"Well, if that's the case, we'll deal with it".
"You mean, you're not mad?"
"No, I'm not mad. You can't help that, if that's the case. Did you ever have a doctor check you to make sure you can't have kids?"
"No, I self-diagnosed".
"Self-diagnosed, based on what?"
"Darling, when I was in the Navy, I was on the prowl every weekend. Bill and I, we had a mission in mind and it was simply to get as much action as possible. And I admit, I wasn't responsible. I didn't protect my partners always. Hell, I barely remembered their names. About 5 years after I started the company, I received a visit from a young lady, who reminded me that we slept together years ago, and that she had contracted something at some point. She advised me to get tested. So, I found a doctor in the phone book, about an hour away. I wanted someone who didn't know me at all. And I was very honest and told him absolutely everything that I could remember, and he tested me for everything. Thankfully, somehow, some way, I was clean, and I've used protections ever since. But, in all those years, in all those encounters, I never once got a woman pregnant".
"Darling, there are tons of reasons as to why that never happened. And they might not even be your reasons. The women might have been on birth control. They might have been unable to conceive. They may not have been ovulating that day. Just because you didn't get them pregnant, that in no way means you won't be able to get me pregnant".
"You're right. I guess we should wait and see".
"And if you can't have kids, or if I can't have kids, then we can adopt. And if we don't do that either, it's ok. You and Max and Pa are really all the family I need".
He leaned over and kissed her.
"Now, let's celebrate your birthday properly".
***The Next Day***
Jennifer was at home, writing an article. She smiled when she heard Jonathan coming in.
"Hi darling, you're home early".
"Yes, I am. Because I have a surprise for you".
He came over and kissed her.
"Would you mind going to the bedroom so we can get it set up?"
"Sure, I guess".
She took her laptop to the bedroom and continued writing. About an hour later, he came and got her.
"Ok put this blindfold on."
He led her to the backyard and got her into position.
"Ok, you can take it off".
She slipped off the blindfold and started laughing.
"This is all ours for the next two hours".
He kissed her cheek.
They were standing next to a huge playground. Swings, slides, even a ball pit.
She threw her arms around his neck, and kissed him.
"You are so incredibly unpredictable and I love you for it".
For the next two hours, they raced each other on the slides, swung together, and Jennifer impressed him with her monkey bar skills. They even enjoyed the ball pit together.
"Darling, even if we never have children, and I promise you, I'm fine either way-but even if we don't…can we still get a swing set for the backyard?"
"Whatever your heart desires, darling".
***10 months later***
"Ok, Jennifer, one more curl and you'll be good to go. Hold still".
After every last hair was in place, and her dress was absolutely perfect, Lindsey handed Jennifer her flower bouquet, while Susan attached Jennifer's veil.
Jennifer had chosen an updo, that looked like a pile of messy curls, and then her veil came out from the bottom of that and was waist length. She wanted Jonathan to be able to see her, instead of having to flip a veil over her head.
Lindsey was wearing a black sequin cold shoulder dress, that was floor length and mermaid style. It looked amazing on her.
Susan, Laura, and Vanessa were wearing black sequin strapless gowns, that were also mermaid style. They were all wearing black sequin peep-toe heels.
Jennifer's dress was strapless, with a sweetheart neckline. It was asymmetrically draped and flounced, and fit her perfectly. She had white strappy stilettos on, with a blue lace garter and her mother's diamond earrings and necklace.
She and the florist had chosen purple and light green flowers to decorate the alter with, and her bride's bouquet was the same way.
"Jennifer, are you and Jonathan exchanging wedding gifts?"
"Yes. I told him to add his gift to me to the honeymoon, and I'm giving his gift to him when we get to the hotel tonight".
"Ahhhhh, I just bet you are".
"No, not that. It's a real gift. But it's sentimental, so I want to see him open it".
Stephen came in just then.
"Sweetheart, you look so beautiful. Just like your mother".
"Thank you, Pa".
He kissed her cheek.
