Author's Note- Hey guys, here's the next chapter, enjoy.
Disclaimer- I don't own Gotham.
Chapter 22- We Should Give This A Shot
After Jim left with Barbara Lee, Barbara went straight to her bedroom where she climbed into bed and cried. She cried for what felt like several hours before she finally succumbed to sleep. An hour later she woke up; she didn't get up though. Instead, she stared at the empty side of the bed where Jim would normally be. Barbara clenched the covers as she thought about how he'd never wake up next to her again then she cried for a second time.
Barbara didn't know how many times she'd cried because as soon as she stopped she'd quickly start again. So, she'd cry then she'd stop, and if she was tired then she might fall asleep. That's how she spent the rest of her afternoon and the whole night.
It was almost noon when Barbara woke up the next day. She blinked a few times so that her eyes could adjust to the sunlight as she stared out the window. Her eyes fell on the clock that was on the nightstand next to her bed, she didn't react when she saw that it was almost noon.
What time had she finally fallen asleep for good? 3:00 am? 4:00 am? Maybe 6:00 am? It didn't matter, she was up now. Barbara continued to look at the clock, her mind was blank as she stared at it. What was she supposed to do now? She answered her own question when her stomach started to growl.
Barbara closed her eyes as she groaned; she hadn't eaten yesterday. She'd spent that whole time crying that she'd forgotten to eat. Had she really been that upset? She answered her own question again with the same answer.
Barbara opened her eyes before she turned on her side. Her heart dropped when she came face to face with the empty side of the bed. She looked at the spot in sadness, and she was prepared to start crying again except no tears came. Barbara stared at the spot as she tried to cry but she couldn't. It was like she'd run out of tears.
Great, just great. Not only had she cried so much that she'd forgotten to eat but she'd also run out of tears too. If she wasn't so depressed then she'd be annoyed.
Barbara stared at the empty spot. What was she gonna do now? Her stomach growled yet again. Right, she had to eat something.
She dragged herself out of bed and headed to the kitchen. Coffee, she needed coffee. The caffeine would give her energy, which would keep her up, and stop her from lying in bed all day so that she could feel sorry for herself.
Barbara put some coffee in the coffee maker then she put some toast in the toaster. As she waited for breakfast she went to the nursery. She stopped at the door when she realized that Barbara Lee was with Jim.
Barbara stared at the crib for a few seconds then she headed back into the kitchen. Once there she poured herself a cup of coffee and walked into the living room. As she sipped her drink she let her eyes wander around the room.
Memories of Jim started to flood her mind. She felt a lump start to form in her throat but no tears came. So, she sucked in a deep breath and quickly exhaled to get it to go away. It didn't work, the lump stayed in the back of her throat, and so did the urge to cry.
Barbara's eyes darted around the room as she ran her fingers through her hair. Putting down her coffee, on the coffee table, she quickly ran to her room to get her cell phone. She dialed a number; "Selina, I need you to come over," Barbara said as she felt the lump get bigger.
Twenty minutes later Selina arrived at the penthouse. Barbara launched into her arms as she cried. Caught off guard, Selina held the former mob boss as she sobbed into her chest.
Barbara clenched Selina's shirt as she began to sink to the floor. Unable to hold her upwards, Selina's knees bent as she tried to keep a firm grasp. She felt Barbara's body shake. Selina began to shush as if she were a child so that she would stop crying, or at least calm down enough to tell her what was going on.
"It's ok", Selina whispered. She didn't know what had happened but it seemed bad. Barbara continued to hold onto her shirt, "No, it's not", she cried. She tightened her grasp on the fabric as she let out a tiny yell that was filled with anguish. It hurt, it hurt so much. Not just emotionally but physically too. She could literally feel her heart breaking as sharp pains filled her stomach. The more she cried, the worse it all felt.
Selina looked at her with concern. "Okay, just calm down, and tell me what's wrong", she said. Barbara sniffed, "He's gone", she sobbed. "Who?" Selina asked. Barbara sniffed again, "I had to", she managed to get out in between tears.
