January 28th, 2011 – Hope Meadows Ranch

Jack walked up to the front door of his house, grabbed the doorknob, and froze; images of Elizabeth on the floor flooded his mind, the blood pooled around her legs.

Slowly turning the knob, he stepped inside and closed the door behind him. He walked into the kitchen and as he rounded the island, he saw nothing. No blood. No eggs. Nothing. Looking around the room, he could see that it had been cleaned thoroughly, all evidence of the events of that morning washed away. Elizabeth's phone was sitting on the counter, plugged in and charged. He let out the breath he'd been holding, feeling as if a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

Grabbing his winter work coat and a flashlight, he headed to the barn to check on the horses. Peering into the stalls, he could see that each hay feeder was filled with fresh hay, the water buckets were filled, and the stalls had been mucked.

After petting Harley and Buck, he began looking for his phone. Standing in the location he was when Elizabeth had called, he noticed it beside a bale of hay and bent down to pick it up. Standing in that same spot, his phone in his hand, he could hear her voice on the other end, simply saying his name.

Returning to the house, he unplugged her phone and plugged his in, then proceeded upstairs to take a shower. He stood under the water, turned as hot as his skin could handle, attempting to wash away the stress, anxiety, and anger that had burdened him throughout that day.

Cleaned and dressed in lounge pants and a T-shirt, Jack returned to the kitchen. He turned his phone on, set it down, and checked the fridge for something to eat.

After fixing a sandwich, Jack pulled a stool up next to the counter where his phone sat plugged in, and began to check his notifications while he ate.

Seven missed calls and sixteen texts, he began to read each one. Most were from his family, trying to find him while in the hospital. A couple from the Thatchers with their arrival time and that they had arrived. And one from Julie, asking how Elizabeth was doing.

Not in the mood to talk to anyone, Jack finished his sandwich then took the phone, plugged it in next to the bed, laid down, and gave into the exhaustion that had taken over him.

…..

Charlotte and Grace stood over the incubators, looking down at their grandchildren. Charlotte slipped her hand through the small door and gently held her granddaughter's hand, watching the fingers wrap around her own.

"She's a strong one," she said, watching Peyton's chest rise and fall with the help of the ventilator.

"Yes, she is," Grace said as she held Colton's hand, "So is he."

"These babies have already been through so much and they're not even a day old yet."

"Yes, but they will be just fine. I know it in my gut. God's hand is on them," Grace stated, a small tear falling down her cheek.

"Yes, our mighty Lord is watching over both of them and Beth."

"Thank you, Charlotte. Thank you for loving my daughter," Grace said as a few more tears fell.

"Grace, she's like one of my own to me. She is a part of this family and always will be. So are you and William."

Looking up at Charlotte, Grace smiled, "You are an amazing woman and you have an amazing family."

"Thank you, Grace. You've raised a wonderful daughter and we are lucky to have her."

….

January 29th, 2011 – Hope Meadows Ranch

Jack bolted upright in bed, sweating, shaking, his heart racing. Looking around the room, cloaked in darkness, Jack turned to look at the clock: 2:48 am.

"Damn it!" Jack shouted, jumping out of bed.

After another quick shower, he dressed, grabbed both phones, and ran out the door.

…..

University Hospital

Jack sprinted into the hospital at 3:43 am. Checking the waiting room, he found it empty then headed to Elizabeth's room. Grace was asleep in the chair in the corner so Jack went directly to Elizabeth's side. Also, sound asleep, Jack watched her; at this moment, she seemed to be at peace.

He turned to leave the room, then heard his name.

"Jack?"

Returning to her side, Jack touched her cheek. "Hey, Baby. Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you," he whispered.

"You didn't. I haven't been able to sleep much," she said softly, as not to wake her mother.

"How are you feeling?"

"Okay, I guess."

"Are you in pain?"

"Not right now."

Jack sat on the edge of the bed and held her hand on his lap. "Sorry I was gone so long."

"It's alright. You needed to sleep."

"I wasn't planning on sleeping for four hours though."

Elizabeth raised her hand to Jack's face, touching him in a loving manner for the first time since this all began. "It's fine, Jack. Really. You need sleep, too."

"I love you, Baby," he said, leaning forward and kissing her on the lips.

Returning the loving gesture, she replied, "I love you, too."

"I'm so sorry you went through this. It wasn't supposed to happen this way."

Elizabeth lifted his hand to her chest and held it against her. "Jack, neither one of us had any control over this. The doctor came back in tonight and talked to me again. He said they have no idea why this happens, it just does. Neither of us did anything wrong."

"What else did he say?"

"Nothing else that we hadn't already heard. He checked my incision again, gave me some more pain meds. Oh, he had someone come in and help me pump breast milk. They wanted to make sure my body is ready for when I'm able to try nursing."

"That's great, Beth. What about the medication?"

"Yeah, I can't nurse until that's out of my system. They are switching me over to something I can take and still nurse. It's just not as strong."

