It had taken them a little time to adjust, but everyone, including Sky, his father, and brothers, had accepted the fact that Jack had returned and that he and Ani had reconciled. Truth be told, they were all ecstatic that Ani was finally able to enjoy her life again. While things were still a bit strained between them, Jack and Ani were getting through it as best they could.

Jack was introduced to Z and Bridge's children, Danny and Lina, as well as Sky and Syd's daughter Mia. Z and Sydney had both lectured him greatly on missing the birth of their children, and Jack did feel bad about it. The girls guaranteed him however that they would be there for his child.

Everything was right on track as far as the impending birth of his child went. He and Ani had settled into a house nearby the academy and in the same neighborhood as Sky and Sydney. Ani was in the end stages of her pregnancy and Jack had managed to get the building permits and regulations for his shelter.

Eric and Taylor had been wonderful through the entire thing, helping them out with whatever they needed. Jack's new endeavor kept him up late at night working, and Ani had spent a great deal of time with her parents while waiting for the baby to arrive.

They didn't have to wait too long before Ani was in the hospital with Jack by her side.

Ani had been in labor for nearly eight hours, and Jack knew that she was going mad with the wait.

"I want this baby out!" she said laughing. Jack kissed her forehead.

"I know you do… I do too," he replied as another contraction came over her. They were at Silver Hills Memorial, as Ani had gone into labor at her parents' house, and were waiting for the doctor to come back so they could have their child at last.

Ani felt the need to push and Jack called for the doctor again.

"I'm here," the doctor said as he entered with a nurse in tow.

Ani's eyes instantly opened and she closed her legs as best she could. "Collin! You are so not doing this!" she cried to her younger brother.

Collin Meyers grinned at his big sister. "Sorry sis, but I'm all you got. Dr. Coburn was just called in to an emergency," he said.

"No way are you looking down there!" Ani protested.

Jack grinned as the nurse went over to check Ani's vitals. "Collin's already delivered three babies today," she said.

Ani groaned at Melanie Evans. "I don't care Mel! I'm not having my little brother deliver my baby! It's just gross!"

Another contraction hit her and Jack held her hand. "Come on Ani," he said. "It's either him or me." Ani felt him kiss her forehead and tears began streaming down her face.

"Ani," Collin said gently. "You're ready to deliver, but I need you to work with me here."

Ani looked to Jack and he kissed her lips gently. She turned to Collin and Melanie at the end of her bed. "If you drop my baby the way you dropped my turtle," Ani threatened.

Jack and Melanie both stifled a laugh as Ani pushed…

Nearly half an hour later, Ani was holding a beautiful baby boy in her arms with Jack seated next to her. Jack kissed his son's forehead as Taylor and Eric walked in to see their new grandson.

The child looked nearly identical to Jack, with the exception of his skin being a bit lighter.

Eric took him into his arms and smiled at the infant. "What did you decide for the name?" he inquired.

"Well, we were thinking about it… and we decided to name him after you," Jack said.

Eric grinned. "Really?"

Ani nodded. "Eric Jackson Landors," she said proudly. Eric just stared at the child in his arms and grinned at his namesake. He couldn't have been more proud of his daughter and son in law. They had proved Ani's theory wrong and managed to bring a perfectly healthy little boy into the world.

"Is it ok to come in?" Lucas asked as he and Collin entered. Ani smiled at her little brothers as they each took their turn in holding their nephew.

Collin took little Eric into his arms and grinned. "I told you I wouldn't drop him," he said to Ani, who just stuck her tongue out at him. "You're perfectly fine little one."

Jack sat with Ani as more of their friends and teammates came in to see their little miracle. Eric and Taylor excused themselves, as did Collin and Lucas before Sky and Sydney came in.

Ani held her son as Sydney sat with her. The tension in the room was pulled as tight as it could stretch. Both women could feel the emotions bouncing off their husbands. Sky's face was stern and Jack's was a bit nervous.

Sky had accepted the fact that Ani was happy, but he was still angry at the way Jack had left his sister.

At last, Ani couldn't take it anymore. "Alright you two- I didn't go through eight hours of labor for you both to stand here and stare at each other," she said. "Sky, come hold your nephew." Sky's expression softened as he obeyed his sister's order.

"Hi there," Sky said to the infant. Everyone watch Sky cradle his nephew and Ani felt her twin's emotions change. There was no more resentment and anger towards Jack… just thankfulness and joy for Jack granting his sister's greatest wish.

"So what are you going to call him? Little Eric?" Sydney asked. "It may get a little complicated having two."

Jack smiled. "Well, I think Ani wants to call him EJ, but I don't know about that one," Jack said as he looked at his son. "He doesn't look like an EJ."

"He looks like you," Ani said laughing.

Sky looked at his nephew and saw his brown eyes open. "Jackie," he said softly. Everyone's eyes in the room lit up.

Jack smiled and stood by his brother in law. "You sure you want to call him that? You're not still pissed at me?"

"Oh I'm still pissed at you… but you gave my sister what she's always wanted and I can't stay mad at you for doing that."

Syd and Ani just smiled, finally happy that things were getting back to normal…