Confused, Selina led them over to the couch. They sat down. Barbara hung her head as she tried to stop crying.
"Okay, now tell me, what is going on?" Selina asked. Barbara sniffed once more then she told her everything. From feeling guilty about holding Jim hostage to finally letting him go. "He left last night", Barbara finished sadly. She was no longer crying at this point but she felt like she could start again at any moment.
Selina just stared at her, "Wow", she said. She had not been expecting any of that. Especially the part where both Jim, and Barbara agreed to finally get a divorce along with sharing custody. That was something that Selina thought would never happen.
"Yeah", Barbara agreed as she looked at the carpet. "So, what happens now? You just co-parent?" Selina asked. Barbara slowly nodded, "Yeah", she said quietly.
A smile spread across Selina's face. "Well that's good, you get to keep your daughter. That's what you wanted, remember?" She asked.
Barbara glared at her, "But at what cost?" She asked. Selina stopped smiling, "What do you mean?" She asked. She didn't see what the problem was; Barbara had wanted to keep custody of Barbara Lee, which is why she married Jim in the first place. Now they were getting a divorce, and Barbara still got to keep her daughter.
"I ruined his life", Barbara said as she angrily stood up. "No, you didn't", Selina said. Barbara glared at her, "Yes, I did. He was happy, he was trying to build a life with Lee then I came along, and destroyed it all by forcing him to marry me. All because I had wanted to hurt him", Barbara explained.
Now it was Selina's turn to glare. "No, you were trying to keep your daughter. Barbara, he started it, and you finished it. If he'd wanted to maintain his little happy life with Lee then he shouldn't have gone after you", Selina said.
"But I didn't have to do what I did", Barbara said as she referred to when she had kissed Jim to hurt Lee. "There were other ways I could have handled it", Barbara added.
"Like how?" Selina asked as she raised an eyebrow. Barbara opened her mouth to say something but stopped when she couldn't come up with an answer. "Yeah see? There was no other way", Selina said.
"That didn't make what I did ok", Barbara said. Selina struggled not to roll her eyes, this was getting annoying. "Well it's too late now, you can't change it, or fix it so you have to live with it, and move on", Selina said with a glare.
Barbara sat back down as she thought about what Selina said. "Do I though?" Barbara asked as she looked at her. Selina had her chin resting on her fist as she looked at her, "What?" She asked. What was Barbara getting at?
Barbara ignored her question as she continued to think about what Selina had said a moment ago. Was it really too late? Maybe she couldn't go back in time, and stop herself from coming in between Jim, and Lee but maybe she could still fix things. Without hesitation Barbara stood up, and hurried towards the door.
Selina watched her go, "Where are you going?" She asked in alarm. Barbara didn't say anything as she walked out of the apartment. Selina watched the door close as she stayed on the couch looking confused.
At her clinic Lee was in a room by herself making a bed. It was a slow day with not much to do, and Lee was looking forward to going home. She smiled as she smoothed the covers, after her break up with Jim she had fallen into a depression, like she normally did after dealing with Jim Gordon, and for a while it'd felt like she was living on autopilot. Wake up, go to work, go home, sleep, rinse, wash, and repeat.
Numb, that is what she had felt. No smiles, no laughs, nothing. It took a while but she did start to feel alive again. Slowly but surely her smile had returned, and if something funny happened then she'd laugh. It wasn't long after that, that she'd started dating another doctor that she worked with at her clinic.
He had asked her out for coffee, she'd said yes, obviously. Pretty soon they were having lunch together then dinner, and after while they were dating. He was different from Jim, their relationship was different from her, and Jim's. He listened to her, he cared about her feelings, and he didn't go back on his word. He put her first, something she felt she didn't get with Jim.
But what really set them apart was that he didn't put himself in danger constantly, and give her anxiety which Jim had done throughout their entire relationship. The man Lee was with now wasn't the type of man to bring chaos into her life. He was stable, something she thought she wouldn't ever get being with Jim.
