A Holiday Surprise Part two
"Ok sweet girl you're all better now," Syd cooed. They'd stopped the seizure and it'd been about an hour since the seizure had occurred and Elizabeth hadn't experienced another one, which was a good sign. Syd looked down at the baby in her arms. She had a hold of Syd's pinky
"Are you and Owen considering adoption?" the nurse asked.
"We've talked about it," Syd said.
"She's doing great, she'll be ready to go home in about a week."
Syd smiled. "Just in time for Easter." Then Syd looked up and saw Owen standing in the window. She motioned for him to enter.
"I figured you'd be up here," Owen said coming into the room. He kissed Syd on the cheek. "How's she doing?"
"Well she suffered a seizure but she's doing better," Syd said. She looked her husband in the eye. "Do you want to hold her?"
Owen looked skeptical but finally he said, "Sure."
Syd stood up and Owen sat down in the chair. Syd handed him the baby.
"She's so little," Owen said. He looked at Syd. "Syd you must know I don't have much experience with a baby."
Syd laughed. "Not many first time parents do Owen...mot of the time they're winging it."
"That makes me feel better," Owen said. Then Elizabeth started to cry. "Uh oh guess I didn't make a very good first impression."
Syd took the baby from her husband and cradled her, rocking back and fourth. "Shh its ok sweet girl."
Owen looked at his wife as she calmed the baby down. He didn't know when he'd seen her so happy. "Syd I think we should do it."
Syd looked up at him, while the baby held onto her pinky. "You mean....." Syd raised her eyebrows.
Owen nodded. "I think you would make an incredible mom and this baby obviously responds to you."
Syd smiled, her smile growing larger at each passing second. She kissed her husband passionately on the lips. "You don't know how much it means to hear you say that."
Owen kissed Syd on the cheek and then bent down to kiss the baby's forehead. "So its official we're really this child's parents?"
"It will be official," Syd answered. She looked down at her daughter. "Hello little one, I'm your mommy."
A few minutes later after saying goodbye to Elizabeth Syd and Owen went back down to the ER and went into the lounge. Susan was there, sitting on the couch.
"There you are," Susan said. "I need to rule out an appy." Susan stared at Syd and Owen. "You two look totally blessed out, is there something going on?"
Syd looked at Owen, her smile growing larger. "Actually...."
"Oh my god you're pregnant," Susan blurted out.
Syd laughed. "No, but there is going to be a new addition to the family. Owen and I are adopting Elizabeth, the baby girl I've been visiting."
"Syd that's great!" Susan said, excited. "When did you decide this?"
"We've been talking about it for a while," Owen replied.
"We just need to start the process," Syd explained. She smiled. "But other than that Elizabeth is ours."
Three weeks later everything was set and Elizabeth was now officially Elizabeth Frank.
"Owen could you please hand me her bottle," Syd asked. She was sitting on the couch getting ready to feed Elizabeth, who was not happy.
"Sure," Owen said. He went into the kitchen and got the bottle. "I can't believe you didn't tell your family."
"Owen we leave tomorrow for Providence," Syd said, taking the bottle from her husband. "Here you go sweetie." Syd looked at her husband. "Besides I was planning on surprising them."
"Boy are they going to be in for a shock," Owen said.
"I did tell Tina," Syd said. "I called her two days ago and she said we could crash at her place when we arrive. She promised me she wouldn't tell." Syd looked down at her new daughter.
Then the phone rang, causing a whimper from Elizabeth.
"I'll get it," Owen said. He stood up and went over to the phone. "Owen Frank."
"Owen, its Joanie," came Joanie's voice from the other end. "Is Syd there? I called the hospital and they said she'd taken the day off."
"She's here," Owen said. "Hold on." Owen put the phone down and went over to Syd. "Its Joanie."
"Here feed her," Syd said. She carefully placed the baby into her husband's arms and gave him the bottle. "She needs burping in a few minutes."
"I got it Syd," Owen said. "Go talk to your sister."
