So I had a little free time today and I got another chapter out. I thought it was time for a happier chapter :) There also will be a time jump…. Hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Chicago P.D. or Chicago Fire.

Chapter 18

6 months later

It had been six long months that Jay had been stationed at Fort Benning. He missed his girls something terrible. He'd skyped and talked to them as much as he could, but it wasn't enough. He was past ready to go home. JayJay was getting so big. She was talking more and growing like a weed.

Erin had been working desk for six months, but she wasn't complaining. She said it was what was best for the both of them. She was staying safe and JayJay was happy to always have her mama in sight. JayJay was also loving all the attention she would get from her Grandpa Hank and all her uncles and aunts.

Erin had eventually gone back to their apartment a month after Jay had deployed. Most nights Hank stayed over, but sometimes Kim, Nadia, Will or even Antonio would stay with the girls. Erin didn't like feeling like she was a burden on them, but she enjoyed the company too much to complain. Besides, JayJay loved all the attention. There were days when she would continually ask about Daddy, but for the most part, she had adjusted a lot better than Erin.

Emmalyn had asked to see JayJay about two months after Jay had deployed. She'd completely recovered from her attack, and she wanted to see her daughter before agreeing to another assignment. Erin talked it over with Jay who refused Emmalyn's request. He said it would be too confusing on JayJay, especially since he was gone. Erin agreed.

Emmalyn was not the least bit happy she was denied, and demanded to talk to Jay. Erin had to tell her that Jay was deployed, and Emmalyn said she was going to fight like hell to get her daughter back then. Erin, not so kindly, reminded her that she didn't have a daughter anymore, and she could try but she wouldn't win. Erin never heard another word from her. She learned from the Commander that Emmalyn had taken an undercover assignment upstate and wouldn't be around for at least a year. Erin breathed a sigh of relief. She was just anxiously awaiting the adoption papers so that JayJay would officially be hers and Emmalyn would have even less control then.

Jay had received word yesterday that he would be returning home by Friday this week. He wanted to tell Erin, but he wanted it to be a big surprise. He'd sent Voight an email asking him to call him today, and he couldn't wait to share the news. He also wanted to ask Voight a major question so he was anxiously anticipating the call.

An hour after the email was sent, Jay's phone rang. It was nice that he had been able to keep his personal cell on him; it was a first, but he was state side so he guessed that was why. When he answered the phone it was Voight.

"Sarg, so good to hear from you."

"Likewise Halstead. How are things?"

"Things are really good. Look I need your help with something."

"Okay what is it?"

"I found out yesterday that I fly home Friday for good. I want to surprise Erin and JayJay though so I don't want to tell them. I was hoping that maybe you could pick me up from the airport and help me set up the surprise…?"

"Of course! Just send me the flight info when you get it."

"Thank you so much. Also, I had another question."

"The answer is yes Halstead. You don't even have to ask."

"You don't even know what I was going to ask, Hank."

"Yes, I do. And my answer is yes. Your girls will be excited."

"Thanks, look I hate to cut this short but I hear the CO paging."

"No problem. Talk to you soon."

Jay hung up and went to his meeting. His steps were lighter because he was so happy to return home.

Friday rolled around, and Jay loaded his stuff on the plane. In just a few short hours both of his girls would be in his arms. Hank was meeting him at the airport; Antonio was having Erin help him set up for a party at his house for later that day. She wasn't sure why Tonio was having a party, but she was just excited to have a reason to celebrate. Life had been so dull without Jay. She missed him terribly, and she knew his absence had had an effect on the rest of the team. Everyone else seemed to have lightened up this week, and most of their spark had returned. She felt she was being left out, but she was just glad to see her family happy again. She would only be truly happy when Jay returned.

Once everything was set up, Erin took advantage of Antonio's guest room and laid down with JayJay to nap. Tonio promised to wake her when the party started. Erin had no idea how long she had slept, but she could hear music playing and people laughing. JayJay was sitting up in bed talking to herself happily.

