Staying

"How are you feeling?" Jessica asked him.

"I've been better," Aaron smiled, "but I'm so happy to see you all again."

"We're glad you're safe." He smiled back. "How long do they say you'll have to stay?"

"A week," he answered frustrated. "At least I had it already scheduled off. Just not the way I'd expected to spend it."

"Honey, I asked if Evie and I could stay with you while you were here..." He looked up hopeful. "They said we can stay by your side." He smiled back at her.

He then looked at her concerned and answered, "Jack?"

"I'll look after him, Aaron," Jessica answered.

"Auntie Jessica says we'll visit every day after school," Jack added.

Aaron nodded silently thanking them. "Jack," he said gently.

"Yes dad," he answered walking over to the bed.

"Emily and I have some news for you."

"Are you getting married?" he asked excitedly.

"Yes we are," he smiled back at them. "Yes, we're getting married."

"Yes," he cheered. "I knew you were going to get married I knew it."

"I take it you're happy then," he smiled at his son. He was so glad Jack and Emily got along really well. He knew it from the moment he'd decided to go for it and ask her out for a date so many years after first falling for her.

"Jack, it's late. We'd better get home. You have school in the morning," Jessica said.

"Yes Auntie Jessica," he answered disappointed.

"We'll see dad and Emily again tomorrow," she reassured him.

"Straight after school?" Jack asked hopefully.

"Straight after school," she agreed. He smiled up at her. She then realised she was holding a Moses basket and added, "Oh Emily, I brought the Moses basket you asked for for Evangeline." She handed it over.

"Thanks Jessica," she smiled back taking it and placing it down by the bed.

Jack and Jessica then made their goodbyes and left promising to come back the next day.

Dave then shifted and said, "I think my arm's gone dead."

"I'll take her," Emily answered taking her daughter off him.

"I think it's time I went home too. You two going to be alright?"

"I think so," Emily smiled at Aaron while he smiled back. She then turned back to Dave and added, "Dave, once again thank you for bringing him back safely."

"I always will," he smiled getting up. "Would you like me to get Jessica to get you a fresh pair of clothes to bring with her tomorrow?"

"Yes please, that would be a great help," Aaron smiled.

"Anything to help."

"Thanks Dave, I really appreciate it."

"Anytime, my friend, anytime."

He smiled then left them alone with their baby. She looked down to see her daughter was asleep so placed her into the Moses basket kissing her forehead. She brought the blanket up to her chin.

She then sat back and saw Aaron trying to fight sleep. "Darling, it's alright. You're safe now. You can sleep. We're not going anywhere," she soothed.

He nodded and closed his eyes. She soon fell asleep herself.