A/N: Thanks to everyone who's read this story and reviewed it! I had fun writing this and I can't wait to see what happens in the real season 3! Someday, I might write a sequel, but for now it's done. Thanks again:)
Chapter 24: Finally a Family
4 weeks had passed since everyone returned home to the beach safely. A joyous celebration was held, just in time for Christmas. Jack was settling back into his leadership role and things were returning back to normal. For the first time, the castaways had nothing to fear.
Jack was packing up some things in a backpack when someone called his name.
"Jack?" Eko came over to him. "I think you'll need this." He handed Jack a cross. It was carved with his father's name on it. "I felt like I should make his marker, after you healed us. As a sign of my gratitude."
Jack took the cross, as tears came to his eyes. "Thank you Eko." A slight smile then came to his face.
Eko nodded and left. Kate soon walked over to where Jack was. "All my things are officially moved in!" She beamed.
"What about Emma?" Jack asked, looking at the little girl playing in the sand with her brother.
Kate was watching them too. "She's staying with Zack. But she's promising to visit us all the time."
"That shouldn't be to hard here." Jack teased.
Kate laughed. "And I have some news." He looked up when she said this. "I'm pregnant!"
A look of joy came to Jack's face. "Are you sure?" He said as he hugged her.
She nodded. "I think the drugs they gave us worked. I just don't hope I have a litter."
"The gave us a mild form Kate. There should only be one in here." Jack touched her stomach and she smiled.
They then kissed each other. People were watching, but Jack and Kate didn't care. They just kissed more and giggled.
"It's about time!" Hurley yelled in the distance.
When they broke their kiss, Jack asked, "Are you sure you don't want to come?"
Kate nodded. "I think you and Claire need to do this yourselves."
Jack agreed and got his things together.
"Is your head all right?" Claire asked inspecting it.
"Yes love." Charlie rolled his eyes. "For the bloody 3rd time, Jack healed it. I'm ok."
She just looked at him. "I'm still getting used to having all these abilities. I need to make sure it worked."
Charlie looked around the beach spotting Alex and Danielle. Locke and Sayid were helping them build a tent.
Claire looked over too. "I'm glad they finally found each other. Kind of like Jack and me. Speaking of that, are you sure you don't want to come?"
"Yeah. It should be just you, Jack, and Aaron. These things are hard."
"Claire?" Jack asked coming towards them. "You ready to go?"
"Yeah. Just let me get Aaron." She went and picked up her son from his cradle. "I'll be back a little later Charlie." She gave him a quick kiss and made her way off with Jack.
The siblings found a nice secluded part of the beach, just off the tree line. It was away from camp and gave them the space they needed. Since there was no body to find, Jack and Claire placed Christian's wallet, minus some pictures, in the sand. After they covered it up, Jack stuck the marker Eko made that branded the name of Dr. Christian Shephard.
Claire was now sitting in the sand with Aaron in her lap. Aaron was starting to sit up now. Jack joined them and sat down right next to her.
"Eko did a good job." Claire said, tears forming.
"Yeah." Jack didn't really know what to say. But all of a sudden Claire started talking.
"Hi dad. It's Claire. I've got your grandson Aaron with me. He has our eyes." She took a deep breath. "I really miss you. I had no idea you were coming for me. If only…" She felt Jack rub her back and she found the words. "But that's in the past. Even after all of the crazy things, I still love you. And somehow I found Jack. Which helps a lot. I just hope you know, wherever you are, that I've finally found my family."
Jack now was the one who took a deep breath. "Hey dad. It's Jack. I know we've had our battles, but I can still say I'm proud to be your son." Tears were coming to his eyes. "I remember mom talking about God. I didn't believe her back then, but this place has changed me. Out of all the ways for me to find Claire and Aaron. The only way I can see it, is through God. I miss you dad. And soon there's going to be another Shephard." Claire looked over at him and smiled. "Kate's pregnant. I wish you were here to see your grandkids. I just want you to know that I love you and will take care of Claire and Aaron."
After a few quiet moments, Claire squeezed Jack's hand. "You did a good job. It wasn't so hard, was it?"
"No." He smiled. Claire then left Aaron safely sitting in the sand, and hugged Jack. She was sobbing. "It's ok sis." Jack said through tears too.
Claire moved her head to face him. "I'm so glad I found you. I need my brother."
"I'll always be here, for both of you." Jack said brushing her hair out of her face. He then picked Aaron up. "I'm really looking forward to being your uncle. I'm going to teach you how to play baseball and football."
Aaron giggled being held by his uncle.
"Thank you Jack." Claire laid her head again his shoulder.
He sat Aaron back on the sand. "Anytime sis." He held her closer.
The two of them stared out at the ocean for a while. Aaron was playing in the sand.
Claire suddenly felt like someone was watching them and saw someone by the ocean. "Jack?" She pointed.
Jack looked over and saw the man too.
The figure looked at the 3 of them and smiled, before slowly disappearing.
The siblings were shocked completely.
"Was that?" Claire asked.
"Dad." Jack finished.
Aaron was still playing in the sand as the two adults smiled and stared at the ocean where his grandpa was. The baby just laughed and waved his arms up and down.
