Hi Readers: And welcome to another day of chapters. I want to first apologize for the length of time it took in between posting Chapters One Hundred and Sixty-Two, and One Hundred and Sixty-Three last night; and that was due to the fact that I was just out of ideas for the hospital, and I made the creative decision that I would change the settings when it came to where the Halsteads are now. And just where might that be? Well, that would be home at their family home; well, soon. Enjoy readers.

Chapter One Hundred and Sixty-Four
Homecoming, Part One: Leaving the Hospital

December 1, 2019 – Halstead Hospital Room (7:30 AM)
It took them two months, and three days for them to finally be at this spot; at the place where the doctors have decided that they could finally tell them the magic words that they have been waiting to hear, ever since Alex gave birth two months earlier. Those words? "Jay and Alex, we're confident that the twins are in a place where you can now take them home tomorrow morning. And that's why, I am giving you these today." And just what might their doctor have given them yesterday? Well, that would be their discharge papers of course. And let's just say that Jay and Alex couldn't fill them out fast enough, so that they were already ready to go when they walked by the nurse's station on their way out of the NICU today. Well, that was the original place; what really ended up happening, was that Natalie came in early today and brought them for her. And yes, I know what you're all thinking; Natalie is due in two months, and that should mean that she's on maternity leave. Well, that's what Jay thought as well (as did Will being honest).

But rather than her being at home right now, she was here; at the hospital, with them for their last day here at the hospital. When they first checked into the hospital room, Natalie made something clear to the management; and that was that she was going to work until they were cleared to go home. And luckily, that's exactly what she was able to do; but that didn't mean that Will liked it, but he also knew that his wife had a mind of her own. And at the end of the day, he wasn't going to be able to control her; rather, he was just going to have to make sure that she takes it easy and relaxes while she helps them get through this hard time. At least, until today; because while Natalie is here today, she isn't here as Dr. Natalie Manning. Rather, she's here as auntie Nat; the aunt who is going to help them bring the twins home, home to their family home (where they're spending their leaves). And yes, they are going to live there; and that's due to the fact that the home is much smaller, and it's so that Jay can be nearby if he needs to work on something.

Or heck, if he gets bored and needs to do something else; then, he and Antonio can meet up somewhere and work on Casey Police. Plus, it's actually where all of their friends are living most of the time now; so, they would rather just live there instead of having to invite people over to their place so that they can see the kids. Well, they are going to do that; but then they can kick them out much easier, and then just send them up the elevator. Oh, and it also means that they can have Will and Natalie nearby if they need help; including help when it comes to taking care of Max, if he ever needs to go out (but Jay and Alex are busy taking care of the twins). So yes, Jay and Alex both agreed that would be the best place for them to be while they are still newborns; and yes, they are still calling them newborns (even though they are now two months old). And that's due to the fact that they still look, and act as newborns do; including when it comes to sleep. And let's just say that Alex is really loving that fact, the fact that they sleep as much as newborns.

Because that means that she's going to be able to get something from the man of her dreams while they relax in bed with each other, something that Jay already knows that he's going to be giving; and frankly, wants to give to his beautiful wife. And that would be attention. But he wasn't going to go too far, which is something that Jay and Alex both agreed on; that they wouldn't go too far, and that they would just relax as they held each other close. Because that's what they both want to do. They want to hold each other close, and they want to relax with each other as they cuddle in bed. And that truly is going to be very fun, especially since Jay doesn't need to hold back (as much as he does here in the hospital) when they're in the privacy of their own home; but that doesn't mean that he isn't going to hold back for a bit, just to make sure that they get a chance to take it easy and relax. Because that's something that he and Alex both need, time to relax and just get used to this new life that they're starting with Michael and Olivia, their babies.

And god, is it just him; or is Olivia getting more adorable by the day? Because that most certainly is what he's seeing right now, as he looks into the stroller today. Moving to put his finger on her cheek, Jay smiled as he stroked it and then went to speak to his beautiful daughter. "Yeah, you're finally ready to get out of here? Aren't you princess? You're ready to go home and spend some time with mommy and daddy in bed; that way, they can cuddle up to you and give you kisses the way we should've been able to since you were first born. By holding you close to us in bed, and by giving you loads of attention." Laughing a bit as he heard his brother say that, Will soon came into his brother and sister-in-law's hospital room for the last time. "God, you are so going to go crazy with those kids." Looking up at Will, Jay was a bit taken aback when he heard his voice. "I thought you weren't here today, and weren't working until tomorrow?" Will agreed with Jay as he asked him whether he was off today, because he most certainly was off today.