Lee finished smoothing out the covers, her back had been towards the door when she heard someone walk in. "I'll be with you in a sec", she said as she straightened out the pillows. "Lee", a familiar voice said.
Lee felt her heart skip a beat when she heard the voice. She turned around, and saw Barbara staring at her. Lee looked at her in shock, "Barbara", was all she could say.
"Can we talk?" Barbara asked as she stepped into the room. The look of shock was soon replaced with a cold stare. "I have nothing to say to you", Lee replied as she headed towards the door. "Wait", Barbara said as she quickly grabbed the other woman's arm.
Lee looked at her arm then at Barbara. "Let go of me", Lee said with a glare. Barbara still had her hand on Lee's arm. "Not until we talk, please", Barbara begged.
Lee yanked her arm away, "I have nothing to say to you", she repeated. "Just hear me out", Barbara begged. If somebody would've told Barbara, a year ago, that she would be standing in front of Lee Thompkins (of all people) begging to talk to her, she would've laughed in their face then shot them. Yet here she was begging.
Lee looked at Barbara, and as much as she wanted to tell her to screw off she decided to hear her out. But only so she could tell her to screw off when she was done. Lee glared at her, "Okay but make it quick", she said then she folded her arms.
Barbara sighed, "I'm sorry, for everything. I know I'm saying this a little late but I am. I took it too far, and you got caught in the crossfire but Lee you have to understand that I wasn't trying to hurt you. I was only trying to hurt Jim, and I shouldn't have tried to do that either. So, I'm sorry", she said.
Lee continued to glare at her as she dug her fingers in her arms. She could feel her nails through the fabric of her coat. If this woman didn't get out of her face then Lee feared that she would scratch into her skin.
"You put me through hell", Lee said through her teeth. Barbara hung her head in shame, "I know", she said before she looked at her again. "I hated both you, and Jim but now I'm over it", Lee said before she turned around. She wasn't gonna tell Barbara to screw off. There was no point.
"We're getting a divorce", Barbara quickly said. Lee hadn't walked out the door yet when she turned back around, "Why are you telling me?" She asked. Barbara sighed, "Because I thought you'd wanna know", she said.
Lee laughed in disbelief, "You really think I care? Because I don't", she said. Barbara looked at her, "Lee…", she began. "Just stop it already Barbara. Okay? I'm happy. I'm finally in a good place so when I say that I don't care, I mean it. What you, and Jim do is none of my business. I'm with someone who cares about me, and who puts me first", Lee said as she felt tears in the corners of her eyes.
"But Jim loves you", Barbara said softly. "JUST STOP!" Lee shouted with her eyes squeezed shut. Barbara flinched but she didn't say anything.
Lee opened her eyes, and glared at Barbara as she started to breathe heavily. "I, don't, care. I don't care about you, or Jim. Understand? What I had with Jim is over. That part of my life is done. So, if you thought you coming down here, and telling me about your divorce from Jim is gonna make me go running back to him then you thought wrong", she said then she turned back around.
"Lee, wait", Barbara said. Lee didn't say anything else as she walked out the room. Barbara's eyes started to water as she stared at the empty doorway.
It was mid afternoon, Jim, and Barbara Lee were in the living room of his new apartment. Jim was on the floor as he watched Barbara Lee crawl around. He smiled with pride as he realized it wouldn't be long before his baby girl started walking. She was growing up so fast which is something he both hated, and loved.
"Come here baby girl", he said as he held out his arms. Barbara Lee turned around, she saw Jim holding out his arms, and with a smile as she crawled over to him. Jim picked her up as he sat upright then he stared at her as she looked around his living room. "You like it here sweetheart?" He asked. Barbara Lee couldn't answer, instead she continued to look around.
It was different for her but so far she was adjusting. After they'd arrived yesterday Barbara Lee didn't seem agitated, or confused, and she'd slept through the night. That was good, Jim wanted her to be happy, and he didn't want this change to affect her in any way.