"Will you be alright with that?"

"I think so. I really want to nurse so I'll work through it."

"Okay," Jack replied, looking down at their hands.

"Did you find our phones?"

"Oh, yes, I did," he answered, removing her phone from his pocket.

"Can you lay it on the table? I'll look at it later."

Jack leaned over and placed it on the rolling table that was currently next to the chair. Returning his hand to Elizabeth's, he went quiet.

Attempting to read his face, Elizabeth asked, "What's wrong?"

"What? Oh, nothing's wrong. I'm just still trying to wrap my head around the fact that I'm a dad. Of two."

Elizabeth smiled, "Me, too. I know we had eight months to prepare for this, but I don't feel prepared."

Jack turned her hand over in his, playing with her wedding ring again, "Me neither. But no amount of planning could have prepared us for what happened." Raising his gaze from their hands to her face, he added, "Beth, I thought I was going to lose you." A few tears rolled down his cheeks.

"Hey, Cowboy," she said, lifting her hand to wipe his tears away. "I'm right here."

"Yes…now. But it was a very long time before we heard that you were okay. I kept expecting someone to walk in and tell me that you didn't make it."

"Oh, Jack. I'm so sorry. I can't even imagine what you and everyone else had to go through...waiting."

"No, you went through more than any of us, so let's not take away from that, Beth. And you'll be recovering from this for a long time. But I will help you in any way that I can."

"I know you will." Smiling, she tried to lean forward to kiss him but instead winced with pain.

"Hey, don't hurt yourself," he said rubbing her arms.

"I was trying to kiss you," she responded with a half grin.

"Well, I can definitely help you with that." Leaning forward, he pressed his lips to hers, kissing her softly.

Keeping quiet in the corner, Grace had woken up as soon as Jack and Elizabeth had begun speaking. Even in the hushed tones, she was able to hear them. Feeling guilty for eavesdropping, she also didn't want to disturb them and remained silent.

Jack sat, his forehead against hers, both with their eyes closed, breathing in the fragrance of one another. "I don't ever want you to go through this again, Beth," he said, just above a whisper.

"Jack, I'm not ready to talk about this."

"I understand," he said, pulling his head back slightly, looking into her eyes, "But we will have to eventually."

Elizabeth just nodded her head.

"I love you, Beth. I can't lose you."

"I know, Jack. I promise, we'll talk about everything when I'm ready." Elizabeth tried to move to one side of the bed, wincing in pain with each movement.

"What are you trying to do?" Jack asked, standing.

"I want you to lie down with me and hold me," she answered, still moving over, little by little.

Jack carefully climbed onto the bed, taking care not to touch her stomach or bump her. Sliding his arm behind her, he drew her into him as she laid her head against his chest. They remained quiet, in each other's arms, not taking long to find the peace in sleep that they both needed.

…..

A hand tapping his shoulder brought Jack back from his dream. Blinking his eyes, allowing them to adjust to the daylight that now spilled into the room, he looked up to find Tom looking down at him.

"Good morning, Brother," Tom whispered, grinning.

Jack looked over to Elizabeth, who was still sound asleep, and slowly pulled his arm out from beneath her. She stirred slightly but remained asleep as he carefully got up from the bed.

Jack motioned to the door, without speaking, for Tom to join him outside the room.

"What's going on?" Jack asked as soon as the door to her room was closed.

"Nothing, just stopped by to check on Elizabeth. The nurse said the doctor was making his morning rounds and would be in soon."

"Oh, okay. How are things at the ranch?" Jack wiped his face, trying to wake up a little more.

"Everything is fine. Wyatt misses you guys."

"Thanks for watching him and everything. I think once we get the twins home, we'll give it a few days for Elizabeth to get her strength up before we bring Wyatt back, if that's alright."

"Of course, you just let me know when you're ready and we'll bring him right over."

"Where's everyone?"

"Frank and Ma are down eating breakfast with Grace and William. Sam had to work today. Rosie will be by sometime this morning and I think Lee is coming by this afternoon."

"Okay," he replied, leaning against the wall.

"How are you doing?" Tom asked, moving to stand in front of his brother.

"I'm much better now than yesterday, that's for sure," Jack replied, letting out a small chuckle.

"Well, it's understandable, Jack. That was quite the ordeal and...well..."

"Yes, I know." Jack straightened and looked Tom in the eyes, "I don't wish that on my worst enemy."

Tom stepped forward and laid a hand on Jack's shoulder. "She's fine now."

Jack grabbed Tom's shirt at his shoulder and pulled him in. They wrapped their arms around one another as Jack let the tears flow, a complete release from the events of the prior day, a sense of peace washing over him.

…..

That afternoon, after Elizabeth spent some time with the twins, she was resting in her bed when her mother came in.

"Hello, Dear," Grace said as she pulled the chair next to the bed. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm alright. Just a little sore from moving around."

