EPILOGUE
In the quiet nursery room of their home, Sam sat comfortably in the light blue rocking chair, cradling their son, Jake, as she breastfed. She was utterly engrossed in the task, her gaze fixed on her little one. Seeing the beautiful sight before him, Jack silently appreciated the moment after just arriving home. Sam, dressed in grey yoga pants and a matching open-button shirt, was a picture of serene motherhood. The nursery, adorned with airplane designs, was bathed in a peaceful hush, with the only sound being the happy sucking noises from Jake and the occasional waving of his tiny hands in the air.
Beside the chair stood a white changing table, impeccably organized with all the essentials for diaper changes, complete with a changing pad cover featuring charming airplane motifs. The entire room carried the airplane theme, with Jake's crib featuring a white frame and pale blue bedding adorned with airplane designs. Sam and Jack quickly agreed on their first son theme bedroom décor. Above the crib, a mobile of miniature airplanes swayed gently, a thoughtful gift from their friend Daniel. Near the door, a growth chart with airplane illustrations was a testament to tracking Jake's growth over time that Jack had put it himself.
Sam finally noticed Jack in the doorway, and he entered the room with a soft, affectionate smile.
"Hey," he said softly, kissing her head.
"Hey. How was your day?" she asked as Jake signaled that he was full.
Jack extended his arms, and Sam carefully transferred their son into his embrace. He greeted Jake warmly, then reached for a nearby towel and draped it over his shoulder. Cradling Jake upright with his head resting on his shoulder, Jack gently patted his back until he let out a satisfying burp.
"Here you go, champion," Jack said, still smiling.
Sam had already adjusted her clothing, and she stretched in the chair as Jack held Jake.
"He should sleep for a few hours now," she said, rising from her seat. Jack carefully placed Jake in the crib, tucking him under his blue blanket.
Sam turned her attention to the high-tech baby monitor on the shelf, equipped with a video camera and a temperature sensor. It allowed them to monitor Jake and the room's temperature closely.
"It's all good," she said with a sleepy voice.
Jack wrapped his arms around her waist and whispered, "Come on, Colonel, let's go to bed." He leaned in to kiss her.
"Oh, that sounds heavenly," she murmured, closing her eyes and resting her face against his chest. She was nearly asleep when they reached their bedroom. Jack gently placed her in their bed, and she sighed contentedly as the cool sheets met her skin.
"Oh God, I love my bed," she murmured, her eyes closed.
Jack chuckled and quickly changed into more comfortable clothing. In a matter of minutes, he joined her in bed. Dinner could wait; he wanted some precious moments alone with his wife.
"So, how was your day?" he asked, kissing her neck tenderly.
Sam opened her sleepy eyes, her fingers tracing patterns on his back.
"Wake up, feed a starving baby, change a filthy baby, put him to sleep, take a nap, and repeat. I lost count," she said with a tired but contented smile.
Jack smiled knowingly. He could see how exhausted she was.
"Are you happy?" he asked softly.
Sam's eyes met his, and she smiled with genuine warmth.
"Yes, Jack. Very much. I've never been so happy," she replied, gently touching his hair.
Jack swallowed a lump in his throat and deeply moved.
"Me too," he said sincerely.
Sam smiled and drew him closer.
"Then that's all that matters. We'll deal with the rest," she said, pressing her lips to his.
Jack held her close, their bodies entwined.
"Always, my love, always," he murmured against her lips.