The wedding party along with a few friends and Jane's sister Cathy sat in the private room in Laurel, an upscale French restaurant.

They dined on roast leg of lamb, which they told Mikey and Hunter was beef, and Quiche Lorraine. Instead of cake, they chose chocolate mousse and crème brulee.

Mike couldn't take his eyes off Jane. She was exquisite in her simple lace ivory gown. The fact that she was now his wife overwhelmed him but also filled his heart with joy.

"Dad?" Mikey said, touching his arm.

"Yeah?" Mike tore his gaze from Jane and looked at Mike who sat on his other side.

"You're really my Dad!"

"I am. Forever and ever, Mikey."

"I'm glad."

Mike leaned down and kissed the top of his head. "Me too, son."

"Can I have a brother? Hunter's getting two babies!"

"You never know, bud. That might be a possibility."

"Yes!" Mikey leaned over to Hunter and told him the good news. "Dad said I can have a brother, Hunt!"

"Awesome! I'm gonna have lots of kids when I get married."

"Me too."

"I'm gonna marry Opal."

"You are? When?"

"Fourteen years. But since we have to wait, we're going out on a friends date for ice cream."

"What's a friends date?"

"I don't know. Mom and Dad said it can't be romantic and we need to be just friends right now."

"You gonna kiss her, Hunt?"

"Friends don't kiss, do they?"

"I don't know but when Mom and Dad went on a date, they kissed."

"I'll ask Mom later."

….

About thirty minutes later, Lee and Rosemary, Margaret, and Cathy had gone home, leaving Jack and Elizabeth to take Mikey home with them while Mike and Jane went away for a few days.

"You be good, Michael," Jane told her son.

"I will, Mom."

"Go to bed when Jack and Elizabeth tell you to."

"I always do, Mom. I've stayed at their house before."

She nodded and hugged him and kissed his cheek. "I love you."

"Love you too." Mike gave him a hug next.

"See you soon, ok?"

"Bye, Dad."

"Thanks, Jack, for keeping track of him for a few days. We really appreciate it."

"Of course. It will be fun for them."

Jane gave Elizabeth a hug. "Thank you, for everything. I can't believe we pulled off this wedding in a month."

"It was lovely and you look beautiful, Jane."

"So do you. Those babies just make you glow, Beth."

"Maybe but I feel as big as a house and I'm not sure why I wore these shoes. Pretty sure I'll never feel my toes again."

Jane laughed. "Yeah, the heels might not have been the best idea, not at almost six months pregnant anyway."

"I guess it's a good way to get a foot massage from my hubby," Elizabeth chuckled.

"Hey, good idea. I might steal that."

"Ready to go, beautiful?" Mike asked, slipping his arm around Jane's back. "We have an hour drive to the inn."

"Inn?"

"Yeah. At Bowman's Hill. Jack said he and Elizabeth loved it for their honeymoon, so I thought we could try it out."

"Wow, I've always wanted to go there."

"Let's go, then."

"I'm ready." He smiled at Elizabeth and led his bride out of the restaurant to their car.

…

On their drive home, Hunter decided he would ask his question. "Mom?"

"Yes, sweetie."

"So when two people go on a date, can they kiss?"

"Normally, that is up to the two people, but if we are talking about you and Opal, the answer is nope."

"Why?"

"Remember the conversation we had about just being friends?"

"Yeah, but…"

"Sweetie, you are six years old. So is she. No kissing for quite a few more years."

"Alright."

Elizabeth squeezed Jack's hand and shook her head. She couldn't believe she was having a kissing conversation with their son. What did he know about kissing?

"Hunt," Jack looked at his son in the rearview mirror. "What did you ask that question? Do you want to kiss Opal?"

"I don't want to. It looks gross." He and Mikey both made a face. "I just thought I was supposed to do it."

"Oh," Jack laughed. "No you aren't supposed to. In fact, no kissing till you're 30."

"30? Okay, I can live with that."

When they got home, they told the boys to go get ready for bed and then they could watch a movie.

"So," Elizabeth said, rubbing her tummy. "That was certainly an interesting conversation on the way home."

"Yeah. Our son is almost 7 going on 17. Its crazy."

"You know, I think a foot massage sounds fun." She stepped out of her three inch heels and groaned. "No more heels for at least a few months."

He grabbed her hand and pulled her over to the couch and helped her lay down and then he slipped under her legs so that he had easy access to her feet. "How's this?"

"Oh my goodness. Amazing."

"Good. Just relax and I will take care of the boys."

She placed a hand on her tummy and closed her eyes, letting his hands work their magic on her sore feet.

Before she knew it, the boys were back down to watch their movie so Elizabeth woke up and with Jack's help, got up and headed upstairs.

….

A few days later, the newlyweds, extremely happy Hickam's drove back into Philadelphia to pick up their son. Their weekend away had been something out of a dream. Full of romance, laughter and love. Mike knew they only had those few days together before they went back to being a family of three, so he made sure to make every moment count.

"You look beautiful." He smiled at Jane from the driver's seat.