"That's understandable." Grace laid her hand on top of Elizabeth's that was resting at her side. "I need to tell you something. I've been feeling a little guilty about it and wanted to get it off my chest."

"Okay, Mom," she responded, a slight look of concern on her face.

"Early this morning, when Jack came in...I heard the two of you. I was asleep at first but woke up when you guys started talking. I didn't want to bother you, so I didn't say anything."

Elizabeth chuckled, "That's okay, Mom."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but it sounded like you guys were talking about some things that needed to be said and I didn't want to interrupt you."

"Really, Mom. It's fine."

"I also wanted to say that Jack...he's something special. He loves you so much."

Elizabeth smiled and nodded her head, "Yes, Mom. He is very special."

….

January 30th, 2011 – University Hospital

Sam entered Elizabeth's room and found her mindlessly looking through her phone.

"Hey, Sis."

Elizabeth looked up and smiled, "Hi, Sam."

Sam pulled a chair to the side of the bed and sat down.

"How are you feeling today?"

"Better. Getting a little better each day," she replied with a small grin.

"That's good. You look good."

"Thanks. Mom helped me wash my hair last night. I couldn't take it anymore." Elizabeth let out a small chuckle and was joined by Sam.

"Okay, now how are you really feeling?" Sam asked, resting her elbows on the edge of the bed.

"I'm good," Elizabeth said, her eyebrows pinched slightly.

"Beth, I haven't been through what you've been through, but I've seen it. The mothers are never 'okay.' So...how are you really?"

Elizabeth drew in a very deep breath and when she let it out, the tears began to flow, as if the air had broken the dam.

"I hurt, I'm scared, I'm angry."

"Now that...I believe," Sam replied, taking Elizabeth's hand in hers. "How bad is the pain? Are you being honest with the doctor when he asks you?"

Elizabeth nodded, "Yes. I tell him when it's getting really bad."

"Good. I want you to know, I just checked on the babies, and both of them look really good. Their vitals are where they should be and holding. They're gaining weight each day."

"Thank you, Sam." Elizabeth squeezed her hand. "How's Jack holding up?"

"I'm not going to sugarcoat it."

"I know you won't."

"He's a mess. He really thought we were going to lose you. He's better than he was at the house and when we first arrived here, but he's still a mess."

"What happened at the house exactly? I've wanted to ask Jack, but I didn't think he'd tell me anyway."

"Are you sure you want to hear everything? It might be better if you didn't."

"I'm sure," she answered, turning slightly to face Sam.

"Okay. Well, I know that Jack was in the barn when you called, then he ran to the house looking for you. You had fallen behind the island so he didn't see you right away. When he did find you, I'm pretty sure he thought you were already dead because of the amount of blood."

Elizabeth let out a small gasp.

"Are you sure you want me to continue?"

She nodded.

"He found your phone on the floor next to you and called 911 and then Charlotte. Charlotte called Tom and we all rushed over as fast as we could. My parents just happened to be over to pick something up so they stayed with the kids. When we got to the house, Jack was on the floor with your head on his lap. I've never seen him like that before and I don't ever want to see him like that again. Or you for that matter."

Sam paused, letting Elizabeth process everything, then proceeded. "I continuously checked your pulse to make sure you were still with us. It was very faint, but there. There was a lot of blood, Beth. I really thought we were going to lose you, too. It's nothing short of a miracle that you and the twins survived."

A few tears rolled down the cheeks of a normally very strong woman that Elizabeth had quickly grown to respect. Sam was full of empathy, but due to her job, she was able to compartmentalize these types of events. So, for Sam to be showing this kind of emotion, Elizabeth now knew just how close to death she had truly been.

Swallowing hard against the lump that had formed in her throat, Elizabeth said, "Please continue."

"I needed Jack to lay your head on the floor so you could lie flat, but he wouldn't let you go. Frank and Tom had to pull him away."

Elizabeth's gaze moved to the wall across the room as she listened to Sam's account of the day, shaking her head in disbelief.

"When we all arrived here, Jack was in the waiting room alone. As soon as he saw us, it was like he was deflated and he just collapsed, he fell to his knees. He was beside himself waiting for news about you and the twins. At one point he ran out of the room and we weren't sure where he was for about half an hour. We all finally went out to look for him. I'm the one who found him. He was on his knees again, praying this time."

Elizabeth's gaze returned to Sam.

"I heard his prayer. He didn't know it though, no one does."

"What was he saying?"

"He asked God to take him instead. To spare your life and the twins' lives. He said that he'd lay down his own for you right now if the Lord would just take him."

Elizabeth was crying now, having to reach for a tissue from the table next to her bed, wincing from the sharp pain in her abdomen as she pulled the tissue free from the box.

"At one point, while we were all with him, the stress of the day must have gotten to him. I saw a little flicker of the old Jack shine through."

"What do you mean? What happened?"