"We got an early morning appointment with the OB/GYN today, then we could be here in case you guys needed help." And as if on cue, Alex came out of the washroom after taking her shower; changed and ready to go, while also wondering why Will would be alone to help them leave the hospital…especially when his wife is pregnant and isn't here at the moment. "Uhm, last time I checked; you should be with your wife at the moment, because she isn't here. And I am sure that Natalie is not going to be happy with you." Jay laughed as he heard Alex say that, before turning around to look at his beautiful wife. "Natalie's in the washroom just down the hall, and she's coming. They're going to help us get everything in the truck." Alex laughed as she heard Jay say that. "Jay, I can help." Taking a breath as he heard Alex say that, Jay turned around and then made his way over to his wife; the wife he wants to relax, and just take it easy (even though she's been doing that ever since she gave birth two months ago). Honestly, she's just ready to move a bit more.

"Alex, you're still taking it easy for a bit." Alex just glared at her husband, as that was not the answer that she wanted to hear come out of his mouth; she wanted to help when it came to their kids, and she was not going to take no for an answer. However, Jay had a reason for him to do this; and that was due to the fact that he wants to give his beautiful wife the whole experience that came with the first few days home with the kids, and that included taking it easy and being waited on by him. Turning his head, Jay looked at Will. "Will, can you bring the discharge papers to the desk? I'd like to talk to Alex for a moment." Will agreed with her brother. "I'll stop Nat from coming in too." Jay agreed with his brother as he said that, flashing one of his classic "Jay Halstead smiles" at him as he was happy that he was going to do that for him; as it would give him a moment with his wife, where he could talk to her about what he wanted to do for her today. And not just today, but for the first few days of their time at home with the kids; his paternity leave.

And that was something that he was going to have to explain to Alex, as she was currently looking at him in a way that made him believe that she was confused as to what he was talking about; and that's why he's going to explain right now, explain to Alex about what he wants to do for her. And how he wants to treat her and give her an experience that she's never gotten (due to the fact that she had to give birth prematurely); and he knows that, as soon as he explains what he wants to do for her…she's going to understand the reasons why he wants her to just take it easy, and why he wants her to just take it easy right now. "Alex, listen. There's a reason why I want you to keep taking it easy." Alex just looked at her husband as he said that, before moving to set her hospital towel down on the hospital bed; at the same time, Jay got close to Alex and just smiled as he wrapped his arms around her. After which, Alex put her hands on his arms and looked up into Jay's eyes. She then leaned up and kissed her loving husband softly, which is what he wants.

Wrapping his arms around Alex nice and tight, Jay smiled as he moved his hands to her butt and looked at his gorgeous wife while continuing to take things nice and slow with the woman he loves; after all, that's exactly what he wants to do right now. And not just right now, but when they get home; and he's sure that Alex is going to love what he has planned for their first couple days (and weeks) at home, ahead of their first wedding anniversary. And that's something that he still can't believe that they're a month away from celebrating their first wedding anniversary. "What is it Jay?" Jay smiled at his beautiful wife as she asked him that, before looking into her eyes. "I want to give you the full experience, an experience that you should've gotten in the first place." Alex was confused as she heard Jay say that, unsure as to what he means. "What do you mean Jay?" Jay smirked as he said that. "Alex, had you given birth when we were scheduled to give birth, you would still be on bedrest and ordered to take it easy; and I would be waiting on you." Alex smiled.

"Alex, we both went through something that was really hard on the both of us, and we both know that while this is a time we'll never forget; but it's a time that I want to forget as much as we can, because I want to do whatever I can to make sure that we get the memories that we should've had in the first place back." Hearing what Jay wants to do for her, Alex couldn't help but smile as that was one of the most romantic things that she's ever heard; what Jay wants to do with her, it's just perfect and they are so happy that they are going to do that. And she wasn't the only one who was happy about that, because it turned out that Max was happy about it too; and they knew that was the case because of what he was doing. He was yipping, and he was also wagging his tail. "I just hope that he can be quiet in the penthouse, because I do not want to have to deal with that." Jay smirked. "Actually, I got Matt's permission to work from home if I need to work; and I can also work at our family home, because I think that's where we need to be right now."