Syd stood up and went over to the phone. "Hey, Joanie."
"Hey Syd," Joanie said. "Getting ready for tomorrow?"
"Yes," Syd said. She looked at her husband who was sitting on the couch feeding Elizabeth. "Its been crazy here lately."
"I figured. I wondered what happened to those every day three hour long conversations," Joanie said. "Dad is really excited about you coming home and you have been the topic of Hannah's vocabulary for the past week."
Syd laughed slightly. "I feel so loved."
"What time is your flight tomorrow?"
"We leave here around noon and we should arrive in Providence two and be at Tina's by three or so."
"Are you coming by the house?" Joanie asked.
"Yes, after we drop of our stuff at Tina's. I didn't want to impose on dad," Syd said.
"Why? Its just you and Owen."
"Not anymore," Syd whispered looking over at Owen and Elizabeth.
"What did you say?" Joanie asked.
"Nothing," Syd answered quickly. She motioned for Owen to put Elizabeth in her cradle. "Look Joanie I have to go I'll see you tomorrow."
"Okay," Joanie said. "I love you."
"Love you too," Syd said and quickly hung up. She walked over to the couch and took her daughter into her arms. "I'll put her down." Syd put her down in the cradle and covered her with a blanket. "You're my angel, yes you are."
Owen came up behind her. "And you're mine." He kissed her passionately.
"Honey we need to pack," Syd told him sternly. She kissed him again. "I love you."
"Mmm right back at you darling."
Then there was a knock at the door. Syd looked at Owen. "Who could that be?"
Owen shrugged. "Maybe its social services with the adoption papers."
"I wish," Syd muttered. She went to the door and opened it. There stood Susan. "Susan! Hi! What a pleasant surprise."
"I tried calling but the line was busy," Susan said, stepping into the apartment. "Nice place."
"Thanks," Syd said, keeping her voice down. "We just put little one down for a nap."
"How is she doing?" Susan asked, lowering her voice.
"Great! I actually got five hours of sleep last night," Syd answered. "Would you like some coffee?"
"No, thanks," Susan replied.
Then they heard crying.
"I got her," Owen said. He went over to the cradle and picked up his daughter. Susan came over to him.
"She's getting so big," Susan said.
"Would you like to hold her?" Syd asked. She rubbed her daughter's forehead. "Hey sweet girl you not sleeping?"
"I'd love to," Susan said. She took the baby from Owen. "Syd she looks just like you."
"Shocking," Syd said laughing. "Considering I didn't give birth to her."
"You're still her mother," Susan said. She sat down on the couch with Elizabeth. "So, when do you leave for Providence?"
"Tomorrow," Syd answered. "I forgot to tell Kerry what day I'd be leaving."
"I'll tell her," Susan promised. Then Elizabeth started crying. "Whops I think someone wants her mommy."
Syd took Elizabeth from Susan. "Come here sweet girl."
Susan smiled. "You're going to make a great mom."
Syd smiled. "Thanks." She cradled Elizabeth in her arms.
Susan stood up. "Well I'll let you get back to your motherly duties."
Syd laughed. "Thank you for stopping by."
"Not a problem," Susan said and walked out the door.
The next day Syd stood in front of the B&B trying to decide if she should go in or not. She knew Elizabeth was getting hungry. They'd arrived in Providence half an hour before and had taken a cab to the B&B.
"Tina doesn't bite," Owen said coming up behind her lugging two suitcases.
"She's the only one that knows about our daughter," Syd said, walking up the front steps. Syd rang the doorbell and a few seconds Tina appeared at the door.
"Oh my gosh she's adorable!" Tina cooed. She held the door open for them. "Come on in."
Syd and Owen walked into the B&B and Tina closed the door behind them. She led them into the living roomand Syd sat down on the couch with Elizabeth in her arms.
"So you finally talked Owen into adopting," Tina said sitting in an arm chair across from Syd.
Syd nodded. "Do you want to hold her?"
"Sure."