"Why, hello, baby girl. Did you have a good nap?

JayJay giggled. "Yea mama." She had just recently started calling her "mama" instead of mommy, and Erin loved it. It seemed more personal to her. Erin picked her up and nuzzled her stomach making JayJay laugh all the more. "Come on pretty girl, let's get your dress on and head down to the party."

"Cake, mama, cake!"

Erin laughed, "Of course baby, there will be cake."

JayJay giggled and clapped. "Daddy?" she questioned.

Erin sighed. She hated when JayJay asked because she always had to disappoint her girl, but she couldn't just lie to her. "Daddy will be home when he can baby. I don't know when that will be." JayJay laid her head on Erin's shoulder. "Ok, mama." Erin kissed her head. "Come on, time to be happy not sad. Uncle Tony is having a party." Erin tried cheering her up, but she knew that the only thing that would really cheer her and her baby up would be for Jay to come home.

Once downstairs, Erin saw that all of Intelligence and CFD were present. She went to the kitchen to get something to drink. Hank pulled her to the side. "Get JayJay and come with me. I have a surprise for you."

Erin was confused. Hank had been gone most the day, but she hadn't thought anything about it. Erin picked JayJay up and told her that Grandpa had a surprise for them. He led them to the living room. "This came to the precinct today while you were here. I figured it was pretty important." There was a big manila folder sitting on the table. Hank took JayJay as Erin sat down and opened the envelope. What she pulled out brought tears to her eyes.

JayJay's adoption papers had finally come through. Jaylyn Faith Halstead was now legally Erin's daughter too. "Oh, Hank. Thank you! Thank you!"

"I thought you might like that. Oh & there is another surprise outside for you. We set up this party for both of you. I think you will like this surprise as well."

Erin nodded as JayJay reached back for her mother. Erin noticed that while they had been in the living room, everyone had moved outside. Hank went on ahead of them. "JayJay can you believe everyone threw this party for us? And guess what baby, you are officially mine!"

JayJay clapped even though she really didn't understand what Erin was saying. "OK baby, ready to go see our surprise." JayJay nodded. Erin set her down to let her walk; she was really getting too big for Erin to carry, but she still did it occasionally. The music had changed and was just softly playing. Everyone was just kind of whispering, and not really talking. When she opened the door, all conversation seemed to stop. JayJay tried running on, and Erin was standing their confused.

A few people moved to the side and JayJay took off running. When Erin heard JayJay screaming "DADDY!" over and over she quit scanning the crowd and looked straight ahead. Standing before her was the man she had been longing for, scooping his, THEIR, daughter up into his arms. Erin couldn't wait any longer. She took off running for him, and he just barely caught her while still holding JayJay.

By now, Erin had tears just pouring down her face. "Is this real?" she whispered.

"He answered by kissing her again and whispering that it was. Erin forgot about everyone behind them as Jay professed his undying love for her. He bent down to set JayJay down. "JayJay stand right here for me, ok. I have one more surprise for mommy." JayJay nodded as he set her down. Erin was expecting him to stand back up, but when she looked down, he was on one knee.

"Erin Skye Lindsey, I have loved you since the first day I met you. These last six months have been some of the hardest months I have had because I could not see your beautiful face every day or hear that sweet voice. You accepted me just as I am; you've taken care of my daughter for the last six months when you didn't have to. You've stood by me through all of this. You've always had my back, and I couldn't be more grateful. We started out as work partners, but I want you to be my permanent partner, my partner for life. Erin Skye, will you marry me? Will you make me the happiest man today, and be my partner for life and Jaylyn's mommy forever?"

Erin didn't think it was possible to cry this many happy tears, but tears just kept pouring out of her eyes. She was so happy to see him and so shocked. All she could do was nod yes.

"So that's a yes?" Jay questioned.