"Nothing horrible. He raised his voice, cussed, and slammed his fist against the arm of the chair. Charlotte had a few words with him. She was talking quietly so I couldn't hear what she told him. Whatever it was, it worked. He calmed down after that. But Beth, I don't blame him. If anything happened to Tom, I would be a wreck, too."

Elizabeth nodded, remembering how she felt when Jack had fallen from the horse.

"I hope this wasn't too much for you. I don't think I should have told you all of that."

"No, Sam." Elizabeth squeezed her sister-in-law's hand again. "It was not too much. I wanted to hear everything. I think I needed to. It was really bothering me not knowing what all took place."

"Well, you're alright now. And the twins will be alright," Sam smiled, showing her bright white glowing smile that lit up whatever room she was in.

"Well, I'm not totally alright."

A puzzled look crossed Sam's face, until she remembered Jack telling them about future pregnancies.

"Are you referring to having more children?"

Elizabeth nodded, still crying. "We never put a number on it, on how many children we would have, but I know it was more than two."

"Beth, you can't think about that. I know it's easier said than done, but you have two beautiful babies. We thank God for what he gives us, even if it isn't what we thought we wanted."

Elizabeth nodded, wiping her face with the tissue. "You are a good friend, Sam."

"No, I'm your sister. Your sister in Christ and we're family."

Elizabeth held her arms out and Sam moved into them, hugging her. The two women, both crying now, held each other in a bond as close as any sisters could be.

…..

February 1st, 2011 – University Hospital

The family took turns staying at the hospital, someone always remaining there for Jack, Elizabeth and the twins. Grace and William moved into one of the guest rooms in the basement of Jack and Elizabeth's house, prepared to stay as long as needed.

Rosemary and Lee alternated their visits in order to keep Noel at home. Tom visited as often as he could, having taken on the care of Jack's horses. He also took over more duties at his mother's to allow her and Frank to spend more time at the hospital.

Jack rarely left Elizabeth's side. They visited the twins multiple times a day, depending on how Elizabeth was feeling.

Each day, Colton and Peyton grew stronger and bigger. Jack and Elizabeth had been notified that Dr. Redmon, the head of pediatrics, would be removing Colton's breathing tube that afternoon and monitor how he managed on his own.

With Elizabeth in a wheelchair and Jack by her side, the couple anxiously waited, watching, as the doctor removed the breathing tube from Colton. Seeing his chest rise from drawing in a deep breath on his own, had both Elizabeth and Jack in tears. The cry that came next was the sweetest sound they had ever heard, clutching onto each other's hands, tears streaming down their cheeks.

After several minutes of breathing on his own with no troubles, the doctor said that Colton could remain off the vent but they would keep the heart monitor on him for now. Also, with the breathing tube gone, they removed the feeding tube and would start him on a bottle.

"Would you like to hold your son?" The NICU nurse asked once Dr. Redmon had left.

"Really? Yes," Elizabeth exclaimed, already holding her arms out.

The nurse placed a blanket across Elizabeth's lap and arms, picked up Colton, and laid him into the blanket, moving the wires and IVs to the side, she closed the blanket around him. Elizabeth shifted him carefully in her arms, lifting him closer to her face, kissing his forehead.

"Oh, my goodness," she stated, her tears flowing. She brushed her finger along Colton's chin and cheek, watching him as he continued to cry.

Elizabeth began to softly sing to him, something she had started during the pregnancy. Instantly, Colton began to settle down and stopped crying, his eyes locked on his mother. Jack knelt next to them, laying one hand on Elizabeth's arm and the other behind his son's head.

"Wow, he's amazing," Jack said, falling totally and completely in love.

Holding out a bottle, the nurse asked, "Would you like to try feeding him?"

Taking the bottle, Elizabeth attempted to feed him. Taking some time to figure it out, Colton finally began to suck on the bottle, much to his parents' amazement.

After time with Colton, both of them taking turns holding him, they each moved to either side of Peyton's incubator and reached inside, gently holding her hand, stroking her leg, or grazing her cheek softly with a fingertip.

"Do you know when they might be able to remove her tube?" Elizabeth asked the nurse, not taking her eyes from her daughter.

"I heard them mention possibly trying in a couple days."

"I hope so," she said quietly, watching Peyton wrap her tiny fingers around her index finger.

…..

Jack assisted Elizabeth back into her bed with the help of a nurse. Picking up her legs, he carefully swung them onto the bed and pulled the covers over her.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine," she answered, adjusting her gown and covers.

Jack sat on the edge of the bed just as Dr. Bringham came into the room, then returned to his feet.

"Hello, Elizabeth, Jack. I'm just going to check your incision. How are you feeling today?"

"Good. A little pain but much better than yesterday."

"That's good," he said as he pulled the bandage off. After checking her over, he replaced the bandage and pulled her gown down. "This is healing nicely. As long as you're feeling a little better tomorrow, we'll see about breaking you out of this joint," he said with a grin.

"That would be great. Won't it, Beth?" Jack said excitedly, looking toward his wife.