"So, what's the plan?"
"Well, this place is a vineyard, so we are getting married out in the vineyard, and the reception is inside. Dinner, dancing, the whole works. Ceremony is taking place right before sunset, then the reception is right afterwards".
"Wonderful, sweetheart".
The photographer came and told Jennifer it was time for her secret meeting with Jonathan.
She handed her flowers to Lindsey, and went with the photographer.
"Ok, so we are going outside, and there are these columns, that will be perfect for this. You guys will be able to hold hands around the corner, and talk to each other and I'll snap a few pictures and then give you a few minutes.
Jennifer got in place, and then the photographer put Jonathan in place.
She got their hands together, and then let them do the rest.
"Hi honey".
"Hi baby. You nervous?"
"I'm a wreck".
"Me too. But I know I'll calm down as soon as I see you walking down the aisle".
"And I'll calm down when I see you too".
She squeezed his hand and he squeezed hers back.
"Promise me you'll walk down the aisle to me, baby."
"Jonathan, if I was going to run out on you, I would have already done it. I love you, you know that".
"I love you too".
"I got you a few honeymoon gifts, darling. I can't wait to give them to you".
"I got you a few honeymoon gifts too".
"I missed you last night, I hated sleeping alone without you".
"Same. I almost called you at 1 a.m.".
"You could have, I was awake".
"I promise to make you happy, darling. However I can".
"I promise the same. I love you, all my heart".
The photographer told her it was time for them to go, so they took Jonathan first. A few minutes later, they came and got Jennifer and took her back to the bridal suite.
"How is Jonathan?"
"He's almost as nervous as I am. He made me promise I wasn't going to leave him at the altar."
They all thought that was so cute.
The wedding coordinator came and lined them all up, and took them to the entrance of the ceremony.
The women were sequestered behind a screened panel.
Jonathan and Max walked down the aisle to "Babe", by Styx. Bill, James and Drew went and stood by Max.
Susan, Laura and Vanessa walked down the aisle to "You're the One that I Want", by Olivia Newton John.
Everyone stood up for Jennifer and Stephen to make their entrance.
She took his arm and the doors opened.
Jonathan's eyes immediately welled up with tears.
Jennifer and Stephen walked down the aisle to "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton.
The minister stepped forward and told everyone to have a seat.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…"
Jennifer's heart was beating a mile a minute.
"If there is anyone here who feels that this woman and this man should not be married, speak now or forever hold your peace".
A few seconds later, he continued.
"Who gives this woman to this man?"
"Her mother and I".
Stephen kissed Jennifer's cheek, and then shook Jonathan's hand. He placed her hand in Jonathan's, and they immediately laced their fingers together.
"Jonathan and Jennifer, love is intentional, and so is marriage. You have to keep your marriage alive by working at it night and day. It is not 50/50, it is 100/100. If you truly think you have what it takes to make your marriage work, you will vow to be intentional in your marriage each and every day. Jonathan, is it your intention to marry Jennifer?"
"Yes, it is".
"Jennifer, is it your intention to marry Jonathan?"
"Yes, it is".
"Jonathan and Jennifer have elected to write their own vows. Jonathan, when you're ready".
Jennifer handed her flowers to Lindsey and then he took both of her hands.
"Baby, we met under not so normal circumstances. And there was just something about you. that I couldn't resist. I fell in love with you long before I realized it had happened. I promise that for every day of the rest of your life, you will never have to question whether or not I love you. No matter what obstacles life puts in our path, we will overcome them together. I promise I will never stop protecting you, providing for you, loving you, and making sure your dreams come true and making sure you are happy. I cannot wait to go on life's adventures with you. From this day forward, I will always let you steal the covers, snuggle with me on the couch, wear fuzzy socks to bed, and wear my t-shirts. As long as I have you, we can get through anything, and I know for a fact that with every passing day, my heart will only love you more".
Jennifer dabbed at her eyes and then Lindsey handed her vows to her.
