A week later…

Julie nervously waited for Tom at the pick up area in Philadelphia International airport. Six weeks. 43 days, actually. Whichever way she looked at it, it was forever not to see the man she loved.

"Julie," he said quietly, scaring her half to death. She had been staring out the window, watching the planes.

"Tom!" She stood and rushed into his arms, her lips on his within seconds. "Oh… my….goodness," she said between kisses. "Please don't leave me again."

"Its my job, Jules."

"I know. You've been gone for six weeks. I feel like being a little selfish." She kissed him once more. "Let's go. Tell me all about your trip."

As they drove, he gripped her hand and told her about the aborigines and the amazing pictures and stories he heard. His eyes lit up and he got so excited about them. She could hear how much he loved his job. That made her happy too but it made her a bit sad because that meant he would probably be gone a lot for his job.

"Jules?"

"Hm? Oh, I'm sorry. What were you saying?"

"I asked how your art class was going."

"Great actually. I have a big painting due in a few days. It's taken a few weeks to finish but pulling all-nighters has helped."

"You've been working all night?"

"Yeah. I have trouble sleeping lately."

"You feeling ok?"

"Aside from missing my boyfriend every second, sure, I'm fine."

"I missed you too, babe."

They pulled into the parking lot by his apartment. "You wanna come up for a bit?"

"Yes!" She blurted it out making them both laugh. "I wasn't ready to leave you yet."

….

Elizabeth looked down at her tummy, now definitely not flat. "Hello, babies." She turned to the side and lifted her shirt so she could see in the mirror. At almost twelve weeks with twins, she was for sure showing.

"Mama?" She dropped her shirt and turned toward Hunter.

"Hello, Hunter James. What can I do for you?"

"How are you feeling?"

"Pretty good."

"Do you feel good enough to take me to the store?"

"Hmm. Christmas present for Dad?"

"Yes!"

"Alright then. I need to get something for someone too. Let's go."

"Yes!"

After shopping, they headed to Abbie's. Elizabeth felt pretty good but knew she needed to eat something soon or it wouldn't stay that way.

Elizabeth adjusted her loose fitting t-shirt to disguise her growing belly, pulling her coat across her body, and then they walked in.

"Well, look who it is! My favorite Sargent and my favorite Hunter. This is the best day yet!"

Hunter hugged her. "Hi, Miss Abbie."

"Hunter James. It's good to see you." She gave Elizabeth a hug too and guided them to a booth. "So what can I get you two?"

"Burger, mustard and pickles, and extra fries, please. Oh and a chocolate shake with two cherries." Elizabeth smiled at his typical answer when they walked in. The boy must have a hollow leg.

"And you, Elizabeth?"

"Um. Can I get the grilled chicken sandwich with onion rings?"

"Coffee?"

"No thanks. I'll take water."

"You got it. Be back in a few."

Elizabeth felt her phone buzz in her pocket. "Its Dad," she told Hunter. "Hi, babe."

"Hey, where are you?"

"At lunch with Hunter."

"I'm just down the street. Mind if I join you?"

"I'll ask Hunter. Hey, Hunt, can Dad come eat with us?"

"Sure!"

"Ok, he said yes," she said with a laugh.

"Be there in a couple."

Jack joined them in the booth a few moments later. "Hey, beautiful. How are you?" He kissed her temple, slipping his arm around her shoulders.

"Good."

Abigail slipped their meals and Hunter's shake in front of them. "Hey, Jack. What would you like?"

"Shepherd's pie, please. And a soda."

"Ok, will do."

Elizabeth took a bite of her sandwich and closed her eyes. She thought it was heavenly. Honey mustard and red onions made the sandwich.

"Good, babe?" he asked with a laugh.

"Mmhm." The last few weeks, saltines and water had been her best friends. This was great. It had flavor.

She took a bite of her onion ring next and shook her head.

Jack stole a fry from Hunter and smiled. "Thanks, bud."