Jim kissed her forehead then he held her close to his chest. He looked around his new place. Despite Barbara Lee being with him the apartment seemed…Empty, and lonely. He didn't know why, he'd lived alone before but that seemed like a lifetime ago. Before he didn't have anybody but now he had a daughter, and the thought of never seeing her everyday hurt.
Jim felt his heart sink as he thought about having to give Barbara Lee back by the end of the week. He didn't want to but he knew his baby girl was safe with her mother, and Barbara was gonna let him see Barbara Lee whenever he wanted so it wasn't too bad. She could've kept his visits at every other weekend, that was more than what he was going to give her back when he was trying to get full custody.
A wave of guilt washed over him as he thought back to how he'd treated her. Granted she treated him badly too. But in the end they'd managed to get into a good place, and they became friends so it all worked out.
Jim continued to look around. It was gonna be different to not wake up next to her every morning, or to come home, and she not be there. Hell it'd only been a day, and he could already tell that things were just never gonna be the same.
Jim looked down at Barbara Lee. "You miss mommy sweetie?" Jim asked with a small smile. Barbara Lee just babbled as she flung her arms around.
He chuckled but stopped as he once again looked around the apartment. Memories of him, and Barbara began to flood his mind. The time they'd spent on the town, and on the subway. Her fixing his car, the time they got caught in the rain, him confiding in her, and how she took care of him after he'd been shot.
But his favorite memories were when they'd slept together, the second time, and the other was the night they'd spent with him holding her, and Barbara Lee in his arms. The last one beats them all because it felt like everything had changed, and it was a new beginning for them. He'd been looking forward to what the future held but then it all came crashing down when Barbara told him that she'd wanted a divorce, and now here he was without her.
A lump formed in the back of his throat, he missed her. Barbara Lee's babbling brought him out of his thoughts. He looked down, and quickly smiled at her. "You wanna call mommy?" He asked. Barbara Lee only smiled at him.
Jim got up, and grabbed his phone from the nearby table. He was about to call Barbara when his phone started to ring. Jim answered it, "Hello", he said. "What the hell Jim?" A voice snapped on the other end. It was Lee.
A look of confusion crossed Jim's face. "Lee? Why are you-", he was cut off. "I don't know who the hell you think you are sending Barbara down here but it better not happen again. Do not contact me again", she said angrily then she hung up. Jim just stood where he was as he tried to process the call.
Back at Barbara's penthouse, Selina was once again holding Barbara as she cried on the couch. "Barbara, what was the point of even going down there? Did you really expect her to just take him back?" Selina asked in annoyance. Barbara shook her head in her hands as she continued to cry.
Selina groaned in frustration then forced Barbara to look at her. In shock, Barbara immediately stopped crying. "Barbara, why are you doing this? If Jim wants Lee back he can go get her on his own. He doesn't need you. You did your part in giving him a divorce now it's up to him to fix his own life", Selina said with a glare.
Barbara shook her head, "You don't understand", she said quietly. "Yes I do. You're trying to make yourself feel better by pushing Lee back to Jim. But you can't fix what you did", Selina said.
Barbara looked at her, "You're right", she said after a while. "I know", Selina simply said. Barbara stared at the floor, "I just thought that if I made things right between Jim, and Lee then I would stop feeling guilty", she said.
"I think this is more than just you not wanting to feel guilty. It's something else too", Selina said. Barbara looked back at her, "Well if he's with her then he's happy", she pointed out.
Selina rolled her eyes, "Well hell he was happy here, with you", she said. Barbara shook her head, "No he wasn't", she said. Selina narrowed her eyes, "Yes he was. Everytime I came over here, while he was recovering, he was smiling, and laughing. Who the hell laughs after being shot?" She asked in annoyance. She thought back to all of the times that she'd visited while Jim was laid up. The man looked like there was no place else that he'd rather be which had told Selina that he was happy where he was at.
"He was high on painkillers Selina", Barbara said with a glare. Selina scoffed, "Yeah, it was all because of the painkillers", she said sarcastically. "Well it wasn't because of me", Barbara countered.