Syd placed Elizabeth into Tina's arms.
"She looks just like you," Tina commented.
"Everyone has told me that. I didn't even give birth to her," Syd said with a laugh.
"So the mother was on crack?"
Syd nodded. "Yes. Elizabeth was a crack baby."
"That's so sad," Tina whispered, a sad expression on her face.
Syd nodded.
Then the doorbell rang.
"I'll take her," Syd said and took Elizabeth from Syd.
"I'll get the door," Robbie said as he ran down the stairs. He opened the door to find Joanie and Jim standing on the porch. "Hi, dad, hi sis."
"Where's Syd?" Joanie asked pushing her way past her brother.
"Nice to see you too," Robbie said and closed the door. He went into the living room where Syd was sitting with the baby.
"Shh," Syd cooed as she tried to calm Elizabeth down.
"Ok either you picked her up at Babies R Us or you had a very fast pregnancy," Joanie remarked.
Syd looked up, laughing. "Hi, Joanie. She is your surprise."
Joanie came over and sat down by her sister. "Ok missy, please explain."
"Well..." Syd told Joanie how the mother had come into the ER from a stab wound and had died leaving the baby without a family.
"Wow," Jim said. "Looks like Hannah, has a new cousin to play with."
Syd laughed. "Not for a few years yet."
"Can I hold her Aunt Syd?" Hannah asked. She came over and sat down on the couch beside her Aunt.
"Sure, just be really careful," Syd told her niece. She put a pillow under Hannah's arm and gently placed her new daughter into her nieces lap. "I think she likes you Hannah."
Hannah smiled. She looked at Syd. "I like her too. What's her name?"
"Elizabeth."
"I like that name," Hannah said and giggled.
Then Elizabeth started crying.
"I'll take her," Jim said. He lifted the baby into his arms. "Come to grandpa." Jim looked at his daughters. "I'm sure you two have a lot of catching up to do. I can watch her for an hour or so."
"Thanks, Dad," Syd said and got to her feet. She looked at her sister. "Come on Joanie I want to hear about your amazing love life?"
"What love life?" Joanie mumbled as she followed her sister into the sunroom. "So, why didn't you tell me about Elizabeth?"
Syd sat down in one of the overstuffed chairs. "I wanted to surprise you."
"Well you certainly did. Syd you are going to be an incredible mom."
Syd smiled. "Thanks, Joanie."
Later that night the whole family gathered at the Hansen home for a big feast. It was the first time the family had been in the same room since Syd and Owen had moved to Chicago.
"So how's life in Chicago?" Joanie asked Owen and Syd.
"It's great!" Syd said. She knew she was lying to her family but she didn't want to hurt Owen's feelings. Syd missed Providence. She'd been homesick ever since they'd moved into the apartment and even being at County with Carter and everyone didn't help much.
"Job's great," Owen said as he took a bite of his roast. "Joanie this roast is incredible."
"Thanks," Joanie said, smiling.
Then they heard Elizabeth crying from the living room.
"I'll get her," Syd said and stood up. She walked into the living room to get her daughter.
While Syd was in the living room Owen leaned forward. "There's something I have to tell you that I haven't told Syd yet."
"Oooh a secret," Joanie said excitedly.
"I just found out that my job transferred me back here," Owen whispered.
It took everyone's strength not to get up and scream as to not spoil the surprise for Syd.
"Sorry," Syd said coming back into the room carrying Elizabeth in her car seat. She sat Elizabeth down beside her on the floor. "So, what did I miss?"
Everyone exchanged looks.
"What?" Syd asked looking around the table at her family. "Will someone please tell me what's going on?" she demanded.
"Well sis looks like we'll be seeing a lot more of you from now on," Joanie said, grinning from ear to ear.
Syd looked at Owen. "What's going on? Did you get transferred?"
Owen nodded.
Syd breaks into a big smile.
"I get to see my new granddaughter more often," Jim said happily. He held up his glass. "I propose a toast to Syd and Owen, for moving back."
