The Field of Dreams

by bbflabradors

Jack thought he had it all; a pro-baseball career, money, and charitable work that he dearly loved. That is until a near career ending injury forced him to return to the minor leagues. Never in a million years would he ever have thought that a demotion of sorts could offer such profound possibilities. Now, if he can only talk Elizabeth into giving him a chance!

46. Chapter 46- Yellow Like a Yield Sign

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters within this story. All rights and much respect go to Crown Media, Hallmark, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr., the actors, creators, and writers of the show "When Calls the Heart." Any real people or places noted in the chapter are just there for storyline purposes.

Chapter 46- Yellow Like a Yield Sign

Elizabeth held the baby as Jack, and both sets of grandparents congregated around the bed.

"So, what do we call her, Addison or Isabella?" Charlotte asked.

Jack and Elizabeth looked at each other before Elizabeth responded, "We haven't gotten that far. It was hard enough coming up with her legal name."

"Once we get her home we can see what she's like and then we can name her," Jack responded.

Elizabeth tore her eyes away from the beautiful blessing in her arms and glared at Jack, "Honey, she's not a puppy."

Realizing how his comment had come across he stuttered slightly before releasing a nervous laugh, "I mean, we aren't in a rush to give her an official call name. Addison, Isabella, Addy, or Bella, any of them are beautiful, just like her mother…" Jack leaned over the bed and kissed Elizabeth's forehead before kissing the top of his daughter's head.

"Don't you have a game today, Jack?" William asked.

Jack glanced at his watch, "Oh WOW, I need to go…but I don't want to."

"Honey, we'll be fine," Elizabeth assured him. "Why don't you take daddy with you. I'm sure he'd love to watch you play, and it'll give my mom, Charlotte and me a chance to talk."

Jack leaned down and whispered, "Is something wrong?"

Elizabeth didn't worry about hiding her response, "No, Jack; nothing is wrong. I just thought my dad would like to take in a baseball game, and your mom, my mom and I haven't had any time to talk…" she responded.

Seeing Jack's odd expression, she quickly added, "You know, girl talk."

"Enough said… come on, William. Do you want to go watch the Dodgers whip the Rockies?" Jack asked.

"Uh Jack, aren't you playing the Giants?" Elizabeth asked.

"Are we? I don't know; I'm just so mesmerized by this little one here, and of course, by her beautiful mother…" he responded before kissing Elizabeth again.

As his fingers gently brushed across the cheek of Bella's face, his eyes filled with tears, "I don't want to leave either of you. I love you both so much."

"Honey; let's step outside and give them a few moments alone," Grace stated as she gave William's hand a gentle tug.

Charlotte kissed Jack on the cheek before following William and Grace outside.

Finally, alone, Jack took a seat on the side of Elizabeth's bed. As his eyes continued to water, she asked, "Jack, I know this is overwhelming, but is something wrong?"

Elizabeth held the baby as she carefully eased her body up in bed, realizing as she moved and pulled against her stitches that she should have remained where she was. Now both of them had tears in their eyes, but each one for vastly different reasons.

Finally situated and as the pain eased, she again asked, "What's wrong, Jack?"

"Are you okay?" he directed the attention back at her.

"I'm fine; stop deflecting. I asked you what's wrong, and I need to know," she was adamant as she took hold of his hand so he couldn't get up and walk away.

"Elizabeth, there was a time when you told me that you weren't pregnant, and I was happy. I know you were devastated, but I was so worried about you being alone on the east coast while I was out here, so, you not being pregnant was logical. I'm sorry…"

"Jack, I know that, and as it turned out, you were right to be concerned and worried, and for my part in that, I'm sorry. But what is it now?"

"There's nothing wrong, it's just that she's here; she's perfect, and I already can't imagine life without her in it," he mentioned, feeling guilty that he was ever relieved that Elizabeth "wasn't" pregnant. "I just don't want her to ever think that I didn't want her. You and Bella are my world. I love you so much."

By the time the nurse stepped inside Elizabeth's room to check her vital signs, both Jack and Elizabeth were in tears, as their daughter lay sound asleep in Elizabeth's arms.

"Mrs. Thornton are you okay?" the nurse asked.

Elizabeth wiped her eyes as Jack turned away, trying to hide his own tears from the nurse. "I'm fine; it's just everything is overwhelming, I guess."

"Do you want to try breast feeding again?" the nurse inquired as she checked Elizabeth's temperature, blood pressure and pulse.

"Yes, but can I just say goodbye to my dad first; oh, and is it okay if my mom and my mother-in-law sit in here with me?"

"Yes," the nurse advised. "I'll step outside and you can just ring the buzzer when you're ready."