"You've been saying that non-stop since I came down the aisle," she giggled.

"It was true then and it's true now. Come to think of it, it has always been true."

"So the sweet talking doesn't end after the honeymoon?"

"Not if I can help it."

At the Thornton's, Hunter and Mikey sat at the Lego table in the living room putting the finishing touches of their Marvel city. The boys had a great weekend together full of skating, pizza, Legos and countless hours of playing with the two boy's extensive superhero action figure collection.

"Mom, can Mikey come back over later so we can play with our city?"

"Sure. Your dad has the rest of the week off. We'll talk to him about it when he gets home from the library."

Jack was feeling a little overwhelmed with putting the finishing touches on his lesson plans for the college. He'd gone to the library for a little peace and quiet, something that was hard to find in a house with two active boys.

After spending four hours there, he decided the plans were as good as they were going to get. He hopped into the car and drove home, making a quick stop at the local florist. It had been a while since he'd bought Elizabeth flowers.

Jack was stepping out of the car with a beautiful bouquet of red and white roses just as Mike and Jane pulled up in front of the house.

"Hey, newlyweds! How was the trip?"

"Perfect!" they said in unison.

"That's what we like to hear. Come on in."

"Nice flowers. You in trouble or just in love?" Mike teased.

"Completely in love, my friend. Take notes here. Don't be the guy that only gets his wife flowers when he's done something stupid."

"Note made." He leaned over to kiss Jane's cheek.

Jack opened the door and was greeted by Bruce. He howled loudly, letting the boys know someone was home.

"Mikey, your parents are here!" Jack called out as he tried to corral the hyper hound.

Mikey came running past Jack and leapt into his Dad's arms. "I missed you guys!"

"We missed you too!"

Elizabeth called Bruce into the kitchen and placed him in his crate. Holding on to the counter for help, she stood up again and walked in to see Jack.

"How's the prep work?"

"Good. Ready to submit, I think." Jack pulled the flowers out from behind his back. "For you."

"Jack, they're beautiful. Thank you." She kissed his lips. Elizabeth took the flowers from him then went to say hi to Jane. The two immediately began chatting about Jane's weekend.

"So how'd Mikey do? I hope it wasn't too much for Beth." Mike asked Jack.

"Nah, he was fine. In some ways I think it made life a little easier. Hunter always had someone to play with."

"Glad to hear it." Mike looked over at Hunter and Mikey, who had already gone back to playing. "I can do this right? I'm going to be a good dad?"

"You're gonna be a great dad. Trust me."

Later that night, Elizabeth reclined back in their bed with her book. She'd been trying to finish the same chapter for a week now but every night she'd sit down to read she'd be asleep before she finished the first paragraph.

Jack walked in from the master bath after his shower wearing nothing but a towel. Elizabeth took one look at him and felt as if she was having a hot flash. How could one man be so handsome? She looked down at herself. She was seven months pregnant and looked every month of it, in her opinion. Feeling self-conscious, she pulled the blankets up over her body, covering the cute maternity nightgown Jack liked so much.

"I was thinking about something today. We need to pick names. We've got two babies coming in two months and no names."

"Well, Hunter put in his top picks last week, remember?"

"Yes, but in case you didn't notice, they were all Marvel or Disney characters. I think we can do better."

Elizabeth laughed. "Good point. And since we are waiting to be surprised I guess we need two of each."

"True." Jack toss his towel in the hamper and pulled on a pair of shorts. "So for girl I like Angela and Sierra."

"I like Sierra, but I also really like Delaney."

"Delaney, huh? Okay. She might get called Laney more though."

"Fine by me. Now for boys I like Isaiah, Alexander, but we'd called him Xander for short."

"I like that. Xander. I also like Joseph and Liam."

"Sounds like we're off to good start!" She beamed as she looked down at her belly. "What do you think, kids? Mommy and Daddy pick any winners?" She laughed as she received a number of good kicks. "Well they either loved them or hated them. Hard to tell."

"Hey, go easy on your Mama. She's working real hard to keep you two safe and happy in there." Jack kissed her belly twice. "It's crazy. I love them so much and I don't even know who they are yet."

"I know the feeling." She smiled. "We've got two about to be born and one about to go on his first 'date'."

Jack laughed. "Oh goodness, spare me from this! I'm not ready!"

"Neither am I! At least it's just a playdate at the diner. It should pacify things for now. It's not like they're actually going to get married."

"At least not soon."

When Tuesday rolled around, Hunter was up in his room rummaging through his closet. Today was the big day, in his mind. His first date!

"No.. No... No…" Hunter spoke as he tried to pick the perfect shirt. Nothing seemed right.

Jack walked into the room a moment later. "Hey, Hunt we need to leave in about…. what are you doing?"

"What shirt is better?" He held up a red button down and a blue polo. Both of which were his church shirts.

"They're both nice."

"Not helpful, Dad. I need Mom." He walked to the doorway. "Mom!" He called down the hall.

"Sweetie, I'm downstairs!"

"I need your help!"