"YES! YES! YES!" Erin practically screamed. Jay slipped the ring on her finger. It had been his mother's ring, and it was so perfect for them. He picked her up and kissed her senseless as he twirled her around. He could hear everyone clapping and whistling in the background so he set her down and broke the kiss. JayJay was standing their looking confused as to why her parents were so happy.

Jay kind of nodded towards her and both he and Erin squatted down next to JayJay. "JayJay how would you like for mommy and me to get married?" Jay asked her. JayJay was quite for a minute. "Mommy would live with us forever?" she asked. "Yes, baby, she would." Jay replied.

JayJay started squealing and clapping, and Jay and Erin laughed at her. Jay picked her up into his arms and pulled Erin close. It was so nice to be able to hold his girls close. He never planned on leaving them again. Which reminded him, he another surprise for Erin tonight.

Everyone came around at some point during the party and offered their congratulations. JayJay had run around playing, and Jay eventually lost track of who had her. It was starting to get dark, and he was wearing down from the flight and all the excitement. Erin was starting to notice how tired he was. She went in search of JayJay and found her asleep in Hank's arms.

"Oh, Hank, you could've given her to one of us. You didn't have to hold her the whole time."

"It's fine Er, I promise. I enjoy holding my granddaughter. I'm taking full advantage of it because I know the day will come where she doesn't want to crawl up in my lap and go to sleep."

Erin nodded. "I can see how happy you are Er. I'm happy for you." Erin nodded. She leaned down and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks, Dad."

It was the first time since she was a teenager that she had called him Dad. Hank's heart swelled to overfull. He had a daughter, future son-in-law, a granddaughter, a son, a daughter-in-law, and a grandson on the way. He just wished Camille could be here to celebrate with him.

"Why don't I keep the muchkin tonight and yall can get her in the morning?"

"Let me go find Jay and ask him. I think he is wearing down pretty quick anyways."

"I'll be right here."

Erin found Jay talking with Antonio in the kitchen. She snuck up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. Tonio offered his congratulations once again and left the two lovebirds in the kitchen. Jay spun her around into his arms. "I love you so much Erin." He whispered.

"I love you too. What do you say we get out of here and go home?. I have a surprise waiting for you."

Jay nodded. "Sounds good. I have a surprise for you too."

"Another one?"

"Yes, beautiful, another one. Let's go collect JayJay and go home."

"Hank has volunteered to keep her tonight if we want. She passed out in his lap about 30 minutes ago."

She could see Jay was turning the idea over in his mind. "Ok. But for tonight only. I want to spend as much time with my girls as possible. I have six months to make up for."

"I know. But it'll be nice to just be the two of us tonight. We can get her in the morning."

"You're right. Let's go say goodbyes and head home."

Erin loved the sound of that. She went to collect her bags from the living room. She slipped the adoption papers in her bag. She couldn't wait to share that bit of news with him once they were home. She found him outside talking with Hank.

She handed the diaper bag over and leaned over to kiss her daughter. It felt good to be able to say that, even though JayJay was practically hers from the day she moved in with Jay, it felt good to know that she was officially hers. Once they had said their goodbyes they headed to their apartment.

Once inside the door, Jay shoved her up against the wall. It'd been six long months without her, and he couldn't wait to get his hands on her.

He picked her up, and she wrapped her legs around his waist. "Oh, Jay, mmm. Don't stop, whatever you do, don't stop."

"Never, Erin. God you're so beautiful, and I've missed you so fucking much."

"I've missed you too." Jay had managed to get her shirt off as well as unbutton her jeans.

"Jay," she moaned. "I don't think I can wait."

"Oh, baby, me either, but this first time should be slow, sweet and romantic. You deserve that."

Erin groaned her frustration. She took his face between her hands to stop his kisses. "Look at me Jay Halstead. I do not want slow and sweet. There's time for that later. I want you to fuck me, good and hard, right here and now."

Jay's control snapped. It'd been so long since he'd heard Erin talk dirty to him, and he had been waiting for six months to get his hands on her again.