"Hear, hear," everyone chanted.
Later that night Syd and Owen were in the guesthouse (they had decided to stay at the Hansen's after Joanie begged for about an hour claiming she needed to bond with her sister) lying in bed. It was almost midnight but nether of them could sleep.
"Owen are you sure about this/" Syd asked turning to face her husband.
"I am definitely sure," Owen said. He planted a kiss on Syd's nose. "And besides I know you've been homesick I can see it in your eyes."
Syd sighed. "You caught me. How come you know me to well?"
"Because I'm your husband," Owen replied with a wink. He glanced over to where Elizabeth was sleeping in her crib. "I think it would be nice to have our daughter close to her family."
Syd smiled. "Yeah. Well that means I get to start work at the ER again."
"Why work at the ER when you can re-open the clinic? I mean if we stay here and live in the guesthouse we can save up enough money to buy us a house of our own and that way Elizabeth will get to know her grandpa and aunt and cousin."
"Owen," Syd began, "There isn't enough money to re-build St. Claires."
"Who says you have to re-build? Why can't you just find a different location?"
"Because it wouldn't be St. Claires if it wasn't at the spot. That's where Helen first started the clinic and that's where its going to stay," Syd said forcefully. She sighed. "I'll think of something."
Then Elizabeth started crying.
'Well you better think of it quick because Elizabeth is not going to wait," Owen said.
Syd sighed and got up. She looked back at her husband. "No one ever told me motherhood was going to be so tough."
TBC.
A.N hey guys sorry I haven't updated in a while. I need some ideas. Here are a few I had and we'll vote to see which one you guys like best.
1. A mysterious person gives Syd the money to re-build St. Claires. Burt comes back to Joanie. Pete teaches Hannah how to ride a horse which ends up in disaster.
2. Syd goes to work back at the ER with mixed feelings. Joanie starts receiving threatening messages on her answering machine at the Barkery. Pete gets caught cheating on a math test.
Ok please vote on these choices in a review. Next chapter will be up as soon as I get enough votes.
"Ok sweet girl you're all better now," Syd cooed. They'd stopped the seizure and it'd been about an hour since the seizure had occurred and Elizabeth hadn't experienced another one, which was a good sign. Syd looked down at the baby in her arms. She had a hold of Syd's pinky
"Are you and Owen considering adoption?" the nurse asked.
"We've talked about it," Syd said.
"She's doing great, she'll be ready to go home in about a week."
Syd smiled. "Just in time for Easter." Then Syd looked up and saw Owen standing in the window. She motioned for him to enter.
"I figured you'd be up here," Owen said coming into the room. He kissed Syd on the cheek. "How's she doing?"
"Well she suffered a seizure but she's doing better," Syd said. She looked her husband in the eye. "Do you want to hold her?"
Owen looked skeptical but finally he said, "Sure."
Syd stood up and Owen sat down in the chair. Syd handed him the baby.
"She's so little," Owen said. He looked at Syd. "Syd you must know I don't have much experience with a baby."
Syd laughed. "Not many first time parents do Owen...mot of the time they're winging it."
"That makes me feel better," Owen said. Then Elizabeth started to cry. "Uh oh guess I didn't make a very good first impression."
Syd took the baby from her husband and cradled her, rocking back and fourth. "Shh its ok sweet girl."
Owen looked at his wife as she calmed the baby down. He didn't know when he'd seen her so happy. "Syd I think we should do it."
Syd looked up at him, while the baby held onto her pinky. "You mean....." Syd raised her eyebrows.
Owen nodded. "I think you would make an incredible mom and this baby obviously responds to you."
Syd smiled, her smile growing larger at each passing second. She kissed her husband passionately on the lips. "You don't know how much it means to hear you say that."
Owen kissed Syd on the cheek and then bent down to kiss the baby's forehead. "So its official we're really this child's parents?"
"It will be official," Syd answered. She looked down at her daughter. "Hello little one, I'm your mommy."