"Can I help you down here?"

"Why don't you head downstairs and show Mom your shirts. The babies are doing a number on her today. Don't make her climb the stairs more than she has too."

"Got it!" He ran down the stairs and went to stand in front of the couch where Elizabeth was resting. "Which one, Mom?"

"Hmm let's see. I think the polo makes you look cute, but the button down makes you look handsome."

"Handsome?"

"Yup, like your Dad."

"Button down it is!" He dropped the polo and ran back up the stairs.

"Hunter James! That's a clean shirt!"

"Sorry, Mom." He hurried back down to pick up the shirt, giving Elizabeth a kiss on the cheek as he ran back upstairs.

Elizabeth just laughed. "I love you, my sweet boy."

Fifteen minutes later Hunter sat in his booster seat in the car in his red button down with his hair combed back. He really did look very handsome for a little man.

Jack parked and helped Elizabeth out of her seat. They walked hand in hand following their son into Abby's dinner. Inside, they were immediately greeted by a warm smile from their old friend.

"Miss Abigail, I have a date tonight. Her name's Opal Wiese. When she gets here, just send her and her parents to the back booth."

"I will do that," Abigail tried with all her might to hide her laughter. Once Hunter had scurried down to the booth with Jack, she linked her arm with Elizabeth's. "Big day for the little man!"

"You have no idea. He's convinced this girl is the one. Can you believe it?"

"Well as sad as it may be to see your son ready to leave the nest, he can't actually go anywhere for a few more years." They laughed. "Plus these two babies aren't going anywhere for even longer."

"Thank goodness for that!"

Before long Opal and her parents, Susan and Charlie Wiese came into the diner.

"There he is, Mom!" Opal smiled brightly. She gave Hunter a small wave as she walked back towards the booth.

"Hi Opal! Opal's Mom and Dad. Nice to meet you!"

"Nice to meet you too, young man." Charlie shook the hand Hunter extended.

The four adults settled into a steady conversation as they got to know one another. Opal and Hunter sat next to each other in the large rounded booth enjoying their own conversation.

"I have to say," Charlie began. "When Opal came to me and said she wanted to go on a date, my heart nearly stopped."

"I know the feeling. Hunter has been so sure of himself when it comes to this too," Jack said with a laugh, trying to talk low so Hunter wouldn't hear.

"Can you imagine what they'll be like as teenagers?!" Susan said with a smile. "We are in trouble. Though I have to say, your Hunter is an incredibly sweet boy."

"Thank you," Jack beamed. "He's been a true blessing to us."

"So how long have you two been married?"

"A year and two months," Elizabeth answered.

"Oh, I just assumed you'd been together for a long while."

"It feels like that sometimes. In a good way." Elizabeth smiled at Jack. "Hunter, why don't you and Opal go over and try and get one of the stuffed animals from the machine." Elizabeth handed him some coins and they were off.

Once the kids focus was on the game, Jack filled the Wiese's in on their background. "Hunter came to live with me a few years ago through the foster care system. My first wife had passed and I felt the need to move forward with my life. Foster care had been a dream of ours. Then one day this beautiful woman entered our lives." He wrapped his arm around Elizabeth.

"I'm so grateful for my two men here. I lost my fiancé in the line of duty a few years ago. We were both officers with the Philadelphia PD."

"Oh dear, I'm so sorry. But I have to say it's a rich history you have. God taking three broken hearts and mending them together."

"That's exactly how we see it." Jack smiled.

"What do you do now, Elizabeth?"

"I'm still with the PPD. Although I basically spend my days riding the desk with this pregnancy."

"And you're planning on continuing after they're born?"

"I am, yes."

"I'm a teacher at the local high school, but come next year I'll be teaching at the college," Jack told them. "I'll have the flexibility we need to always have a parent at home with our kids."

"What do you both do?" Elizabeth asked, hoping to take the conversation off her job. She wasn't sure exactly what they thought of her being a mother and a cop.

"I work for a bank here in the city and Susan is at home now. She used to work at the hospital."

"What did you do at the hospital?" Jack asked. He couldn't help it, his curiosity made him wonder if Susan had possibly known his late wife.

"I was a social worker. Mainly helped the elderly."

Jack wasn't sure why, but he felt relieved that their jobs had probably never intersected. Elizabeth squeezed his hand. As if sensing his tension.

"I have to say, you're roles are a bit reversed form the norm. You being a mother and officer and you a teacher."

"Maybe, but it's what suits us. We're happy."

Charlie nodded. "That's all the matters."

The kids returned to the table just as the food was being delivered.

"So what do you think?" Opal asked her parents later as they were finishing dessert. "Can Hunter and I play together?"

Susan laughed. "I don't see why not. You have good judgment in picking friends, sweetie. Hunter is a sweet boy and we're truly enjoying our time with his parents."

"You think so too?" Hunter turned to his parents.

"No complaints here," Jack smiled at his son.

"Yes!" The two high-fived over their empty ice cream dishes.

"Next date at my place!" Hunter declared, making the adults laugh.