Alex smiled as she heard Jay say that, well aware that was the case; after which, she got close to the man she loves and just cuddled up to him. Moving her hands to his muscular chest, Alex smiled as she got close to him and then leaned in to kiss him softly. "I sold the place in Los Angeles and already paid for the house we're going to remember?" Alex then remembered the house they're going to, because they haven't been there in a long time. "Oh, that place. Right." Jay smirked as he heard Alex say that. "I already have the cribs, and everything set up at the house; so we can just relax and take it easy, if that's what you want." Alex smirked as she heard Jay say that, as that sounds perfect. "I love that idea, because then we aren't in a small place, and we can be in another room than the twins for a bit." Jay agreed with Alex as she said that, as that most definitely is exactly what he was thinking about as well. "I love that idea, and I am so glad that we're going there; but why are we going so damn early?" Jay smirked as Alex asked him that. "Traffic."

Jay then smiled as he proceeded to grab her hand, so that they can hold each other close; intertwining their fingers shortly afterwards, he just smiled due to the fact that this is everything that they both want to do right now. They want to go home, and they want to relax as a family together. "Listen, how about we get out of here? I want to go home, and I want to take care of the kids there; maybe we can even sit in the living room together and get a bit of time AWAY from the twins….while still being in the same house as them." Alex laughed as she heard Jay say that, as that most definitely is something that she's interested in doing; after which, she got close to him and just cuddled up to the man of her dreams. Jay then wrapped his arms around and just smiled due to the fact that he made her really happy. "God, I am so ready to go home." Jay agreed with Alex as she said that, feeling the same way. "Then how about we go home, and we can make sure that we just go spend some time with Michael and Olivia at home?" Alex agreed with Jay, smiling at him.

After which, she made her way over to her bag so that he can grab it; however, Jay was not going to let her do that. "Alex, just set your things down, and I am going to grab your bag; you're taking it easy remember?" Alex agreed with Jay as he said that, just smiling as she was most definitely ready to do just that; and she also loves the idea of being treated like a queen by her dreamy husband.

Walking out of the hospital with the woman he loves, as well as their beautiful children and Max; Jay smirked due to the fact that this really is everything that they both want to do right now. He wants to take Alex, Michael, and Olivia home; and he wants to just hold them all close to him, which Alex wants to do as well. And that's why she's currently in the midst of wrapping her arms around his bicep right now. She's running her hand up and down his arm and just holding him close, because that's what they both want to do; they want to hold each other close, and they just want to relax with each other. I mean, what's better than the feeling of the man she loves holding her close to him; while also pushing their children's stroller as they got ready to go home for the first time, because that's what he wants to do. He wants to go home with his family, and he wants to spend some time with his beautiful family. "I am so glad that we aren't going to the condo, because I do not want to be cramped with the kids." Jay agreed and laughed a bit.

After all, he knew that was the case; and he was more than happy over the fact that he was going to be taking Alex to the real place that she wants to be right now. And that's to their new home, the home where they're going to be spending a bunch of time with the kids. "You are going to be so happy at the place, and I am just ready to do everything that I want to do with you there." Turning her head as they continued to make their way to the truck, Alex was confused. "What do you mean Jay?" Jay smiled as he looked at the woman he loves, before proceeding to kiss her hand. "It's our first time decorating a house for Christmas a husband and wife, and as parents." Smiling as she heard Jay say that, Alex couldn't help but feel extremely happy right now. Just laying her head down on his arm again, Alex smirked due to the fact that it's something that they are both really happy. "Let's take it easy and not decorate too much, because I want to just relax with you and the boys." Jay agreed with Alex as she said that, as that was what he wanted too.

He wanted to relax with his family, and just hold Alex close to him. "Oh, I am so ready to just take it easy with you as we relax; because we are going to do just that, since that's what you need to do." Alex agreed with Jay as he said that, smiling due to the fact that she's ready to do just that; however, there's something else that they have to do. "I want to take it easy with you, and I want to feel you kiss me in bed for a while." Jay agreed with Alex as she said that, as he wants to do the same thing; after all, they are going to be alone, and they are going to have some fun with each other. "Oh, I am going to definitely do that." Alex agreed with Jay as he said that, smirking due to the fact that this is everything that they both want. But right now, she just wants to get home; and she wants to spend some time in bed. "Let's just get in the car with the twins, and we can both get in." Jay smiled as he walked up to their truck with Max. "Here, I need to go put Max in the back first; and then lock him in the crate. Then we can put the kids in." Alex agreed with Jay.