"Jonathan, the day I met you was one of the craziest days of my life. And then slowly, but surely, we turned a contentious work relationship into a wonderful friendship. And just when I had given up hope of ever seeing you again, you surprised me and since then, we've been inseparable. And even though love didn't come easy to us, we fought for it and made it work and won the battle. You have this magical way of calming me down, of knowing what I need before I do, and you keep managing to surprise me out of left field each and every time. I promise you that each day as your wife, you will be my priority above everything else. Loving you is the easy part, and as long as I get to kiss you every night and wake up to you every morning, there won't be anything we can't get through. I love you, with all my heart. And I love you the most".
He smirked at her. She blew him a kiss.
"Jonathan and Jennifer will now exchange rings."
Max handed the rings to the minister. Jennifer's rings were two thin diamond bands on either side of her engagement ring. Jonathan's was platinum, with a woven edge.
"Jonathan, place Jennifer's rings on the third finger of her left hand, and repeat after me: Jennifer, I give you this ring as a symbol of my commitment to always love, honor, and respect you all the days of my life".
"Jennifer, I give you this ring as a symbol of my commitment to always love, honor, and respect you all the days of my life".
"Jennifer, repeat after me, as you place his ring on the third finger of his left hand: I give you this ring as a symbol of my commitment to always love, honor and respect you all the days of my life".
"Jonathan, I give you this ring as a symbol of my commitment to always love, honor, and respect you all the days of my life".
"Jonathan and Jennifer, by the powers vested in me by the State of California, I know pronounce you husband and wife. I must state for the record at the request of Jennifer that it is now 7:14 p.m. Sir, you may kiss your bride".
Jonathan wrapped his arms around her and lifted her up as he kissed her.
Everyone applauded for them, and then she took her flowers back from Lindsey, and laced her fingers through Jonathan's.
"Everyone is invited to join our newlyweds in a reception inside the venue, here at the lovely San Ysidro Vines and Vineyards. It is with great pleasure and privilege that I introduce to you, Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Hart".
They walked up the aisle to "Everlasting Love", and then headed into the bridal suite.
She gave him several kisses, and then her dad came in along with the other bridesmaids.
"Beautiful ceremony sweetheart. Son, glad to have you officially in the family".
"Thank you, Pa".
"Thank you, sir".
They went and took tons of pictures, and then joined their reception.
Their first dance was to "At Last", and then they were taken to a table where they got to eat dinner together. Jonathan had requested that they go beyond just appetizer foods, so all the guests were having prime rib, grilled chicken, salad, mashed potato bar, and rolls.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it is now time for the bride to have a dance with her father".
Jennifer and Stephen shared a dance, and then Jennifer danced with Walter, since he had helped raise her also. He was very touched that she had thought to include him.
The wedding cake was vanilla, with banana filling, and vanilla buttercream. The outside of the cake looked like it was wrapped in tissue, and their topper depicted a man dipping a woman and kissing her.
Around 10, they had done all the wedding tradition stuff, and were ready to leave. They packed up their things, took a generous to go box from the caterer, and Max packed the car for them while they said goodbye to Stephen.
"Thank you, Pa. We'll call you when we get back from our honeymoon".
"Very well, have fun, you two."
"If you need a ride to the airport, call Max, ok?"
"Sweetheart, I'll be fine. Don't worry about me. I love you".
"And now, ladies and gentlemen, the bride and groom are going to address their guests, and then they will head out."
Jonathan and Jennifer walked to the microphone. She linked her arm through his.
"We want to thank everyone for coming tonight. It means the world to us that you all wanted to celebrate with us. Please, take a favor with you on the way out. Darling, what do you say that for our honeymoon, we take a 3-week Mediterranean cruise through Italy, Greece, Croatia, and Spain? Is that ok with you?"
She leaned up and kissed him and hugged him.
Everyone was clapping for them, and they headed to the receiving line.