Her face didn't change as she answered, "Sure, that will be good."

Jack's expression turned from one of excitement to one of concern. As soon as the doctor finished and left, Jack turned back to Elizabeth.

"What's wrong? Don't you want to go home?" Jack sat on the edge of the bed again.

"Yes, I do. But we'll be leaving without the babies."

Jack's heart sank as he hadn't thought that through. "I'm sorry, Beth. I wasn't thinking."

"It's okay, Jack. These are the cards we were dealt. I just need to accept it."

"No, Beth. Please don't think that way. Does this suck? Yes, very much. But we have two beautiful babies," Jack cupped her face in his hands, "and you're alright. Those are the cards we were dealt."

Nodding, a tear falling down her cheek, she held her arms up and Jack moved into them, holding her.

…..

Jack walked into the NICU to find his mother sitting in a glider chair between the babies, holding Colton.

"Hey, Ma," he said quietly.

"Hi, Jack," she replied, briefly moving her gaze up to her son then quickly back to her grandson. "He just fell back to sleep."

Jack leaned forward and pulled the blanket back slightly so he could see his face.

Looking up to Jack again, she added, "He's just perfect."

"Yes, he sure is."

"Here, you hold him."

"No, you don't need to get up."

"Nonsense," she replied, carefully standing, moving in the direction of the wires.

Once Jack was seated, Charlotte laid Colton into his arms, moving her arms from the wires.

"I have no idea what I'm doing, Ma." Jack said as the reality of his near future hit him.

Taking the seat next to them, Charlotte laid her hand on Jack's knee.

"None of us did on our first one, Jack. You two will be fine. You won't think you'll know what to do, but I promise you, when each moment arises, it will come to you."

Jack looked up to his mother, "Are you sure?"

"Yes, Son. I felt the same way. But the first time you ever got sick, I was nervous at first, but then I just knew. I knew what you needed and took care of you."

Jack looked back to Colton, "I sure hope I will know what to do."

"You will, Jack. You will."

…..

February 2nd, 2011 – University Hospital

Elizabeth was wheeled to the NICU before she was to leave and go home. After spending some time holding Colton and talking to Peyton, it was time for her to leave.

"I can't leave them here all alone," she said as she began to cry.

Jack knelt in front of her, "Baby, they are not alone."

"You know what I mean."

"I know, but you can't stay here all the time. You need your rest. We'll come back and see them...often."

Grace, who had been by her daughter's side, stepped forward and offered, "Beth, if you'd like, your dad and I will stay here with them while you go home."

"Really, Mom?"

"Yes, Dear, of course."

Letting out a breath of surrender, Elizabeth nodded, "Okay."

…..

Elizabeth sat in silence, watching the scenery pass by as she stared out the window. A dusting of snow had covered everything, just enough to create a beautiful scene with homes and barns standing out against the bright white backdrop.

Jack, not knowing quite what to say, remained quiet during their drive home, everything that had happened was swirling through his mind.

With the truck parked alongside the front steps of the house, Jack walked around and opened Elizabeth's door. Helping her down to the ground, with her standing in front of him, Jack wrapped his arms around her, gently holding her.

"Welcome home, Baby," he said affectionately, kissing her on the cheek. "Are you ready to go inside?"

Elizabeth simply nodded.

Jack steadied her by her arm, helping her up each step.

With her safely inside and seated on the couch, TV remote in hand, Jack returned to the truck to get her bag.

After taking the bag upstairs and returning to her side in the living room, he asked, "Can I get you anything?"

"A glass of water, please."

"Of course. Anything else."

Elizabeth shook her head.

Fetching the water, Jack placed it on the table next to her, along with a roll of Ritz crackers.

"Just in case," he said as he set them down. "Are you comfortable?"

"I'm fine."

"They'll be home soon," Jack said, seeing her tears threatening to spill over. "And then it will be years before we get to sleep again," he said grinning, attempting to cheer her up...but failing. "I'm sorry, Beth. I know...it's hard...it sucks, really. I still can't believe this has all happened."

Sitting down next to her, he picked up her hand in his and laid it on his lap, waiting for her to look at him. When she finally did, he began again.

"Colton and Peyton will be coming home. They will grow and thrive and fill this house with laughter and joy and there will be so much love."

"How do you know? We still don't know if Peyton can even breathe on her own."

"I trust God, Beth. I trust Him to heal our babies completely."

"I hope so," Elizabeth cried, her voice cracking.

Jack moved closer, wrapping his arms around her, holding her against him as she continued to cry. After a several minutes, he asked, "Are you ready to go upstairs to bed?"

Elizabeth nodded and Jack stood, holding out his hand for her. When they reached the stairs, Elizabeth stood, staring up at them. They seemed to double in quantity in Elizabeth's mind as she processed having to walk up them.

Jack was standing on the bottom step, still holding her hand as he watched her. "I'll help you," he simply said.