A few minutes later after saying goodbye to Elizabeth Syd and Owen went back down to the ER and went into the lounge. Susan was there, sitting on the couch.
"There you are," Susan said. "I need to rule out an appy." Susan stared at Syd and Owen. "You two look totally blessed out, is there something going on?"
Syd looked at Owen, her smile growing larger. "Actually...."
"Oh my god you're pregnant," Susan blurted out.
Syd laughed. "No, but there is going to be a new addition to the family. Owen and I are adopting Elizabeth, the baby girl I've been visiting."
"Syd that's great!" Susan said, excited. "When did you decide this?"
"We've been talking about it for a while," Owen replied.
"We just need to start the process," Syd explained. She smiled. "But other than that Elizabeth is ours."
Three weeks later everything was set and Elizabeth was now officially Elizabeth Frank.
"Owen could you please hand me her bottle," Syd asked. She was sitting on the couch getting ready to feed Elizabeth, who was not happy.
"Sure," Owen said. He went into the kitchen and got the bottle. "I can't believe you didn't tell your family."
"Owen we leave tomorrow for Providence," Syd said, taking the bottle from her husband. "Here you go sweetie." Syd looked at her husband. "Besides I was planning on surprising them."
"Boy are they going to be in for a shock," Owen said.
"I did tell Tina," Syd said. "I called her two days ago and she said we could crash at her place when we arrive. She promised me she wouldn't tell." Syd looked down at her new daughter.
Then the phone rang, causing a whimper from Elizabeth.
"I'll get it," Owen said. He stood up and went over to the phone. "Owen Frank."
"Owen, its Joanie," came Joanie's voice from the other end. "Is Syd there? I called the hospital and they said she'd taken the day off."
"She's here," Owen said. "Hold on." Owen put the phone down and went over to Syd. "Its Joanie."
"Here feed her," Syd said. She carefully placed the baby into her husband's arms and gave him the bottle. "She needs burping in a few minutes."
"I got it Syd," Owen said. "Go talk to your sister."
Syd stood up and went over to the phone. "Hey, Joanie."
"Hey Syd," Joanie said. "Getting ready for tomorrow?"
"Yes," Syd said. She looked at her husband who was sitting on the couch feeding Elizabeth. "Its been crazy here lately."
"I figured. I wondered what happened to those every day three hour long conversations," Joanie said. "Dad is really excited about you coming home and you have been the topic of Hannah's vocabulary for the past week."
Syd laughed slightly. "I feel so loved."
"What time is your flight tomorrow?"
"We leave here around noon and we should arrive in Providence two and be at Tina's by three or so."
"Are you coming by the house?" Joanie asked.
"Yes, after we drop of our stuff at Tina's. I didn't want to impose on dad," Syd said.
"Why? Its just you and Owen."
"Not anymore," Syd whispered looking over at Owen and Elizabeth.
"What did you say?" Joanie asked.
"Nothing," Syd answered quickly. She motioned for Owen to put Elizabeth in her cradle. "Look Joanie I have to go I'll see you tomorrow."
"Okay," Joanie said. "I love you."
"Love you too," Syd said and quickly hung up. She walked over to the couch and took her daughter into her arms. "I'll put her down." Syd put her down in the cradle and covered her with a blanket. "You're my angel, yes you are."
Owen came up behind her. "And you're mine." He kissed her passionately.
"Honey we need to pack," Syd told him sternly. She kissed him again. "I love you."
"Mmm right back at you darling."
Then there was a knock at the door. Syd looked at Owen. "Who could that be?"
Owen shrugged. "Maybe its social services with the adoption papers."
"I wish," Syd muttered. She went to the door and opened it. There stood Susan. "Susan! Hi! What a pleasant surprise."
"I tried calling but the line was busy," Susan said, stepping into the apartment. "Nice place."
"Thanks," Syd said, keeping her voice down. "We just put little one down for a nap."
"How is she doing?" Susan asked, lowering her voice.
"Great! I actually got five hours of sleep last night," Syd answered. "Would you like some coffee?"
