Chapter Twenty-Three- The Addition

Simon walked home slowly, savoring the wonderful feeling that swept over his body. She still loved him, even after he had left her alone. And he still loved her, more now than ever. He walked in, closing the door softly. The whole family was in the living room watching a movie and he went and sat down. Everyone stared at him, until Ruthie spoke up.

"Did you talk to her?"

"Yes, I talked to her. We are still together, and we will be for as long as I can keep her with me." Eric and Annie shared a worried look, and were glad when no one else noticed.

"The rest of us are skipping school tomorrow to go to the hospital, are you coming?" Lucy said, glad to see her brother so happy again.

"I promised her I would, and I'm not about to break that promise." He smiled and they all turned to watch the movie again.

That night as everyone retired to their rooms Eric walked into the one he shared with Annie, closing the door.

"We don't have a choice; we can't let her go." Annie said, looking at him.

"I know, but we need to find out what the kids think before we talk to Jen about it."

"Let's wait until after the surgery tomorrow to tell them." She said, smiling.

"What a perfect idea." He smiled as well.

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The next morning everyone filtered downstairs for breakfast. Afterwards the whole clan filed into one car or the other and drove to the hospital. Eric and Annie went in to see Jen before the surgery, and then it was Lucy's turn. Jen smiled as her best friend walked in.

"So, I hear that the romance is alive and well again." Lucy said, barley able to contain the smile that spread across her face.

"Yes it is, and I probably need to thank you for that."

"All he needed was a little push. What are big sisters for?" Lucy smiled, then began to look worried; Jen picked up on it quickly.

"Don't worry about me Luce, it's just my leg. I'm not going to die."

"It's so hard not to worry." She said, looking into her friend's eyes.

"Worrying won't make me better. Praying will do the trick though." Jen smiled, then added, "You better send Simon in before he wears a whole in the floor." They could both see him pacing outside Jen's room.

"Your right, I'll see you after the surgery." Lucy said, squeezing her friend's hand before she left, sending Simon in.

"Hey beautiful." He said, smiling as he took her hand.

"Don't flatter me in my bruised state." Jen laughed.

"You'll be beautiful to me no matter what. How are you feeling this morning?" His eyes showed how much he cared for her.

"Better than I have in a long while, thanks to you." She didn't take her eyes off of his, and she couldn't mistake the worry in them.

"Simon I'm going to be all right, don't get yourself all worked up today. Promise me."

"I will try my best, but I love you too much not to be worried." She smiled and he leaned in, kissing her gently. The door opened and a nurse walked in.

"Uh hmmm. Jennifer its time for me to take you up." The two pulled away from each other, slightly embarrassed but smiling.

"I love you Jennifer."

"I love you too Simon."

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The doctor told the Camdens the surgery would take three hours. They were the longest three hours for Simon, Lucy and the rest of the family. When the doctor walked out everyone stared as he began to speak.

"The surgery went well. We set her leg and it should heal perfectly, although it will take some time. She's in recovery, and she's asking for Simon." He smiled, the nurse having told him about the incident earlier. The Camdens all breathed a sigh of relief, and smiled as Simon followed the doctor. He went to her, taking her hand.

"Simon, Simon is that you?"

"Shhh, yes it's me."

"It hurts Simon, make it stop." She cried softly.

"I wish I could darling, but I can't. I'll get the doctor."

"No, don't leave me." He would never leave her again.

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They left the hospital at 8 that night, after Jennifer fell asleep. She had been in pain after the surgery, but now was resting comfortably. Everyone was quiet on the way home, exhausted from the day. When they finally walked inside everyone headed for the stairs, ready for bed early. Eric spoke up.

"Kids, before you go to bed Annie and I have something to talk with you about in the living room." Reluctantly they walked back downstairs and sat down in the living room.

"Can you make it fast Dad, all of us are beat." Matt said, looking at him.

"Trust me, you want to be awake for this." He answered. "The day after Jennifer came back to us Sgt. Michaels had a meeting with your mom and I. Once Jennifer is well enough to leave the hospital she will be going to a home for girls in Kyleton." He stopped, looking at their reaction.

"Kyleton, man that's so far away!"

"Isn't there somewhere closer?"

"Aren't you going to do something Dad?" Simon said, looking at him.

"Actually Simon, your mom and I came up with an idea, but we need to see what you guys think." He smiled and let Annie continue.

"We want to let Jennifer stay here with us. Your father and I are sure that there would not be any objections, considering he is a minister. We have room for her in Lucy and Ruthie's room, and your father and I know that financially we can handle it." She finished, looking from one child to the next. Her gaze landed on Simon as she added, "The floors open for comments."

"What about us?" Simon said, looking at both of his parents. They all knew what he meant. How could they possibly still have a romantic relationship if his parents were going to become hers?

"Well Simon, we thought of that. We aren't going to adopt Jennifer, just become her foster parents. As long as you two behave, we don't see any problem with you continuing your relationship." Eric said, smiling. No one else said anything.

"I guess there are no objections? Ruthie, Lucy, you don't mind sharing your room?" Annie asked.

"No, I don't mind. I've lived with Lucy for the past few months, things can't get worse." Ruthie said, smiling. Lucy threw a pillow at her.

"Hey! I take offense to that!" Everyone laughed.

"So then it's settled. Now all we have to do is ask Jennifer if she would like to stay. We'll wait until tomorrow morning. Lucy, we thought you should ask her." Annie said, looking at her daughter.

"Why...me? I mean you could have Simon do it. Why did you pick me?" Her faced was flushed.

"She already thinks of you as a sister, and I would mean a lot to her if you asked." Eric answered, and Simon nodded.

"All right, I'll ask her. This is so exciting! Yet another Camden addition." Lucy said, looking at Robbie.

"As long as they don't decide to replace me I'm good." Robbie said laughing and the others joined him.

"Go to bed! All of you!" Annie said, laughing as her children went up the steps.

"We're doing the right thing. She's going to be happy here." Eric said, holding Annie's hand as they walked upstairs to bed.

************************************************************************* I'm sure you guys saw that coming. You had to, its 7th Heaven for pete's sake!!! I thought this chapter was a little under par for my usual, what do you guys think? I hope it didn't really suck! Review and let me know. 2 more chapters and then I'm done. Thank you!!!