Her eyes moved from the stairs to him, and she grabbed the railing with one hand as Jack supported her by holding her arm and lifting her up slightly on each step. Making it half way, they stopped to let her rest for a brief moment before continuing, then again at the top.

As she sat on the edge of the bed, Jack helped her change into one of his T-shirts. Pulling the covers back, he helped her swing her legs around and pulled the blanket over her.

"Where's Wyatt?" She asked as Jack brushed her hair from her face.

"Tom is keeping him for a few more days. I was afraid he might jump on you out of excitement of seeing you."

"Okay."

Jack leaned down and kissed her gently on the lips. "I love you. I'm glad you're home."

"I love you, too."

"Do you need any pain meds?"

"Yes, if you don't mind, please."

Jack left for a few minutes, retrieving the bottle of pain reliever from her hospital bag, returning with that and a glass of water.

"Why don't you try to get some rest. I'm going to clean up a little downstairs and then I'll be back."

Elizabeth nodded and slid down a bit into the bed, pulling the blanket up around her face.

…..

University Hospital

William was sitting in the glider chair in the NICU, Colton in his arms, staring down at his grandson. He carefully took the baby's tiny hand in his own large one, amazed at the petite size of Colton's.

Grace was sitting at Peyton's side, her hand inside the incubator, gently stroking the top of her head. Looking over to William, she smiled.

"Hard to believe the girls were ever this small, isn't it?" She asked.

"Well, I don't think they were ever this small," he quietly laughed, "but yes, I know what you mean."

Grace removed her phone from her purse and took a photo of William holding Colton and texted it to Julie and Viola. She then took a photo of Peyton and texted it as well.

Her phone chimed with a notification of a reply from Julie.

They are getting so big already.

Yes, they are. They are doing great.

Do you know yet when they'll take Peyton off the vent?

They might try tomorrow and see how she does.

How's Beth?

Strong.

Yes!

She went home this evening. Jack is with her.

Has he ever left her side?

Not much. He's a good man.

Yes, he is. Tell them I love them and am praying for them.

OK, I will.

Tell Dad hi.

Ok. Love you, Dear.

Love you, too.

Grace returned her phone to her purse and then returned her attention to her granddaughter.

…..

February 3rd, 2011 – Hope Meadows Ranch

Elizabeth woke with a start, quickly sitting up, and just as fast regretting the sudden movement as she clutched onto her abdomen.

While standing at the sink in the bathroom, Jack heard her call out and rushed into the room.

"What's wrong," he exclaimed, running to her side.

"I sat up too fast and it hurt, that's all."

"Here," he said, reaching for the medicine bottle and glass of water. He handed her the glass and shook a pill into his hand. "Take one of these, it's past time anyway."

"Thank you," she said before tossing it into her mouth. "I want to go see the babies."

…..

After pumping, Elizabeth got into the shower while Jack took the milk to the refrigerator. When he returned to the bathroom, he saw Elizabeth struggling to wash her hair without pain. Pushing his lounge pants off, he stepped into the shower.

"Here, let me do that."

He reached up and began massaging her head and work the shampoo throughout her hair. After rinsing it thoroughly, he turned her to face him and held her in his arms for a few minutes, letting the warm water wash over them.

Cupping her cheeks in his hands, he tipped her face towards his. "Are you ready to get going?"

Nodding, she smiled.

Jack turned the water off, opened the door, and reached for a towel. Wrapping it around her, he grabbed another one and wrapped it around her hair. Taking one for himself, he held his hand out to her and helped her out of the shower.

With assistance from Jack, Elizabeth was dressed and ready to go while she sat on the edge of the bed and waited for Jack.

Taking her hand, he walked her to the steps and helped her down, one by one.

Once at the bottom, he asked, "Would you like something to eat before we go? You need to keep your strength up for the babies."

"Okay."

She followed him into the kitchen, hesitating briefly before walking around the island, expecting to see a blood stain on the floor.

"There's nothing there," she said with shock in her voice.

Jack turned to see what she was looking at.

"Tom and Sam cleaned it up."

"Seriously?"

Nodding he replied, "Yes. As soon as they knew that you and the babies were okay, they came back here and cleaned, then went home to check on their kids."

"We need to do something nice for everyone to thank them."

"We will, sometime."

Jack opened the fridge door and Elizabeth asked, shocked again, "Where did all of that come from?"

The shelves in the refrigerator were stocked with a variety of containers.

"Neighbors, friends from church, Rosemary, Sam, Mom...everyone pitched in and made meals for us so we wouldn't have to cook. The freezer is full, too," he added, then opened the door to reveal more.

Elizabeth covered her mouth and muttered, "Oh, my goodness." A few tears trickled down her cheeks.

"I know. We have some amazing people in our lives." Jack removed a glass dish and pulled the lid off. "Breakfast casserole?"

"Sounds perfect," she replied, pulling out a stool and sitting.

Jack spooned some onto two plates and heated them up in the microwave. Once they were done eating, he placed the dishes in the dishwasher and grabbed the SUV keys.

