"Well, I guess Jessica is finally going to get an opportunity to use her experience in dealing with overwrought pregnant women," Laurel joked later that afternoon. Despite her repeated protests, Dave and Jack had both insisted that the EMTs immediately take her to the nearest hospital emergency room so she could be checked out. A very pale Jack had accompanied her in the ambulance while Dave stayed behind to give detailed instructions to the two police officers. It wasn't long before he joined them at the hospital, and they were now talking as they waited in a cubicle in the emergency room.

"Somehow, I don't think this is what she had in mind," Dave remarked dryly.

"You're going to be okay, aren't you?" Jack worried. "You and the baby both?"

"The doctors say everything is fine. I just fainted," Laurel assured him. "Those creepy people showing up like that - It's enough to upset anyone."

She looked at Dave. "What they said?" she questioned anxiously.

"I have Garcia checking on it," Dave replied. "And, I am going over to the station in a little while to interview the Mercers myself. They are being kept in separate holding cells so, unless they got their stories straight beforehand, I should be able to figure out exactly what is going on."

"What about Dad?" Jack questioned anxiously. "Do I need to call him and let him know about this?"

Laurel and Rossi exchanged worried looks. "Why don't you wait on that?" Rossi suggested. "I'll talk to him myself when he calls this evening. By then we should have some answers."

"And, Boyo," he added with a smile. "I'll be sure to tell him how you handled the entire situation. I'm very proud of you, Jack, and I'm sure he will be, too."

"Dave's right," Laurel added. "You were great. I don't know what I would have done without you."

Jack blushed and began intently studying the toes of his scuffed-up running shoes.

"And, now, if you will excuse me," Dave stood up. "I'm going to have a word with the staff here and see if they have decided whether they want to keep you overnight." He patted Jack on the shoulder as he walked out of the cubicle.

"Laurel?" Jack asked hesitantly as soon as Rossi was gone.

"Yes?"

"When you passed out and fell down I called you – something," he continued.

"I remember," Laurel replied softly.

"Would you mind if I called you – Mom – All the time?" he asked cautiously.

"I would be honored," Laurel told him. "However, you will probably need to have a talk with your Aunt Jessica. She'll need some reassurance that you aren't about to forget your 'real' mother, her sister."

"I know," Jack replied. "And, I'm not going to forget her. It's just that it felt – right – You know?"

"I know, Son."