progress it that regard - good, solid progress but he couldn't help but wonder if taking care of all the administrative bullshit was taking away from the work he wanted to be doing. But, as of this moment, that wasn't a question he could answer. He just didn't have the time.

April had been his rock all through it. Jackson knew she had always been his constant, his centre but he wouldn't have gotten through the mess of the past weeks without her. Even if she had her own doubts about the program, she backed him fully in figuring out ideas to do damage control. But that was weeks ago. After the program was put on probation, Jackson barely had time to interact with her outside of checking in & discussing about Harriet. In addition, he had to give up more and more days with Harriet because of his random schedule. Again, this was defeating the entire purpose of having them here.

"Jackson, calm down.", April was on the phone with him & trying her best soothing voice.

"NO! This fucking sucks, I was so sure I'd be home tonight.. This just..", he huffed, increasingly frustrated that he was making this call again. Having to cancel on her, them, again.

"I know. I know.. ", she tried her best to calm him down. The truth was she missed him too & she knew so did Harriet but she also knew that he needed her support at this time, "It's hard but it's temporary, okay? Just-", she stopped when he heard him yell at someone on the other end.

"HEY! Didn't I say not to interrupt me? Wait outside till I say you can come in.", Jackson snapped at the person who tried to enter his office & then came back to the call, "Hey.. Sorry, that was.."

"Breathe.. Jackson, you've got this. It sucks but it's par for the course. Then it'll be over & things will go back to normal. Okay?"

He could feel himself calming at her words. April doing for him what he'd done for her countless times.

"Okay.. Okay. I'm calm, I just.."

"I know."

"I.. Sorry, I've gotta go but I'll see you guys soon, ok? Give Harriet a kiss for me?", he said, sadly.

"Of course! Go do your thing.", she smiled.

"Yeah. Love you!"

"I love y-", she started before the call cut off & she shook her head sadly. Intellectually, they both knew this was expected. Jackson was heading a Foundation that controls millions of dollars so of course when things piled on, it would affect their time as a family. Still, knowing what is to be expected in theory, didn't make it any less hard in practice.

He had done it. After weeks of endless meetings, calls & late nights, Jackson had finally managed to leave work at 6 today. Plenty of things were still in motion but for the first time in forever, he wasn't expected to make any decisions that couldn't wait till tomorrow. So he had dropped her a quick text & was on his way to April's. Finally getting a night to spend with his family. He needed & deserved it.

"Anybody home?", Jackson called out, as he entered April's place.

"Daddy!", Harriet squealed, running from the living room with April following behind her, trying to control her own smile.

"Hey hey.. There she is, there's my munchkin. Ooof..", he made a small noise as Harriet jumped straight into his arms & he hugged her tightly.

"Daddy I miss you. I got star 4 times in school.", she said in a muffled tone as he continued to hug her, not getting enough.

"Yeah?", he pulled back, kissing her cheek, "I'm so proud. Who's Daddy's genius girl?"

"Harriet!", she squealed & hugged him again, giggling.

"Daddy I'll show you.", she started fussing so he'd put her down & he have her another quick kiss before letting her run to her room.

Jackson laughed lightly & turned towards April who was shaking her heard, "She wanted to show you but of course couldn't stop herself from telling you about it first."

He nodded & waited till he saw Harriet leave their line of sight & quickly held April's face to press a firm kiss on her lips, wanting to but controlling himself from letting it get too heated.

"Hi."

"Hi back."

"I'm sorry these weeks have been rough. I'm sure they've been tough for you too so thank you for doin-", he started rambling but she stopped him by placing a hand on his face.

"Jackson, hey? It's ok. I'm here & you don't have to thank me. We're partners, ok. We have each other's back, right?", April cut him off, raising her eyebrows encouragingly & he nodded in response.

It ended up being exactly the evening Jackson needed. He, April & Harriet spent a great evening together. Eating, talking & laughing at Harriet's antics. She ended up showing & telling him about all the things he'd missed over the past few weeks & even performed a little dance that she'd learnt at her class. He also convinced April to extend Harriet's bed time by half an hour so he could spend a little more time with her.

By the time Harriet went to sleep, Jackson felt more grounded than he had in a while. After all the chaos at work, he just needed some alone, focused time with his family.

"So.. How're things going?", April asked, as she & Jackson got comfortable on the couch, wine in hand, "Getting any better?"

"They're.. I guess, plateauing? I feel like we've pretty much done what we can. It's mostly a waiting game now.", he answered, taking a big sip & placing the glass back on the table. "I'll mostly be flying to Seattle, though."

"Oh?", April made a surprised noise.