"Let's go see our children," he said, taking her hand.

…..

University Hospital

Charlotte and Sam entered the NICU where Grace was asleep in the rocking chair with Colton in her arms.

Charlotte laid her hand on the woman's shoulder. "Grace," she said softly.

Grace opened her eyes and looked around, then down at the sleeping baby and smiled.

"You should go to Jack's and get some sleep. We're here now," Charlotte said, her hand still on Grace's shoulder.

"Yes, I think that would be a great idea."

Standing, she handed Colton to Charlotte, who took her place in the chair.

"How did they do last night?" Sam asked, moving to the side of Peyton.

"Colton did just fine. Peyton gave us a bit of a scare but it ended up just being a wire getting knocked loose from the electrode patch. I guess she was moving around and pulled it loose."

"That's great that she has enough strength to do that," Sam exclaimed.

"Yes, but my heart almost stopped when those alarms went off," Grace added as she picked up her purse.

"Thank you for staying with them," Charlotte said, holding out her hand and taking Grace's, squeezing it.

"Of course. We'll be back this afternoon after we get some sleep."

"Okay, we'll see you then."

Grace left the room to find William. Down the hall in a family room, he was sound asleep in a chair with a magazine draped across his chest. Grace softly touched his cheek and he was startled awake.

"What is it? Are the babies alright?"

"Yes, they are fine. Charlotte and Sam are here. Let's go get some sleep in a real bed."

"I'm game for that."

Picking up Grace's coat, he held it up for her to slip it on, then grabbed his own.

…..

Jack dropped Elizabeth off at the front door then parked the vehicle. She waited in a nearby chair for him to join her. Slipping her arm through his, they made their way through the stark white halls. Their noses burned with the odors of cleaners masked with an undertone of artificial fragrance in an attempt to camouflage the antiseptic. No matter how much time they had spent in that building, neither of them could get used to the smells.

Riding the elevator to the fourth floor, Jack slipped his hand into Elizabeth's, weaving his fingers between hers, a perfect fit. They stepped off and turned right toward the NICU once more, knowing this would be their routine for the next several days.

As they entered the room that had become their babies' temporary home, they saw Sam in the chair holding Colton and Charlotte standing at the side of Peyton's incubator, softly singing to the little girl with her hand inside, holding her granddaughter's.

"Hey, Ma," Jack said, walking up to the side of his mother, looking at his daughter through the protective dome.

"Good morning, Sweetheart. Hello, Beth. Did you two get some sleep?"

"Yes, for the most part," Elizabeth answered, running her finger along Colton's cheek.

"Here, have a seat, Beth," Sam said as she stood.

Without argument, Elizabeth sat down and held her arms out for her son. Just as he was settling into his mother's warmth, the NICU nurse entered the room.

"Good morning, Thornton family. Colton and Peyton both had a great evening. Would you like to try to nurse this morning?" She asked Elizabeth.

"Oh, yes. Can I?"

"Absolutely. I'll call the lactation consultant to come and help you get started."

"We're going to go to the cafeteria and get some breakfast. We'll come back later," Charlotte said, pulling Jack into one of her tight embraces.

"Okay, Ma. Thanks for being here."

"Have you seen my parents?" Elizabeth asked before Charlotte and Sam stepped out of the room.

"They just left maybe forty minutes ago. They were headed to your house to get some sleep."

"Oh, good," Elizabeth replied. "Thank you, guys."

"You're welcome, Dear. We'll see you in a little while."

…..

With the encouragement and guidance of the lactation consultant, Elizabeth tried and tried again to nurse Colton. Struggling to latch on, the baby began to cry and fight against her. Just as she was about to give up, he suddenly began to nurse.

"Look, Jack," she said, her voice full of excitement and her eyes with tears.

"Very good, Elizabeth," Pam, the consultant praised. "I'll leave you alone now. Just have the nurse page me if you have any questions or need help."

"Thank you, Pam," Elizabeth replied, unable to take her eyes off her son.

Jack watched with amazement; that unbreakable bond being formed between mother and son, a bond only God could have created.

Moving back to Peyton, Jack reached inside and touched her hand. She instinctively wrapped her tiny fingers around his, clutching onto his heart in the process. Jack looked down at her, her dark hazy blue eyes open, staring back at him. It was the first time he'd seen her eyes open, the first time he truly felt that everything would be okay. Emotions began to flood him once more, a few tears rolled down his cheeks.

"Hey, Baby Girl," he said softly, a slight crack in his voice.

Allison, the NICU nurse on duty, approached him, stopping on the opposite side. "The doctor will be in soon to remove her vent," she said smiling.

"That will be wonderful. We want to get these two home."

"Yes," Elizabeth added, "as soon as possible."

…..

Elizabeth held Colton against her shoulder, gently patting his back, when Dr. Redmon entered the room. Allison took Colton and returned him to his incubator so Elizabeth could focus on the doctor and her daughter.

