Jarrod looked around the room and smiled. They had set up everything exactly as he had requested and he couldn't wait to see the look in her eyes. He went to the window and looked out reflecting on the last three years of his life as he waited.

He had moved to San Francisco permanently since Abby's grandparents lived there as well as Sister Catherine. Abby's eventually warmed to his family although she was still a bit timid of Nick but that was due to his loud nature. His mother and Audra doted on Abby constantly buying her new clothes and books. Heath and Nick surprised Abby one day with her very own pony and were in the process of teaching her to ride.

Abby excelled in school and although she was still shy she had plenty of friends in both San Francisco and Stockton. Sister Catherine tutored her privately to help her catch up in school and was able to help her with her speech whereas she could finally pronounce her r's. Jarrod could not be more proud of her and the progress she had made.

In the beginning he had been worried about Abby spending time with her grandparents but it was apparent how much they loved her. It broke his heart each time he had to tell her they had passed away; but she simply said they were with her momma now. He took her to the graveyard on all their birthday's and Christmas to put flowers on their graves.

But he knew she still had his family and after today legally they were her family too. Jarrod had been putting off talking to Abby about adopting her but Sister Catherine convinced him she would understand what he was talking about and she had been right. Abby was thoroughly excited about the adoption and wanted to know if she would be a Barkley now like the rest of the family.

Jarrod heard the door open behind him and turned to greet her. She was still just as lovely as the day he married her. He walked to her and gathered her in his arms as he kissed her neck.

Today was their second wedding anniversary and he wanted to celebrate with his wife in private. Getting a sitter for the children had not been difficult since the twins were no longer nursing and Abby was a very good helper with her little brother and sister. The entire family gladly volunteered to babysit the children for the couple.

Mary enjoyed the attention her handsome husband was giving her but was finally able to get away from him and glide to the table.

Jarrod frowned as he followed her and motioned to the table, "Do you like it?"

Mary smiled at him as she picked up a strawberry and took a bite of it. "Looks like you thought of everything dear; champagne, strawberries and chocolate."

Jarrod added, "And a babysitter for the children for the entire weekend."

Mary asked seductively, "Whatever will we do for the entire weekend?"

Jarrod walked to Mary and easily picked her up and growled, "I can think of quite a few things I want to do." Jarrod kissed her passionately as he laid her down on the bed gently.

Mary watched as Jarrod removed his robe and joined her on the bed. He leaned in to kiss her but Mary stopped him causing Jarrod to frown. Mary laughed, "Don't worry we'll have plenty of time for that." She looked into his blue eyes and said, "Was Abby happy about the adoption?"

Jarrod smiled as he picked up Mary's hand and laughed, "She wanted to know if she was going to be a Barkley now like the rest of the family." Mary laughed knowing that would be the only question her eldest daughter would have asked.

After they left Lincoln Jarrod, Abby and Mary went back to San Francisco to start a new life. The adjustment had been a little hard at first but eventually they were all able to get into a routine. Jarrod's adjustment had been the roughest as he was used to coming and going as he pleased and now he had Abby. He refused to hire a nanny or babysitter so there were some days he took her to the office but Abby loved reading and being with Jarrod so it worked out.

In the beginning Jarrod paid for the apartment Mary had found although the couple got into several heated arguments about him paying for it. She finally relented knowing that arguing with the blue eyed attorney was a waste of time. After school Abby would go to Mary's apartment every day so the two could spend time together. Mary would then take Abby to Sister Catherine for her tutoring and afterwards they would go to Jarrod's townhouse.

It had definitely been a challenge but Jarrod and Mary were determined to make it work not only for Abby but for them as well. And now they were celebrating their second wedding anniversary and she had a surprise for her husband.

"So she was happy?" Mary asked.

Jarrod was showering small kisses along Mary's neck line as he answered, "Oh yes."

Her husband was making it hard for her to concentrate and knew she had better hurry up and tell him the news. "Jarrod darling I need to tell you something."

Jarrod stopped and looked at his wife concerned. Mary laughed at Jarrod's worried look and said, "It's nothing bad, I promise."

Jarrod searched Mary's face for an answer but found none. He knew she was toying with him now and asked, "Well?"

Mary smiled as she caressed his face, "Remember when we were building the house in Stockton and I asked you why there were so many bedrooms?" Jarrod just looked at Mary as she continued. She patted her tummy and said, "Looks like we'll be filling another one of those bedrooms dear."

Jarrod beamed immediately as he gently placed his hand on her stomach, "We're having a baby?"

Mary smiled as she nodded her head yes. Jarrod continued grinning as he leaned in to kiss his wife and growled, "That is one of the best gifts I have ever received."

The End