"Yeah.. Kinda a last ditch effort.", he chuckled, "The auditor person.. Something Blake - is pretty tough, I heard. So I'll just coordinate with when she's visiting so I can appeal in person."

"Hmm.. Y'know that actually makes sense. Having the head of the Foundation there will really ensure they know we're serious about improving.", she replied, thoughtfully, putting her own glass down, after finishing the wine.

"Yup, that's the plan. Anyway.. It'll be a day or 2 max.", Jackson replied, sighing deeply. He looked over at her, his eyes tracing over her features before finally meeting her eye & holding silent eye contact.

She had a wistful smile on her face & her hair was framing her face beautifully. He reached out & traced her faced softly, moving stray hairs off her face. His fingers spread across her cheek with his thumb slowly moving across her lower lip causing her mouth to open slightly.

Jackson pulled her chin upwards & bent towards her to capture her lips with his, her mouth moving in sync with his. He pushed her backwards so April was pressed against the arm of the couch, legs spread & he was hovering over her, mouth not leaving hers. She bit his lip lightly, seeking entry into his mouth & when he felt her tongue against his, he let out a guttural groan, her taste enveloping him.

He pushed his hips against her clothed centre & April moaned against his mouth, feeling his hardness & grinding slightly, looking for more friction.

His lips moved downwards kissing & nipping her neck, his hands landing firmly on her chest, squeezing it softly, eliciting another moan from her.

"I know.. We had decided..", he whispered, between kisses, his lips never leaving her skin, "But.. Do you want to..", he pulled himself up to look up at her, lust flooding through his features, making her shiver.

April pulled her lip between her teeth, breathing heavily & feeling the heat course through her body & nodded, shakily, "Yeah I.. Yeah."

Jackson smiled, relieved & pushed himself off her & the couch, pulling her up as he went. Then bending slightly, he lifted her off the couch, taking her in his arms easily as she squeaked slightly & wrapped her legs around his waist.

"How d'you still do that so effortlessly?", she giggled, kissing his face & neck.

"That's not the only thing I can do effortlessly. You'll see.", he smirked, walking them into her room, closing the door shut.

The next day was Saturday but Jackson still needed to go into work, albeit in the second half. So April took advantage to run a few errands in the morning, while he stayed back with Harriet at her place. When she returned, she saw Harriet busy with her colouring book in the living room & noticed Jackson standing near the coffee maker, facing away from her.

She walked over & slowly brushed her hand across his back, "Hey, I got that yogurt you like.."

She frowned when he didn't respond, "Jackson? Hey? What's.. Going on?"

He turned slowly, a deep frown etched on his face & fear in his eyes. "Its uhh.. mom."

April stood outside Jackson's apartment with Harriet, waiting for him to open, "Are you excited to see Daddy? Are you?", she nuzzled Harriet, blowing raspberries on her 2 year old's cheek.

Jackson opened the door & April politely asked, "Hi Jackson, how're you?"

"I'm fine. Come on in.", he forced a smile before turning to Harriet, taking her in his arms, "Hey sweetheart."

"She's had lunch so you don't have to worry about that.", she said, placing Harriet's bag on his couch.

"What?.. Oh.. Yeah.. Okay. Thanks.", he replied, distractedly & April couldn't help but notice.

"Is umm.. Everything okay?", she eyed him carefully, noticing his expression & the lost look on his face & knew that something was bothering him. She just didn't know if she was someone he'd still open up to.

He looked at her, seeing the concern in her eyes. Of course she would see it, it was naive of him to think she wouldn't. He turned & placed Harriet in her rocking chair before turning back to April. He considered for a second whether he should tell her but if things turned… badly, she'd need to know anyway.

"It's uhh.. My mom.", he said softly, scratching the back of his head.

April's face softened, leave it to Catherine to stress Jackson out, "What did she do now? Y'know she mostly means well.."

"No that's not..", he sighed deeply, "She's.. April..", he bit his lip, "She's.. sick."

April's expression switched in an instant, her eyes widening, "What? What do you mean, sick?"

"Chondrosarcoma.. In the spine.", he whispered, shakily & looked at her, regulating his voice & stopping himself from reaching out to her. He couldn't do that, not anymore.

"What? Oh God, Jackson.. I'm so..", she shifted towards him a little but held back, "And chemo?"

He shook his head, "Tom's figuring out what's.. next. Surgery probably", he breathed out roughly.

"What can I do? D'you need me to keep Harriet?"

"No I need her here & I'm sure mom.. wants to see her too.", he crossed his arms, closing off.

"Of course. Jackson.. She's strong, if anyone can make it through this, she can.", April truly believed that. There were very few people she had come across with the grit of Catherine Fox.

"I don't know, I'm just-", he started but was cut off with April's phone ringing.