Jennifer was thrilled that everyone was loving their favors. Since they had gotten married in a vineyard, she had put together a wine glass with their initials and wedding date, a mini corkscrew, and a coupon for a free bottle of wine from a national wine distributor.
A few minutes later, after everyone was in place, Max brought the car around. Bill and James and Drew had decorated Jennifer's convertible with streamers, beer cans, a banner across the back of the car, and some crazy bumper stickers.
They walked down the receiving line, with everyone holding lit sparklers, and then stopped in the middle to kiss for a couple of pictures.
He helped her into the car, and then climbed into the front seat next to her. she waved to everyone as they headed to their wedding night destination.
Jennifer laced her fingers through his as they rode along.
"Darling, can you reach into the backseat and get the food boxes? See what's in them?"
"Sure".
She grabbed them, and opened them.
"Salad, and two pieces of wedding cake and rolls".
"How about we pick up something?"
"Yes please".
They picked up Shake Shack, and then continued on to their hotel.
She was so delighted when she realized they were staying at W.
Once they were checked into their room, she changed out of her dress.
"Darling, can you unzip me, please?"
"I would love to, Mrs. Hart".
"Thank you, Mr. Hart".
She slipped into a black lace nightgown and robe, and then they sat down and ate.
They talked about what they liked about the wedding and what they wished they would have done differently.
Pretty much, neither of them would change a thing.
"So, tell me the details of our Mediterranean cruise".
"Well, tomorrow, we are going home because I realized that I forgot a few things".
"Good, because I'll need to pack some more clothes".
"And then tomorrow night, we are flying to New York and staying at the penthouse. And then Monday morning, we are flying from New York to Venice. We are spending two days in Venice, and then we board the ship, and make our way through Italy, Greece and Spain. We end in Croatia, and then we fly back to New York. Spend a night or two in New York, and then fly home".
"I love that".
After they were done eating, she got his gifts out of her suitcase.
"Ok, darling, you go first".
He opened the first one. It was a gold keychain, that was engraved in her handwriting that said "I love you the most. The end. I win", with a heart.
"I love it. Very creative".
He handed her a package.
"Ok, your turn".
She opened the package and found a Christmas ornament, with the Senate Rotunda on it, and the date she testified and their initials painted underneath.
"Oh darling, I love it. It's so…us".
She leaned over and kissed him.
"I can't wait to hang it on our Christmas tree".
She put it back in the box and then handed him his final present.
She scooted back against the pillows and then pulled the covers back so he would come join her.
He climbed under the covers and opened the final present.
As soon as he saw it, his jaw dropped open and he looked at her in astonishment.
"How on earth did you…."
"Darling, turn it over".
He turned the gift over, and saw that there were initials engraved on it.
"PSE+MSH. What does that mean?"
"Darling, this watch was my grandfather's. Those are his initials-Paul Stephen Edwards, plus my grandmother's, Mariellen Suzanne Harris. This was the watch she gave to him on their 50th anniversary".
"Wait a minute. You mean, this watch, the Plasko 9094, was your grandfather's?"
"Yes, that's correct".
"How did you get it?"
"Darling, remember when we first met and you told me you collect watches? It was that night in your penthouse in New York and we weren't official yet, and we had just gone to dinner. Anyways, you told me that you collected these watches and I told you that my grandfather left me his watch collection".
"Yes, that's right".
"So, almost 2 months ago, I went to the safety deposit box, to put some papers in. And I remembered the watches, so I looked through the list, and saw Plasko. So, I removed it, took it to a watch appraiser, called Pa, he confirmed that his father had a genuine Plasko, and then the appraiser confirmed that it was one of the 10 made of this model, that it was genuine, not a fake, and then I knew I wanted to give it to you, and I figured I would give it to you as a wedding gift. I wanted to see you open it, though, so that's why I didn't send it to you at the Vineyard".
"This is so incredibly thoughtful and special and I just can't believe it".
"I got it a new battery, and had him clean up the parts and all that. You should be able to wear it right away".