"Maybe, it was. Why don't you invite him back, and see?" Selina asked. Barbara's eyes widened at the suggestion, "N-no, I won't do that", she said. "Why?" Selina asked. "Because he wanted a divorce", Barbara said as she glared.
Now Selina was glaring. "Maybe in the beginning but I honestly think he liked being married to you, and I think you felt the same. Hell if anything you both probably loved it", Selina said. She felt like there was some truth in her statement. Whenever she saw them she couldn't help but think they looked like a real couple.
"Just stop Selina", Barbara said in a low voice. Selina stood up, "No, I guarantee if you called him he might come back", she said. "He wouldn't, he signed those divorce papers for a reason", Barbara said.
"Only because that's probably what he believes that you want, and is it? Do you really want a divorce?" Selina asked. Barbara stared at her, "I just want Jim to be happy", she said. "Yeah, and why is that? Why is that so important to you?" Selina asked in a more pressing manner. "I-", she didn't have time to finish before she was cut off. "Because you love him", Selina accused.
There was pause as neither said anything. "I don't love him", Barbara said with a glare. "Yes you do", Selina said quickly. She didn't wanna hear any lies because Barbara denying that she didn't love Jim was most certainly a lie.
Barbara sighed in defeat, "Okay I love him but I'm not in love with him", she said. "Yes, you are", Selina said in the same manner. Barbara groaned in frustration as she pinched the bridge of her nose, "Selina", she said.
"Face it Barbara, you are in love with him. Just admit it already. That's why you care so much about his happiness, and why you're so upset that he's gone. You're in love with him", Selina said as she folded her arms.
"First Harvey, and now you", Barbara said as she looked at her. Selina smiled, "Oh great, Harvey noticed so there must be some truth to it", she teased. She chuckled but Barbara just looked at her with sadness.
Selina stopped chuckling, "Barbara, I know this is scary but if you're in love with him then you need to call him, and tell him. See if he feels the same, and if he does then maybe you two can see if you can work things out. There's nothing stopping you two from trying", she said in a soft voice.
Barbara shook her head, "He doesn't want that", she said quietly. "I think he does but you won't know unless you call him, or better yet go see him because if you hadn't asked for a divorce then I don't think he would've mind staying married to you", Selina said before she stood up. She turned around then headed to the door.
Barbara just watched her. Selina had her hand on the door when she turned back around, "Look if Bruce came back, I-I'd tell him that I loved him, and beg him not go again, or better yet I'd probably leave with him if he did decide to go. I wouldn't let him stop me. He wouldn't be able to. Jim is still here so go to him", Selina said then she left.
Barbara stayed on the couch as she thought about what Selina said. She also thought back to when Harvey had accused her of still loving Jim. Barbara stood up then walked over to a picture that was on a table. It was of her, Jim, and Barbara Lee. It'd been taken last Christmas, their first, and only Christmas as a family.
Barbara stared at it as yet another lump formed in her throat. She swallowed it, her eyes never leaving the picture. She focused specifically on Jim. As she did she realized that what Selina, and Harvey had said was true. She did love Jim. But she didn't just love him, no; she was completely, helplessly, in love with him. She always had been, and she always would be.
Three days had passed since Lee had called Jim, and told him off. But while Jim couldn't exactly figure out what had happened he did know that Barbara had something to do with it based off what Lee had said. Which only made him wonder what Barbara could've said to Lee.
Jim walked around his living room as held Barbara Lee. There was a knock at the door. Jim answered it, it was Harvey. "Hey partner just thought I'd check up on you, and see how you're doing", Harvey said with a smile. Jim smiled back, "Hey Harv", he said.
Jim stepped aside as Harvey walked in. "Hey Barbara Lee", Harvey said as he took her from her father. Jim continued to smile as he closed the door then the two walked over to the couch, and sat down.
Harvey made a face at Barbara Lee who giggled. Harvey looked at him, "So, how are things?" He asked. Jim rubbed the back of his head, "Uh…Good", he said.