He shoved her jeans and thong down her legs as she was stripping him of his clothes. He picked her back up again and was kissing all over. Hs slipped a finger between them to find her so wet and ready. "God Erin, you're so wet and ready, baby."

"I know. I've been waiting for you for so long."

"Never again, baby, never again will you have to wait that long." As he finished his sentence he thrust into her hard and deep.

"Oh, Jay" she cried out. "That's it baby," he whispered. She was so tight, hot and wet. He wasn't sure how long he was going to last. He kissed all over her face, her neck, her beautiful perky breast, each time thrusting just a little bit harder and a little bit deeper. He sucked her ear lobe between his teeth. He whispered in her ear, "Erin, baby, I'm not going to make it much longer. You're so wet, so tight, oh, baby."

"Jay, Jay, Jay," she whispered over and over. He took one nipple into her mouth. He could feel her orgasm getting close. "That's it baby, I know you want to come for me." He sucked some more as he thrust over and over. "Erin, baby, I'm going to cum."

"Oh, Jay, me too, me too. Don't stop." About that time she started screaming his name over and over as he felt her orgasm break loose. Her muscles squeezed him tight as he thrust one, two, three more times before he came too. Erin could feel Jay's seed coating her inside. She was working on slowing her breathing, as was he. He managed to gain control before she did, and carried them over to the couch.

He sat down with her in his lap facing him. She laid her head on his shoulder. "That was probably the best time ever," she whispered. Jay chuckled. "Glad I could help." He said.

It was then he remembered his surprise for her. "Oh, I about forgot. I have another surprise for you."

"You mean that wasn't it?" Erin laughed.

"Well, no." he said.

"That's ok. I have a surprise for you too."

Erin climbed off to get the papers out of her purse, and Jay got up to get his surprise.

They both returned to the couch with papers in their hands. "You first," Jay said. "I've already given you two surprises so it's only fair you go first."

Erin giggled. "You're surprises were the best though."

"We'll see," he said.

"Okay, well Hank gave me this about 10 minutes before we came outside. He said they were delivered to the precinct while I was decorating at Antonio's. She handed Jay the packet of papers.

She was watching his face closely as he started pulling them out. The look of pure joy on his face when he realized it was the adoption papers, made her night. "JayJay is officially yours." He said.

"Yes, she is. I couldn't be more happy. We're going to be a real family of three." She said. She climbed back into his lap to kiss on him.

"We are. Here." He handed her the papers he had in his hands. He could tell the moment she realized what the papers meant.

"You never have to go back?" she asked. "Never," he confirmed. He had worked it out with his CO while at Fort Benning that he could retire early and still receive all his benefits. He made the decision without telling Erin because he knew it was what he wanted to do. The Army Rangers had been his saving grace at one point in his life, but he served his time and that point of his life was over. He was through. He had more important things at home that he wanted to be a part of.

Erin was overly happy. Jay came home, they were engaged, JayJay was legally THEIR daughter, and Jay was done with the Army. Tonight just couldn't get any better.

They eventually made it to bed where they made sweet love for most of the night. The last thought she had before falling asleep was that she hopped her dad could keep JayJay for most of the day because she doubted they would be up before noon. Life was perfect and she was happy.

A/N: So there is chapter 18! Wow! So that turned out to be so much more than I originally imagined. I just sat down and started writing today because my boyfriend was at work. I had a general idea of what I wanted to happen in this chapter, but I had not worked all the details out. The more I wrote, the more I couldn't quit writing, so I really hope you enjoy this chapter and will let me know what you think. 3 chapters in 3 days, I haven't had this much free time since I started this story. Sadly, it'll be wrapping up in 2 more chapters, but I'm excited to start a new story. I'm not going to promise when the next update will be, but hopefully by next weekend. Happy Labor Day to all those that celebrate it, and I can't wait to hear what you thought of this chapter. :)