"Oh no. I'm not wearing this on our honeymoon. I'm not taking any chances".
She giggled.
"Darling, can we set aside some time to go look at the other watches he left you?"
She smiled at him, and then went and got a box out of her suitcase and brought it back.
He opened it, and found all the watches.
He looked at each one, thoroughly impressed by the collection.
"So, where do you want to put these?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, we could get one of those dressers with a watch drawer, I suppose. Although I guess in your case, we will need to have a dresser of nothing but watch drawers made".
"Darling, these belong to you, we should put them where you want them".
"Jonathan, I appreciate that. But you are my husband now, and these are all men's watches. I wasn't left these watches because Granddaddy thought I would enjoy wearing them. I was left these because I was the only grandchild".
"Well, then I suppose I like the watch drawer idea. I'm so shocked, I don't know what to say".
"No words are necessary".
She leaned over and kissed him.
They carefully packed up the watches and then put them back in the box and she got up and put them back in her suitcase.
"Darling, I added Max to the safety deposit box also, just in case".
"Wonderful idea".
She snuggled up to him, and he put his arm around her.
"What a wonderful day".
"Yeah. What a long, wonderful, exhausting day".
"Was it everything you dreamed it would be?"
"Yes, I think so."
He kissed her, and then passionately made love to her. It was exhilarating, intense, frantic and beautiful.
As they fell asleep, they wrapped their arms around each other.
"Goodnight, Mr. Hart".
"Goodnight Mrs. Hart".
***The next morning***
They checked out of the hotel around 10, and loaded the car. Jonathan took the beer cans off, but they left the streamers and the just married sign.
"Darling, there's one more place I want to take you".
"Ok".
She put her sunglasses on and sat back and enjoyed the drive.
About 40 minutes later, he said "Ok, here we are".
She looked up and realized they were headed into the canyon.
"We can pull out of the contract if we want to. If not, our move in date will be in 30 days from this Friday".
He pulled them up to a house that had an expansive gate in front, and punched in a code. The gate opened, and he drove them down a winding driveway to a house that was set back a good ways.
Finally, the house became clear.
"Oh, darling. I love it! How did you find it?"
"The realtor called me and I came and looked at it, and then I decided I wanted this to be a wedding gift. So, I paid them asking price, and we have till this Wednesday to pull out of the contract if we don't like it."
"Do you think we'll like it?"
"Actually, I'm betting you'll love it".
They parked and got out and he got the key out of the key keeper, and they went inside.
He just kind of stood back and let her go through each room and look at it for herself.
He was downstairs in the kitchen when she came downstairs and found him.
She didn't say anything, she just went to him and kissed him several times.
"You mean it?"
She nodded.
He picked her up and swung her around.
They headed back to the other house then, and he called the realtor and told her it was a keeper.
"We'll sign the papers with you in a few weeks when we get back from our trip".
It only took them a couple of hours to get all packed for the honeymoon.
Jennifer was worried about Max.
"Are you going to be ok with us gone for 3 weeks?"
"I'll be fine. I'll probably go to Vegas for a few days. I'll spend the rest of the time packing my room and packing up non-essentials for you guys. You two go have fun".
"Thanks Max".
She kissed his cheek.
"See you later, Max. We'll be in touch".
They boarded the plane, and got settled.
They had picked up lunch, so they got that ready and then Jonathan popped them some champagne and poured them each a glass.
"To my gorgeous wife".
"To my handsome husband".
"Happy Honeymoon to us".
"Happy Honeymoon to us indeed".
He kissed her, and then they clinked glasses and took a sip.
***3 years later***
"Come on, Jennifer, you're doing great. Just a little bit longer".
"I can't, darling. I don't have it in me".
"I know you're tired. But I promise, just a little more and it will all be worth it. What if we count to ten, ok?"
They counted to ten as she pushed, and a few pushes later, their daughter was born.
"She's here! And she looks just like you".
He kissed her and then went and stood by the baby while they got Jennifer cleaned up.