"Good afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Thornton."

"Hello, Doctor," Jack replied.

"Let's see how this little girl does on her own. I hear she's doing so well that she kicked her own wires loose last night, almost giving her grandma heart failure." The doctor chuckled, joined in by the nurse, Jack and Elizabeth.

With assistance from Allison, the doctor prepared Peyton, then gently removed the breathing tube. Everyone watched and waited, praying in silence, for her to take a breath on her own.

"Come on, sweet girl," Dr. Redmon said, softly rubbing his knuckles across her chest. With no response from Peyton and her heartrate slowing, he grabbed the bag and mask and held it over her face, slowly squeezing it, helping her get the needed air.

Suddenly, she drew in a deep breath and let out a cry. Elizabeth clutched her hands to her chest, her tears flowing. Jack had his hands on her shoulders, squeezing them. Both let out the breath that they didn't realize they had been holding.

Jack leaned in and kissed her cheek, then whispered in her ear, "She's a fighter like you."

Elizabeth turned her head and looked up to him, smiling and nodding. Jack moved his arms around her, his chest against her back, his arms crossing her chest, as they watched the doctor and nurse work on their daughter.

With the breathing tube gone, the feeding tube removed, they were finally able to hold her for the first time. Elizabeth sat in the rocking chair, her daughter in her arms, her tears flowing. She thought she'd for sure be out of tears by now, but they continued to flow; her hormones crazy, her emotions wild.

Peyton continued to cry and once again, Elizabeth began to sing to her. Calming down, she opened her eyes and looked up to Elizabeth, listening to the familiar voice, feeling safe in her arms.

"Some more good news for you, two," the doctor said before leaving. "Colton can go home tomorrow."

"Really?" Elizabeth asked, her tears blurring her vision.

"Yes," he smiled. "He's continuously gaining weight, breathing well, no heart issues. He's doing just fine," the doctor said smiling, looking down at Colton. "Allison, go ahead and get all these monitors off of him so his family can hold him properly."

"Yes, Doctor," she replied and immediately began her tasks.

When she was finished, she removed him from his plastic box and handed him to Jack.

"Oh, my," Jack said, holding his son for the first time without any tethers keeping him from straying too far.

Propping him against his shoulder and supporting his head, Jack walked around the room, gently bouncing him.

Grace and Charlotte entered the room and both gasped at the sight in front of them.

"What's this?" Grace asked, covering her mouth, fighting the tears.

"Colton has broken free," Jack replied, grinning ear to ear. "He goes home tomorrow."

"That's wonderful," Grace said, approaching Elizabeth with Peyton. "And look at this sweet girl."

Charlotte walked over to Jack, holding her arms out for Colton, and Jack transferred him from his arms to hers.

"Now this is how it should be," she said, cradling him in her arms. "No wires, no tubes, just lovin'." She kissed his forehead, then added, "He's a Thornton," looking into his dark eyes.

They spent the afternoon together, each person taking turns holding the babies. With help from the lactation consultant, Peyton had begun to nurse as well. Rosemary had stopped by, and she and Sam took Elizabeth to the cafeteria to make sure she had gotten something to eat along with some girl time. When Lee came by later, he and Tom did the same with Jack.

As the day came to an end, everyone returned to their homes, deciding the babies needed their sleep and would be fine for the evening. Exhausted, Grace and William immediately turned in when they arrived at the house. Jack and Elizabeth soon followed suit and went to bed as well.

…..

February 4th, 2011 – University Hospital

After a long day at the hospital, nursing both babies and signing paperwork for Colton's release, they finally walked out of the building with Colton in tow.

Jack was already at the car, trying to get the car seat installed. Each time he thought he had it, he'd test it, only for it to move out of place. His nerves and anxiousness getting the better of him, he slammed the car seat down, growling at it.

Stepping forward, Lee interrupted him. "Let me help you, Brother."

He demonstrated, step by step to Jack, how to properly install the seat and quickly had it ready for Colton.

"Thank you, Lee," Jack said, pulling his best friend into a big hug.

"Don't mention it. Well...maybe once or twice...or three times," he replied, grinning and winking.

Jack slapped him on the back then moved to Elizabeth who was walking up to the SUV, her mother at her side with Colton.

"Is the seat ready?" Elizabeth asked as Grace handed Colton to him.

"Yes, it sure is. Securely fastened." Jack placed his son into the seat, then stared at the straps and buckles.

Lee was prepared for this and had the back door opposite Jack open and was showing him how everything worked.

Once Colton was buckled in, Jack helped Elizabeth into the seat next to her son and closed the door.

"Thank you, everyone. For everything. Grace, William, we'll see you at the house?"

"Yes, we'll follow you there."

"Goodbye, Ma. I'll see you tomorrow," Jack said as he hugged his mother.

Finishing with the rest of the goodbyes, Jack got into the vehicle and drove his family home...part of his family.