"No, thanks," Susan replied.
Then they heard crying.
"I got her," Owen said. He went over to the cradle and picked up his daughter. Susan came over to him.
"She's getting so big," Susan said.
"Would you like to hold her?" Syd asked. She rubbed her daughter's forehead. "Hey sweet girl you not sleeping?"
"I'd love to," Susan said. She took the baby from Owen. "Syd she looks just like you."
"Shocking," Syd said laughing. "Considering I didn't give birth to her."
"You're still her mother," Susan said. She sat down on the couch with Elizabeth. "So, when do you leave for Providence?"
"Tomorrow," Syd answered. "I forgot to tell Kerry what day I'd be leaving."
"I'll tell her," Susan promised. Then Elizabeth started crying. "Whops I think someone wants her mommy."
Syd took Elizabeth from Susan. "Come here sweet girl."
Susan smiled. "You're going to make a great mom."
Syd smiled. "Thanks." She cradled Elizabeth in her arms.
Susan stood up. "Well I'll let you get back to your motherly duties."
Syd laughed. "Thank you for stopping by."
"Not a problem," Susan said and walked out the door.
The next day Syd stood in front of the B&B trying to decide if she should go in or not. She knew Elizabeth was getting hungry. They'd arrived in Providence half an hour before and had taken a cab to the B&B.
"Tina doesn't bite," Owen said coming up behind her lugging two suitcases.
"She's the only one that knows about our daughter," Syd said, walking up the front steps. Syd rang the doorbell and a few seconds Tina appeared at the door.
"Oh my gosh she's adorable!" Tina cooed. She held the door open for them. "Come on in."
Syd and Owen walked into the B&B and Tina closed the door behind them. She led them into the living roomand Syd sat down on the couch with Elizabeth in her arms.
"So you finally talked Owen into adopting," Tina said sitting in an arm chair across from Syd.
Syd nodded. "Do you want to hold her?"
"Sure."
Syd placed Elizabeth into Tina's arms.
"She looks just like you," Tina commented.
"Everyone has told me that. I didn't even give birth to her," Syd said with a laugh.
"So the mother was on crack?"
Syd nodded. "Yes. Elizabeth was a crack baby."
"That's so sad," Tina whispered, a sad expression on her face.
Syd nodded.
Then the doorbell rang.
"I'll take her," Syd said and took Elizabeth from Syd.
"I'll get the door," Robbie said as he ran down the stairs. He opened the door to find Joanie and Jim standing on the porch. "Hi, dad, hi sis."
"Where's Syd?" Joanie asked pushing her way past her brother.
"Nice to see you too," Robbie said and closed the door. He went into the living room where Syd was sitting with the baby.
"Shh," Syd cooed as she tried to calm Elizabeth down.
"Ok either you picked her up at Babies R Us or you had a very fast pregnancy," Joanie remarked.
Syd looked up, laughing. "Hi, Joanie. She is your surprise."
Joanie came over and sat down by her sister. "Ok missy, please explain."
"Well..." Syd told Joanie how the mother had come into the ER from a stab wound and had died leaving the baby without a family.
"Wow," Jim said. "Looks like Hannah, has a new cousin to play with."
Syd laughed. "Not for a few years yet."
"Can I hold her Aunt Syd?" Hannah asked. She came over and sat down on the couch beside her Aunt.
"Sure, just be really careful," Syd told her niece. She put a pillow under Hannah's arm and gently placed her new daughter into her nieces lap. "I think she likes you Hannah."
Hannah smiled. She looked at Syd. "I like her too. What's her name?"
"Elizabeth."
"I like that name," Hannah said and giggled.
Then Elizabeth started crying.
"I'll take her," Jim said. He lifted the baby into his arms. "Come to grandpa." Jim looked at his daughters. "I'm sure you two have a lot of catching up to do. I can watch her for an hour or so."
"Thanks, Dad," Syd said and got to her feet. She looked at her sister. "Come on Joanie I want to hear about your amazing love life?"