"I'm sorry, that's.. uh Matthew. He's waiting in the car downstairs. I didn't.. I can.."

"No no.. That's fine, don't worry about it. I'm sure you have things to do. I just.. thought you should know.", he shook his head, forcing his face into a smile.

She started to say something but bit her tongue, not knowing or wanting to test the boundaries of the current state of their relationship. She slowly started walking towards the door, Jackson in tow.

She turned around, hesitating but reaching out to hold his arm softly, "If there's absolutely anything you or Catherine needs, let me know?"

He nodded, a sad smile on his face, "I will. Thank you, April."

They looked at each other a few moments, knowing there was plenty the other wanted to say but couldn't.

April nodded encouragingly before turning around to leave as Jackson looked on wistfully before closing the door.

"I spoke to Richard.", Jackson closed his eyes, exhaling deeply.

"How bad?", April asked, trying to be as calm as possible for him.

"Not great. It's progressing so Richard has gotten her into a trial. She'll be starting chemo soon. I guess when it rains, it pours, huh.", he let out a homorless chuckle.

She reached her hands and grasped his face surely. He opened his eyes to look straight into hers, swallowing roughly & holding back tears.

"Jackson, she needs you to be strong. You're her strength, you can't lose hope here. Okay?", she held his gaze, caressing his face softly & he nodded.

"She's a fighter, she's not giving up so easily.", she added.

"Hell no, she isn't. I won't let her.", he whispered back & April smiled.

She moved her hands away from his face & wrapped them around his neck, pulling him into a much needed hug. His arms wrapped around her as he buried his face in her neck & held her tight, lightly lifting her off her feet & held her there.

Jackson finally set her down & she pulled back but kept her hands on him, pulling his face down & kissing him softly on his forehead. Then, April rested her forehead against his, not caring if Harriet saw them. That was the least of her worries now.

"April, I can't..", he started softly.

"You wont.", she cut him off, surely.

He stepped away slightly, smiling & taking her hand in his.

"Can you… Will you come?", he looked at her. His eyes flooding with uncertainty. "To Seattle? I just.. I need you to co-"

"Of course I'll come.", she interrupted him, like it was the most obvious thing. To April, it was. It was one thing to go for the sake of the program but for Catherine? Nothing would stop her. "She's family. She's Harriet's grandma. No way I'm not going."

Jackson felt a relief & warmth radiating through him. With April by his side, he felt like he could face anything. He squeezed her hand softly, trying to convey how much this meant to him.

"And anyway…", she continued, "One hug from Harriet & that cancer isn't standing a chance."

Miracles. Jackson never believed in them. He was a man of medicine, raised in a family that put logic & science above all else. So no, miracles weren't for him - everything that happened, there was a reason behind it. Maybe outlandish but there was. He was firm in that belief.

That was until he fell in love. With a woman that defied everything he had grown up believing. Who made him want to marry her in a field with butterflies without even so much as a single date. Who made him want to stand up and interrupt a wedding in a cliche, romcom, 'very unbecoming of an Avery' move. Who made him want to pray to a God he didn't believe in (multiple times) just because she believed. Who made him believe that statistics be damned, everyone did, in fact, get a single soulmate. That sometimes, something bigger is at play that you don't see nor can comprehend.

Jackson had never believed in miracles. But as he stood looking over at his daughter playing with the aforementioned woman. The woman he loved, who broke him, who put him back together, who came back to him, who somehow loved him back. Maybe it was proof that miracles did exist, after all.

April looked over to see him looking in their direction & gave him a big smile, her sole dimple on display.

Nothing short of miraculous.

Fin.

Firstly, thank you for following along this story. I had never thought I'd come back to Japril ff again but endgames make you do strange things, I guess. So your support considering how long it had been, really meant alot & was the reason I stuck with it (I'm easily distracted that way). I loved reading every review & PMs (good or bad) and I love that this story resonated & made sense to so many of you. So thank you, again!

Now, I'm someone who's pretty against a spinoff. I dont think it'll happen anyway but even if it does, I dont think it's something that'd be good for us (I'll still watch though). I do hope we get a JTM-esque ep to fill in the gaps but at this point, I hope that they just let them be. Literally, Krista can add 1 canon dialog & ruin the endgame so I'm all for quitting while we're ahead.

Off that last point, Jackson, Harriet & Tom (?!) are all going to be back in 1905 but April isnt. That probably means nothing - she could just be traveling. And I dont want April back as a background character for 1-2 scenes but I've been traumatised by Krista enough that I wanted to finish this story before that episode aired IN CASE she fucks something up.

I had also loved that the last scene for both Jackson & April was together & wished that'd last but ah well.

Rant over. Thanks for joining me for the ride. I've loved writing this! :)