The nurses cleaned up the baby and brought her to Jennifer and they did skin to skin right away.
"Darling, go find Max."
"You got it. I love you".
"I love you too".
He gave her a couple of kisses and then headed to the waiting room.
Max was sitting with Stephen.
"We have a baby girl!"
"Splendid1"
"Two Jennifers, is really what we have. She looks exactly like Jennifer".
"Can't go wrong with that".
"She's in the 4th room on the right, if you want to go in. I'm going to call the office".
He walked over to the phone and dialed a number.
"Hello, Hart Industries, how can I help you?"
"Hi Deanne. It's Jonathan. Baby's here, mom and baby are doing great. It's a girl".
"Wonderful!"
"Jennifer and I appreciate the love and well-wishes, and we respectfully ask for no visitors at the hospital. We are planning on bringing the baby to the office in a few weeks".
"I'll pass the word along."
"Stanley is in charge, until I come back. I'm going to take a few weeks off to get Jennifer through the first few weeks."
"Got it. Congratulations Mr. Hart. Does she have a name?"
"Not yet".
He hung up and headed back to Jennifer.
Max and Stephen were standing outside.
"Son, we waited for you in case she wasn't decent".
"No problem".
Jonathan peeked in and then brought them in.
"Hi Max, hi Pa!"
"Hi sweetheart! Hey there, sweet pea!"
"Hey there toots".
"Does she have a name yet?"
"Not just yet. We had a couple of contenders but we need to decide".
"Ok darling, what was on the list?"
"Jaycie Suzanne, Jaycie Charlotte, Jenna Suzanne, Jenna Charlotte, and Jolie Suzanne, or Jolie Charlotte."
"Max, what's your full name?"
"Maxwell Charles Brennan".
"Pa, what's your full name?"
"Stephen Charles Edwards".
"Jaycie Charlotte Suzanne is my favorite. Suzanne after me and momma, and Charlotte after you, and both of her grandpas".
"I love that."
"Ok, it's official princess. You are now Miss Jaycie Charlotte Suzanne Hart. You are named after the most special people ever".
She kissed her head a few times.
Jaycie started to cry so Jennifer opened her gown to feed her. it took a minute, but she got the hang of it.
"How was the delivery, sweetheart?"
"Long. My water broke yesterday afternoon, just before Jonathan got home. And then it took me a long time to go from 3 cm to 5, which is when they let you have an epidural. And then it seemed like it was pretty quick to go from 5 to 10, and then we started pushing and I didn't think we'd ever stop. But Jonathan was right by my side and it was all worth it. She's a little on the small side, 5 lbs., 5 ounces. And I think she's going to be tall like Momma. She's 22 ½ inches long".
"Probably so".
As soon as Jaycie was finished eating, Jennifer changed her diaper and then laid her on the bed in front of her. Jaycie was whimpering.
"Darling, I think she's whimpering because she doesn't like her outfit. Can you get her bag please?"
"Jennifer, she doesn't even know that she has clothes on".
"Can you just get it, please?"
He grabbed the bag and she selected a pink sparkly outfit with a black tutu, and a black sparkly headband.
"There, I bet that feels better".
"Say no it doesn't, I feel ridiculous Mommy, don't you Sugar?"
"Jonathan! She does not. And besides, she looks adorable. And sometimes, you have to feel uncomfortable for the sake of looking cute".
"Pa, you want to hold her?"
"Certainly".
She passed him over.
"Hi sweet pea. I'm your Poppy. And I want to tell you a little secret. Your mommy is nuts. Straight up nuts."
Jennifer cracked a smile.
"Max, what's your granddad name?"
"I'm Papa Max, Mrs. H."
"I love it".
Max and Stephen took turns holding the baby and then gave her back to Jonathan and Jennifer.
"Ok princess. It's time for our beauty routine".
She undressed her and got out some lavender baby lotion.
Jonathan smelled it.
"Darling, is this that same stuff you like to put on my back that feels like you're setting me on fire?"