"What love life?" Joanie mumbled as she followed her sister into the sunroom. "So, why didn't you tell me about Elizabeth?"
Syd sat down in one of the overstuffed chairs. "I wanted to surprise you."
"Well you certainly did. Syd you are going to be an incredible mom."
Syd smiled. "Thanks, Joanie."
Later that night the whole family gathered at the Hansen home for a big feast. It was the first time the family had been in the same room since Syd and Owen had moved to Chicago.
"So how's life in Chicago?" Joanie asked Owen and Syd.
"It's great!" Syd said. She knew she was lying to her family but she didn't want to hurt Owen's feelings. Syd missed Providence. She'd been homesick ever since they'd moved into the apartment and even being at County with Carter and everyone didn't help much.
"Job's great," Owen said as he took a bite of his roast. "Joanie this roast is incredible."
"Thanks," Joanie said, smiling.
Then they heard Elizabeth crying from the living room.
"I'll get her," Syd said and stood up. She walked into the living room to get her daughter.
While Syd was in the living room Owen leaned forward. "There's something I have to tell you that I haven't told Syd yet."
"Oooh a secret," Joanie said excitedly.
"I just found out that my job transferred me back here," Owen whispered.
It took everyone's strength not to get up and scream as to not spoil the surprise for Syd.
"Sorry," Syd said coming back into the room carrying Elizabeth in her car seat. She sat Elizabeth down beside her on the floor. "So, what did I miss?"
Everyone exchanged looks.
"What?" Syd asked looking around the table at her family. "Will someone please tell me what's going on?" she demanded.
"Well sis looks like we'll be seeing a lot more of you from now on," Joanie said, grinning from ear to ear.
Syd looked at Owen. "What's going on? Did you get transferred?"
Owen nodded.
Syd breaks into a big smile.
"I get to see my new granddaughter more often," Jim said happily. He held up his glass. "I propose a toast to Syd and Owen, for moving back."
"Hear, hear," everyone chanted.
Later that night Syd and Owen were in the guesthouse (they had decided to stay at the Hansen's after Joanie begged for about an hour claiming she needed to bond with her sister) lying in bed. It was almost midnight but nether of them could sleep.
"Owen are you sure about this/" Syd asked turning to face her husband.
"I am definitely sure," Owen said. He planted a kiss on Syd's nose. "And besides I know you've been homesick I can see it in your eyes."
Syd sighed. "You caught me. How come you know me to well?"
"Because I'm your husband," Owen replied with a wink. He glanced over to where Elizabeth was sleeping in her crib. "I think it would be nice to have our daughter close to her family."
Syd smiled. "Yeah. Well that means I get to start work at the ER again."
"Why work at the ER when you can re-open the clinic? I mean if we stay here and live in the guesthouse we can save up enough money to buy us a house of our own and that way Elizabeth will get to know her grandpa and aunt and cousin."
"Owen," Syd began, "There isn't enough money to re-build St. Claires."
"Who says you have to re-build? Why can't you just find a different location?"
"Because it wouldn't be St. Claires if it wasn't at the spot. That's where Helen first started the clinic and that's where its going to stay," Syd said forcefully. She sighed. "I'll think of something."
Then Elizabeth started crying.
'Well you better think of it quick because Elizabeth is not going to wait," Owen said.
Syd sighed and got up. She looked back at her husband. "No one ever told me motherhood was going to be so tough."
TBC.
A.N hey guys sorry I haven't updated in a while. I need some ideas. Here are a few I had and we'll vote to see which one you guys like best.
1. A mysterious person gives Syd the money to re-build St. Claires. Burt comes back to Joanie. Pete teaches Hannah how to ride a horse which ends up in disaster.
2. Syd goes to work back at the ER with mixed feelings. Joanie starts receiving threatening messages on her answering machine at the Barkery. Pete gets caught cheating on a math test.
Ok please vote on these choices in a review. Next chapter will be up as soon as I get enough votes.
