Chapter 20

"So, what have you decided to call this little one? Henry asked, as he stared down at his newest GG.

The Reagan clan had finally been able to meet their newest member a day after she was born. Her first day of life had been spent with her parents and big sister. They'd begun the bonding process.

"We've decided her name is Aurora Marie Reagan. Josie came up with Aurora and Marie is Eddie's middle name." Jamie announced.

"That's such a pretty name. I think she's growing into it perfectly." Erin said, referring to the fake that Aurora was sleeping and it just so happened she shared a name with Sleeping Beauty.

"Yeah, she's been mostly calm." Eddie said.

The family continued to talk for awhile longer until a doctor came in.

"Good afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Reagan, and clan. I'm one of the hospital's pediatricians. I was wondering if I could check out baby girl. I know I did her first check, yesterday, but I usually like to do at least 3 before they leave." The pediatrician said, rather straightforwardly.

"Uh, sure." Eddie agreed, handing Aurora over to Jamie. "Go with her, Jamie."

"We'll be back." Jamie said, as he kissed the side of Eddie's head.

He left with the baby in hand, following behind the pediatrician.

"Was I the only one who caught that? Mrs. Reagan?" Danny asked, suspiciously.

"It was just a mistake." Eddie lied, trying to avoid eye contact.

"Jamie taught me your lying tells. He said your always fidgeting with your hands. I know your lying." Danny called her out.

Eddie sighed and thought for a few moments.

"I guess there's no time like the present." Eddie took a deep breath before running her next words together. "Jamie and I may or may not have eloped."

Nobody said anything for several moments.

"Is anyone gonna say something?" Eddie asked nervously.

Frank took in a deep breath before responding.

"Why? Why did you two feel the need to elope?"

"Things between us and you guys weren't exactly great. We didn't want to wait any longer. One day, without telling anyone, even Josie, we went to the courthouse and got married. We are still planning to have a ceremony in the church, if that's what you're concerned about."

"When were you planning on telling us?" Erin asked.

"Um, probably at the wedding. I'm not really sure." Eddie looked at each one of them and saw disappointment on every one of their faces. Even Linda, the supportive one, looked disappointed. "I know you all must be mad at us, at me, but this was our decision to make. And don't think I somehow forced him into doing this. Jamie actually suggested the idea first. We both felt like we were ready, and that it was the right thing for us and our family. I also expressed my concerns about having another baby out of wedlock."

"Eddie, I can't speak for everyone else, but I'm not mad. I am happy for, really happy, it's just a shock. Jamie doesn't usually did things this rashly. He always goes by the book on everything. He never wants to step on any toes. It's just had to believe he would do this." Erin explained.

"Well, he did. We love each other, and we just wanted what we thought was best for our family. We didn't mean to step on any toes, or hurt anyone's feelings. We just wanted to make one decision that didn't involve everyone else."

The room went silent from then on. It remained silent until Jamie came back.

"Whoa, why does it fell like I just arrived in Antarctica?" Jamie asked, as he reentered the room.

"They found out about us eloping."

"Oh, that."

Jamie handed Aurora back to Eddie before talking again.

"We were gonna tell you, eventually, after the baby was born. We figured one big thing at a time was enough."

"Eddie explained it to us." Danny said.

"Ok, then why do you all look so disappointed?"

"It's just so unlike you. You're a Boy Scout. You always go by the book." Danny admitted.

"Well, last time I checked, there isn't really a book for the situation Eddie and I were in. No book means no rules to follow." Jamie was getting defensive.

"We're not mad at you, Jamie. We're just shocked. A baby and an elopement is a lot in 24 hours." Erin said.

"Well, we're married. I really don't care if you're shocked. It's not your place to be. We made this decision for the betterment of our family and our relationship. You can either suck it up and expect, or leave."

No one said anything. They couldn't believe Jamie had actually just stood up for himself like that.

"For the record, son, I'm happy for you two. I've realized I can't spend the rest of my life mad at what you did, Eddie. I've forgiven you. I'm happy for you." Frank said, a small smile forming on his lips.

After Frank's admission, the others' soon followed.

Their family was at peace once more.