Harvey's face fell, "Uh oh, what's going on? What happened now?" He asked in concern. Jim shook his head, "Nothing but Lee called me, she was upset, and told me to not contact her again", he said as he looked at him. "Wait, you tried to talk to Lee?" Harvey asked in shock. "No, that's the weird part. I haven't talked to her since she broke things off with me", Jim said.
"So, what do you think she's talking about?" Harvey asked. Jim looked at the carpet, "No clue, she just said…Well, it's weird because she said something along the lines of who do I think I was sending Barbara down to talk to her", he said. Harvey looked confused, "Why would Barbara be talking to Lee?" He asked. "That's what I'm trying to figure out", Jim said.
Jim took back Barbara Lee. Harvey stared at him, "I don't know what to tell you about Lee but has Barbara tried talking to you?" He asked. Jim looked at him, "No but I'll see her when I give back Barbara Lee. We can talk about it then", he said.
Harvey nodded then he decided to change the subject, "So, what are your plans now that you're a free man?" He asked with a giggle to show that he was joking. Jim chuckled as he thought about what to say, "Uh…I don't feel like a free man", he admitted. Harvey stopped giggling, "Really?" He asked. Jim nodded, "But I'm sure it's because the divorce hasn't gone through. After that I'm sure it'll change", he said.
"Do you want it to though?" Harvey asked. "What'd you mean?" Jim asked in confusion. "I mean do you wanna be a free man?" Harvey asked. Jim looked at him, "I…I don't know", he said.
Jim thought back to Barbara, he still missed her. His face fell as he thought about her. Harvey noticed, "Do you miss her man?" He asked. Jim knew who he was referring to, "Yeah", he said as he nodded.
Harvey sighed, "Look man, I know I told you before to remember what she did to you, and I meant that too. I also know that I told you that you deserved a real marriage but if you wanna try to work things out with Barbara, and see where things go then you should do it. I'll support you if you do", he said.
Jim looked at Harvey. He didn't know what to say. Harvey placed his hand on his partner's back as the two sat in silence.
At the end of the week Barbara had gotten a text from Jim asking if she was gonna pick up Barbara Lee, or if he was gonna drop her off. She texted that she would pick her up later in the afternoon. She sighed as she tried to brace herself for when she saw him again.
Later that afternoon she stood outside his new apartment. She knocked a few seconds later Jim opened the door, "Hey", he said. Barbara smiled, "Hey", she said. He stepped aside, and she walked in. Jim closed the door.
Barbara looked around his apartment. It looked like a nice place to raise a baby. "So, Barbara Lee is actually sleeping", Jim said.
Barbara looked at him, "Oh, well that makes my job a lot easier", she joked. She wouldn't have to worry about getting Barbara Lee down later. Jim walked over to her, "All her stuff is packed", he said as he motioned to the bag on the couch.
Barbara stared at it then back at him, "You know I really don't wanna risk waking her up. I could come back in the morning to get her", she suggested. Jim walked over to the couch as he thought about it, "That could work", he said then he looked at her. He was standing in front of her now.
Barbara continued to smile, "Well it looks like I came all this way for nothing then. I better go", she said. "Well before you do, can we talk about something?" He asked. "Sure", she said.
"A few days ago Lee called me, and told me that I sent you down to talk to her. Do you know what that's all about?" Jim asked. Barbara sighed, "I do but just hear me out, and please don't get mad", she said. Jim looked at her, "I'll try", he said.
"The day after you left, I went to go see Lee, and tell her about our divorce. I thought once she heard that then maybe she'd think about trying to work things out with you", Barbara explained. Jim folded his arms, "Why would you think that?" He asked. Barbara looked at him, "You two have history, you always seem to find your way back to each other. I just thought that, that would happen again once she knew that you were free", she continued to explain.
Jim was silent for a second, "Well it was a nice gesture but me, and Lee are done. Honestly, it's for the best. Too much has happened between us, and it's best if we just stay broken up", he said. He never thought that he'd say that but given his, and Lee's history it made sense.