"Hey, get your own."

"Who's paying for this, Hunt?"

"Mom."

"Oh, well, sharing is caring." He took an onion ring that Elizabeth offered. "What were you two doing today?"

"Buying Christmas presents," Hunter told him.

"Oh yeah? What did you get me?"

"Nothin."

"Can I guess? How about a horse."

"Yeah, Dad. I bought you a horse with my allowance."

Elizabeth snorted. "He has a point."

"Um, a car. No wait, an airplane! Yes, that's it."

"You'll have to wait until Christmas morning at Pop and Grammie's, just like the rest of us."

"All right. That's only six more days. I guess I can wait."

"Dad, what did you get me?"

"A horse."

"Really? Cool!"

"Actually two."

Jack winked at Elizabeth. He couldn't wait. Thank goodness it was only six more days.

….

It was Christmas Eve day and Tom asked Jack out for lunch. He really needed to talk things through and who better with than his older brother. They went to the Chinese buffet downtown.

As they tackled plate number one, Tom began. "Jack, I need some advice."

"Ok. About Julie?"

"Yeah."

"I'll try. What's on your mind?"

"I love her, Jack. She's everything to me. I plan on proposing at New Years but…"

"But what?" he prompted.

"What if it's the wrong time? What if we aren't ready for that step?"

"What happened that makes you second guess yourself?"

"I guess it hasn't been very long and my job…I have to leave periodically and for weeks at a time. What if she doesn't want to deal with that?"

"You need to ask her, Tom. My guess is that she knows what she's getting in to. She knows what your job entails and she still loves you. Give her a little credit."

At Jack and Elizabeth's, the sisters were busy having their own conversation on the matter.

"I don't know if I can do this, Beth. I missed him so much. Six weeks took forever."

"Maybe there will be times you can go with him. You can paint or draw anywhere, right?"

"Yeah."

Elizabeth poured the hot cocoa into their mugs and added a few marshmallows. "You have to decide if his job is a deal breaker just because he has to leave once in a while or if having his love and loving him back is worth the whole thing."

"That's easy. I can't imagine not loving him. I want him in my life, Beth. He's wonderful and completely worth it."

"Well, there you go."

Elizabeth stood and grabbed herself a slice of bread and stuck it in the toaster. She needed to eat soon to keep her morning sickness away.

"You look pretty cute in Jack's t-shirt. It hides things pretty well."

"After tomorrow I won't need to hide it anymore. But, I like wearing Jack's shirts. Makes me feel close to him."

"Are you happy, Beth?"

"Yeah. Scared and a bit overwhelmed but happy."

She grabbed her toast and spread peanut butter on it and took a bite. Then she grabbed a Greek yogurt from the fridge. One of her favorite snacks and lots of protein.

"Mama!" Hunter yelled from upstairs.

"Yes, love."

"I don't know how to wrap this! Can you help, please?"

"I'll help him," Julie offered. "You feed that baby."

"Don't mind if I do." She took a bite and groaned. So good.

….

That night they drove to Tom and Charlotte's to spend the night so they would be there on Christmas morning. Jack carried in their big bag of presents, carefully placing them under the tree.

"Festive, Dad," Jack chuckled. It looked like the Christmas fairy blew up. Garland and wreaths and red bows, along with stockings and mistletoe and candles. The twinkle lights topped it off.

"Thanks! I think it is appropriately decorated."

Elizabeth walked in with Hunter and Bruce. She rolled their large suitcase behind her and carried Hunter's.

Jack immediately walked over and grabbed both. "I could've gotten these, honey. They're heavy," he whispered, kissing her cheek.

She decided not to mention that she was used to lifting heavy items. Her uniform belt and lead vest weighed about twenty pounds at least. She also lifted weights every day as part of her workout routine.

Charlotte heard Jack's concern and noticed Elizabeth's loose fitting sweater.

"Who wants popcorn?" Charlotte asked. "Time for the movie."