"No, silly. This is lotion. That's body scrub".
"Son, you let my daughter set your skin on fire?"
"There's no letting. It just happens".
"It does not. Pa, I was giving him a back massage and I used some sugar scrub on him, and he freaked out".
"What is sugar scrub?"
"It's a paste that has grains of sugar in it and you rub it on your skin and it exfoliates your dead skin and revitalizes your skin cells and helps you produce collagen".
"It feels like your being stabbed with about 40 needles at once".
Jennifer got the baby all lotioned up and then dressed her in another outfit that said "Daddy's girl".
"That's right, sugar. You are daddy's number one girl."
He scooped her up and kissed her and then settled her on his chest.
"Well sweetheart, I'm going to head to my hotel. I'll come by and see you tomorrow".
"We love you, Pa. I'm so glad you're here".
"Mr. Edwards, I'll give you a lift".
"Max, are you going too?"
"Yes Mrs. H. I got a hot date with the Queen of Hearts".
"We love you too, Max".
When it was just the three of them, Jennifer relaxed a bit.
Jonathan put his arm around her, and she leaned on his shoulder.
"Princess, we promise, we have no clue what we are doing. But we are going to try our best. We love you so much".
"Mommy's right, sugar. You go easy on us, and we'll go easy on you".
He gave her a few kisses and then kissed Jennifer a few times.
"Darling, I'm exhausted. I'm going to take a little nap. Wake me up if she starts crying, ok?"
"You got it".
Once he knew Jennifer was asleep, he started talking to the baby.
"Ok sugar, father/daughter time. You probably have a ton of questions for us, like who we are and all that. Well, I'm daddy. And the beautiful lady next to us, that's your mommy. And we love you so much. Now, I bet that before you were born, you were up in Heaven being loved on by my mom and dad, and by mommy's mom too, huh? Well, I think that's great. I bet you met someone else too. Your brother. Or maybe your sister. Mommy thinks you have a sister. But I knew you had a brother. See, mommy came to me a long time ago and told me that we were going to have a baby. And I was so excited, and mommy was too. But that baby was so special that it had to go straight to heaven. See, you're supposed to come here first, and then in a really, really long time from now, you go back to heaven. That's just how it works, I don't make the rules. But the really special ones, they go to heaven early, and that's what your brother or sister did. Mommy and Daddy were very sad and Daddy was very worried about Mommy. And then, one day Mommy wasn't feeling well, and Daddy kept saying "go to the doctor". So, Mommy finally listened to Daddy, and then that night, Daddy came home and Mommy was in the kitchen, and she told Daddy to close his eyes. And then she told Daddy to open his eyes, and when he did, she was holding a jar of pickles and a tub of ice cream. And she had the happiest, biggest smile on her face that daddy had seen in months. And that's how she told me you were going to be born. Now, I have to apologize to you. See, Mommy is going to go overboard in the coming days and put all kinds of outfits on you, and dress you up like you're meeting the queen and she's going to put bows on your head. I'm sorry. Sugar, it makes her happy, and Daddy wants her to be happy instead of seeing her sad all the time, so we just have to let her play dress-up, ok? We have to keep mommy happy, sugar because she does so much for us. She takes care of us, so well. She loves us, more than we know. And we love her too. Without Mommy, Daddy would just fall apart. Mommy is Daddy's everything, sugar. She's kind, and caring, and she puts everyone else first. And trust me, she's quite a looker. So, we are going to take it easy on Mommy, ok? Ok". He gave her several forehead kisses and then covered her with a blanket.
They all slept for two hours, and then Jaycie woke up crying.
Jennifer woke up and fed her and changed her, and then went and took a shower.
They stayed in the hospital for two days and then they were discharged.
After the car was loaded, they wheeled Jennifer and Jaycie to the front of the hospital.
Jonathan got them all in the car.
"Anywhere special we need to go?"
"Home, Mr. Hart".
"You got it, Mrs. Hart".
And they lived happily ever after…