Wrapping his arm around Alex's back as they walked up to the truck, Jay smiled as he tugged her body against his; after which, he kissed the side of her head and just smiled due to the fact that it's everything that they're both extremely happy with each other right now. It's just what they need, and they need to hold each other close. And let's just say that they're both ready to do just that. Giving Alex the stroller, Jay then looked at Max and smiled as he went to grab the leach. "C'mon Max, let's get you in the truck; then we can get out of here." Max agreed with Jay as he said that, before walking with him so that he can get in the truck with him. "Hey, Jay?" Turning to look at Alex, Jay smiled. "Yeah?" Alex then looked down at the bottom of the stroller. "How about you take all of his things and put them in there too?" Jay agreed with Alex as she said that, before smiling as he went to go grab Max's bed and the bag of things. He then got close to Alex again, and proceeded to kiss the woman he loves softly. "God, I love you so much." Alex agreed.

"I love you too Jay." Jay agreed with Alex as she said that, before moving to bring Max into the back of truck; after all, that's where he needs to be. More specifically, he needs to be in his crate. Unlocking the truck, Jay then brought Max with him so that he can put him in his crate. "C'mon Max, let's get in the truck." Max barked, agreeing with Jay as he said that; that way, he can get in the truck with his owner. After which, he smiled as he watched Jay open the door. Jay then went ahead and opened his crate, that way Max can get in. But first, he decided to put his bed down so that he was comfortable. "Okay, get in Max." Max then jumped up and went to get in the truck, while Jay also went to go set his things on top of his crate. Max then went to get in, smiling as he went to lay down in his bed; after all, that's exactly what he wants to do. He wants to lay down in his crate and relax. And now that he was doing just that, he was currently in the midst of cuddling up to his toys too; after which, Jay set his leach down and then closed the crate door.

Once that was done, Jay smiled as he walked back over to his wife and kids so that he can get his family in the truck. "Here, I am going to take the kids and put them in the truck now." Alex smiled. "Okay, I am going to help you with this okay? I'm going to help you put them in the truck, then we can get out of here faster; and I have something that I want to wear for you, and you're only going to get it if you behave and let me do what I want to do." Jay agreed with Alex as she said that, before smiling at her. "Of course." Going to grab Olivia's car seat, Alex smiled as she proceeded to carry her towards where she's going to go relax while they drive their family home; at the same time, Jay went to grab Michael's car seat and did the same. And let's just say that he was so happy that he's in the midst of doing this, which is why they are both all smiles right now; they want to be home with their family, and that's exactly what they're on their way home to do. They want to go home, and they just want to take it easy with each other, which they're going to do.

Going to set Michael down in his car seat, Jay smiled due to the fact that this really is everything he wants; after which, he smiled as he locked the car seat into where it's going to be. Afterwards, he smiled as he reached in and then went to go rub his cheek. "Yeah, someone's ready to go home with mommy and daddy; aren't they Michael?" Looking across the truck from where she was putting Olivia in the truck, Alex couldn't help but smile as it really was everything that she wanted in life; and god, that smile that her husband gives to their children is so damn adorable. And she's just glad that he's the father of their children, and that he will be her husband for the rest of her life. After which, Jay smiled as he looked up at his beautiful wife. "I can see that you're happy right now." Alex laughed as she heard Jay say that, as that most definitely is the case. "Oh, we both know that's the case; and I am so ready to be home with you and the kids." Alex agreed with Jay as he said that, before smiling as she looked at him (and Max in his crate). "You stay quiet boy."

Looking up, Max listened to Alex. "I am not going to be a very happy woman if you wake the kids up." Jay laughed as he heard Alex say that, well aware that was the case. "I'm sure that he's going to stay quiet, because he doesn't want you to be mad at him; and he also doesn't want to ruin my chances in bed." Looking up at the man she loves, Alex agreed with Jay as he said that; after all, that most definitely is something that she wants as well. She wants to take things slow with her husband in bed, and they want to relax with each other in bed. "I am so ready to have you in bed." Alex agreed with Jay as he said that, well aware that's the case. "I know, me too; now listen, can you please just pack the rest of the things? I want to head home." Jay agreed with Alex as she said that. "How about you get in the truck then? And I'll do that for you, then we can go home." Alex agreed with Jay as he said that, well aware that's something that he has to do; and god, she is just so ready to be home again. It's exactly what they both need to do with each other.

At the same time, Jay proceeded to go bring the stroller to the back of the truck; that way, he can put it in there and just make their way home. And god, Jay really can't wait to be home with his family.