Barbara looked at him in disappointment, "I'm so sorry Jim", she said. "No, don't be. It's ok, really. I'm ok, and it really is for the best", he said. He thought back to what Lee had said before she'd broken up with him, if he hadn't found himself in his situation with Barbara then something else would've happened to break them up again, or keep them apart. Something always did.
Barbara could only nod, "So, how was Barbara Lee? Does she like your new place?" She asked with a smile as she changed the subject. Jim smiled, "Yeah, she does, and she said her first word", he said. Barbara felt her mouth drop in surprise, "Really? What was it? Please say it was mama", she said.
Jim chuckled as he shook his head, "No, it was baba", he said. Barbara smirked, "Baba?" She asked. Jim nodded, "Yeah, she pointed at her bottle, and she said baba. That counts, right?" He asked. Barbara thought about it some, "Maybe", she said.
They stared at each other, neither not knowing what to say. "I really should get going", Barbara said quietly. "No, stay, please", Jim begged.
"Do you want me to stay because you want me here, or do you want me to stay for Barbara Lee?" Barbara asked. Jim placed his hands on her shoulders, "I want you to stay", he clarified. Before Barbara could react he kissed her. She kissed him back.
Later that night, Jim, Barbara, and Barbara Lee were in Jim's bed. Jim was shirtless but he was wearing sweats, and Barbara was wearing one of his black dress shirts. Meanwhile Barbara Lee was sitting in between them, playing with her blocks.
Jim's arm was around Barbara, she snuggled close to him as she chuckled. Jim smiled at her. "What is going on between us?" Barbara asked with a smile. "You tell me", Jim said.
"I don't know but I do know this, I love you Jim", Barbara said. There, she said it, finally. "I love you too", he said softly then he kissed her on top of her head.
Barbara looked at him, "When did you realize that?" She asked. "Right here, right now. But I'd started to feel something after we'd made our truce, and from there they just grew", Jim explained.
Barbara didn't say anything instead the two just kissed then she grabbed Barbara Lee, and pulled her closer to them. Now the three of them were snuggled together. "So, what do we do now?" Barbara asked as she looked at their daughter. Jim looked at them both, "I wanna try,and give this a shot", he said as he referred to their marriage.
Barbara laid against his chest, "I do too but…", she said. "But what?" He asked. Barbara glanced up at him, "What if it doesn't work out?" She asked. She thought back to when they'd first been engaged she didn't think they'd ever break up but they did, and she'd been heartbroken. Now they're getting their second chance, and she was afraid of the same outcome.
Jim looked at her, "That's why we should try, and if it doesn't work out then we can divorce. But I honestly think we owe it to ourselves to see how things go", he said. "I think so too", Barbara said.
The two looked at their daughter who was completely oblivious to their conversation as she continued to play with her blocks. Barbara began to laugh. Jim smiled at her, "What's so funny?" He asked. "I feel so sorry for my lawyer, I know he must get sick, and tired of drawing up papers for me", she said.
Jim laughed too, "So, can I move back in?" He asked. Barbara looked at him, and touched his face. "Yes, and the sooner the better", she said. They kissed once more then focused their attention back to Barbara Lee.
Author's Note- Okay, I know it has been almost a year since I last updated, and I am so sorry but I have finally updated. Thank you to all who have stuck with this story so far, and trust me I do not intend to abandon this story. No way, not happening. I will finish this. I am way too passionate about this fic to just stop now, and there are only four more chapters left so I definitely plan on finishing. So just stick with me, and I will make it worth your while. Now for some updates on me, I have good news, I have enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and I leave for bootcamp soon. Hence why I needed to get this chapter out. I could not leave, and leave this unfinished. I wouldn't be able to focus on my task at hand if I did that. So, it's a good thing that I finished this chapter today. But after bootcamp, I should have my computer so I'll be able to write again. Now enough about me, did you guys love this long awaited chapter? Are you happy that Jim, and Barbara admitted that they loved each other? Are you curious to see what the last four chapters hold? If so, tell me what you think in the comments, and thanks for reading.