"Me!" Hunter yelled. He ran in the kitchen with Bruce on his heels, ready to help with popcorn.

"What's the movie this year, Dad?" Jack asked as he sat down next to Elizabeth and pulled her closer.

"Miracle on 34th street."

"I love that movie!" Elizabeth told them. "I watched it every year when I was a kid."

"Beth, honey, do you want some tea?" Charlotte called from the kitchen.

"Yes, please." Tom got up to put the DVD in and Jack took the opportunity to sneak a kiss from Elizabeth.

"Merry Christmas, Beth." She kissed him back and smiled.

"It is. I thought last year was perfect. Didn't think it was possible to top it."

Charlotte walked in and handed her a cup of tea, peppermint, and a bowl of popcorn. "Thanks, Charlotte."

By the halfway point of the movie, Hunter was out so Jack carried him into his room, leaving him in his clothes.

The next person to succumb to sleep was Elizabeth. Jack just enjoyed holding her as they finished the movie.

By the end, Jack and Charlotte were the only ones still awake. Tom was snoring in his recliner so Charlotte covered him with a blanket and left him there by the fire.

"Beth, baby, time to go to bed." He kissed her forehead.

"Mm." She smiled and snuggled closer, kissing his lips. "Let's stay here."

Charlotte chuckled at her half asleep daughter-in-law. "Goodnight you two. See you in the morning."

"Beth, come on. Lets go to our room." He stood and waited for her to wake up enough to walk, then he offered his hand and they wandered down the hall.

….

At around seven in the morning, Tom and Julie and William and Grace showed up for Christmas breakfast. Charlotte and Grace started tackling pancakes while Julie cut up fresh fruit and Tom cooked the bacon.

Elizabeth woke up feeling queasy. She moaned and tried to block the bacon smell wafting into their room.

"Beth? What's wrong?"

"Bacon." She covered her head with a pillow. "Why today? I've been feeling better." He handed her a box of saltines from their bag. She sat up and munched on the crackers, hoping that would help.

"Its Christmas!" Hunter said, running in and jumping on the bed. "Why are you eating crackers for breakfast? Grammie is making chocolate chip pancakes!"

"I'm not feeling the best, Hunt."

"Again?"

"Yes. Would you ask Grammie to make me some more tea, please?"

"Ok." He ran out to relay the message.

"I think we need to just spill the beans, Beth. It will make things easier in explaining why you're sick."

"I know. As soon as I can move and not throw up, we can tell them."

The crackers and tea helped so they wandered out a bit later.

"Morning, everyone."

"Morning," they all greeted. After hugs from her parents, Elizabeth and Jack grabbed five gifts from under the tree.

"I know that it's time to eat, but we want to give a few of you some presents before we eat." They handed each parent a box that looked identical and then a package to Hunter as well.

"On the count of three, everyone open at the same time," Jack told them.

"One, two, three!" Elizabeth told them, squeezing Jack's waist as she watched for reactions.

Tom had his unwrapped first. He looked up at them and then watched Charlotte. She burst into tears, even though she had known already. Then Grace and William looked at theirs and then rushed over to hug Elizabeth and Jack. Their mugs had said "We cant wait to meet you. Arriving in June."

"Wait! I'm confused!" Hunter said. "I got a t-shirt and they got mugs. Why is everyone so excited?"

Jack looked down. Hunter needed some direction. "Read the t-shirt, son."

He unfolded his shirt. "I'm the big brother." He looked at his parents. "I am? Wait. I'm going to be a big brother?"

Elizabeth nodded. "Yeah."

Tom gazed at his mug again. "Um, wait. This says, "We can't wait to meet you, Pop."

"Yeah, so, its twins," Jack told them. That brought on a whole other round of crying and laughing and hugs.

"Hunter, come here," Elizabeth told him, lifting him onto her lap. "What do you think?"

"Two babies?"

"Yeah. That's why I've been so sick, sweetie. I'm sorry you were worried."

"I'm not worried anymore, Mom. I'm happy."

….

With the secret out of the bag, Elizabeth felt much more relaxed. She didn't have to hide how she felt or the little bump of their babies anymore. The whole house was a buzz of energy over the news. It was another Christmas to remember.

After a yummy breakfast they all sat around the large glowing tree opening presents. Elizabeth had purchased a new lens for Jack's camera. One she'd noticed him eyeing at the mall a couple months back. His face lit up as he unwrapped the box. "This is great!" he'd said. "Just think of the pictures I can get of Hunt and the twins with this!" Elizabeth loved his excitement. He immediately took it out of the box and switched the lens with the one currently on his camera.

Hunter, who was super excited with his new collection of superhero action figures set up a shot for Jack. "Dad, come take pictures of Batman and Captain America climbing the Christmas tree!

"You got it!"

Everyone watched the photoshoot for a bit, enjoying the boys excitement.

"Are you going to do this every year, Jack?" William asked. "Surprise us all with some big news?"

"That's right!" Tom laughed from his seat on the couch, Julie snuggled close to his side. "Last year I wasn't here but you proposed, didn't you? And announced Hunt's adoption!"

Jack laughed, "It was a big start for our family. Though to answer your question William, I think we'll slow down a bit after this."

"I second that!" Elizabeth said taking a bbie out of one of her mom's soft sugar cookies.

"Wait!" William, said standing up from his chair. "Tom, we have one more don't we?"

"Yes we do!" Tom Sr., stood up as well. "To the garage everyone!"

As the all walked through the kitchen toward the garage Tom continued, "Now, this is a gift for everyone but it will live at Jack and Elizabeth's house. Sorry Tommy."

"That's okay. I think," he chuckled.

"Dad…" Jack was nervous. "You didn't get us another D-O-G did you?"

"You know I can read and spell, right Dad?"

"Oh, right…" Everyone laughed.

"Don't worry," William said still laughing. "Nothing like that. Come on Tom, let's show them what we got!"

They all stood in the chilly garage around what looked like a large table with a old sheet overtop.

"It's an old sheet." Tom said sarcastically. "You can keep it Jack."

"Just wait son." Tom Sr., pulled the old sheet off to reveal a large classic pool table.

"No way!" the Thornton boys yelled in unison.

"Its a pool table," Julie stated. "Is this one special or something?"

Jack and Tom immediately crawled underneath look for something on the underside. Apparently they found what they were looking for and started laughing.

"It's very special. Julie, Elizabeth, come look at this! You too Hunt."

Jack helped Elizabeth and Hunter slide in next to him. "See these marks, son?"

"Yeah. They're tic-tac-toe games. And... " He looked closer. "Hangman?"

The Thornton brothers laughed. "When we were kids, this pool table was at a camp that we'd all go to as a family. It was special to us because your Pop had to work a lot of long hours and sometimes we didn't see him much. But whenever we went to camp, we had a lot of fun as a family."

Tom took over, "This table was in the rec room there. Pop loved to play and he taught us too. Some times while he and Grammie would play, your dad and I would hide underneath reading and well, drawing on the surface here." Tom laughed. "I think our names are somewhere… yes. Right here."

"How'd you find it?" Jack asked as he and the rest of them came out from under the table.

"I had heard the camp closed a few years ago so I asked around. William here helped a lot. The guy that had it wanted a lot for it so William and I decided to split the difference. Our gift to you all."

"This is awesome!" Tom rubbed his hands together.

Elizabeth watched as the men examined the table. Leaning over to Grace, she whispered. "I think my news was overshadowed by a pool table."

"Never dear!" Grace laughed. "What in the world could beat twin grandchildren!"

"Triplets!" Julie giggled. "You never know. Maybe there's a third just hiding in there behind the others."

"Don't… even… joke…" Elizabeth warned.