"Thank you," Elizabeth replied as her attention went immediately back to her daughter.

Jack followed the nurse outside initially to invite her parents and his mother back inside. But seeing them at the end of the hall, Jack took the opportunity to ask, "Are my wife and daughter doing okay?"

"Oh, Mr. Thornton, your wife's vital signs are good, and I'm sure that the pediatrician will be in to see your daughter today. I wouldn't worry, though…I haven't heard anything from the nursery saying that they have any concerns with the baby," she advised him.

Jack looked over and observed his mother and in-laws approaching as the nurse continued, "Mr. Thornton, I would assume that your wife and daughter will be heading home in a few days, and that's only because she had a c-section."

"I just don't want to leave them," Jack replied as his eyes looked toward Elizabeth's room, staring, almost as if he could see her and Bella through the walls.

"Mr. Thornton, I'm on duty until later tonight, so I'll keep a close watch on her," the nurse assured him.

Observing Jack talking with the nurse, Charlotte interrupted a conversation between William and Grace, drawing their attention down the hall toward Elizabeth's room. Noticeably concerned, the three parents walked quickly back toward Jack.

"What's wrong?" Mr. Thatcher asked.

"Nothing," Jack responded, "I was just coming to get you so Elizabeth could say 'goodbye' to you before we leave for the ballpark."

Jack, William, Grace and Charlotte stepped quietly back into Elizabeth's room. Standing just inside the door, they observed Elizabeth, sitting up in the bed with her gown pulled down on the left side, but with the sheet discreetly covering her, she was contently nursing the baby, watching as her daughter happily consumed the milk that she was finally able to provide as she softly sang…

Hush little baby don't say a word
Momma's gonna buy you a mockingbird
If that mockingbird don't sing
Momma's gonna buy you a diamond ring.

Glancing up at Jack, "Look, I can do it…" Elizabeth's eyes watered as tears streaked her cheeks.

Jack excitedly approached the bed as her parents and Charlotte stayed by the door to give them privacy. Jack took a seat on the side of the bed mesmerized by the connection he was witnessing between the two most important people in his life, and he was brought to tears…again.

"Jack look, she's latched on and she did it without me having to do anything," she stated as she looked up into his eyes. "What's wrong?" she asked concerned by his tears.

He wiped his eyes, "Nothing's wrong; everything is right. You both are so beautiful, and I'm so lucky to have you." Try as he may, the tears continued to roll down his cheeks. Wiping his eyes for the umpteenth time, he continued, "I don't want to leave, but I have to get to the ballpark."

"Take daddy with you, so us women can talk," she pressed him.

Jack turned to her parents who were standing across the room, "William, are you ready to go watch the Dodgers play?"

Mr. Thatcher looked at his wife; the nod she gave him indicated that she, Charlotte and Elizabeth would be fine. He walked over and kissed Elizabeth on the cheek before turning toward Jack, "I'm ready."

As the men headed for the door, Elizabeth called out, "Honey," causing Jack to stop and turn around.

His heart sank as he caught the sparkle in her crystal blue eyes; he truly did not want to leave the room. "What do you need honey?"

"Hit a homerun for our daughter…"

"I'll do my best," he replied as they continued out into the hall. "No pressure there," he muttered. "I can't even feel my feet on the floor, and she wants me to hit a homerun."

Mr. Thatcher laughed, "You can't feel your feet on the floor because you're still walking on air."

With the men now gone, Grace approached Elizabeth's bed, with Charlotte stepping back to give them some private time. Elizabeth held out her free hand, "Please join us, this is such a special moment; I want you to be a part of it."

Charlotte and Grace pulled up chairs on either side of Elizabeth's bed, and took a seat as all three women witnessed the miracle before them.

The women sat around and discussed stories of their own child rearing experiences. Although Elizabeth listened, her eyes rested solely on her daughter, finding it so hard to believe that after everything, she was finally here, and thankfully healthy.

On their way to the ballpark, Jack took the opportunity during a lull in their conversation to ask, "When Viola was born, were you scared?"

"Do you mean scared when Grace was in labor or after Viola was safely in our arms?"

"Actually, I guess I mean both," Jack responded as they stopped for the red light at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Vin Scully Avenue, one mile from Dodger Stadium.

William turned to Jack, "I was petrified," he admitted. "You know, even when I was that young, you could give me a business proposal to complete or a negotiation to handle and I was in my element, but childbirth, and a new baby had me scared to death."

As Jack drove on through the green light, William continued, "I guess we always worry about losing the women we love in childbirth. But then, they place this beautiful, helpless little angel into your arms, and truly you are never the same after that."

"You're right about that," Jack responded as he thought about how his heart melted when he first observed his daughter's picture on the doctor's cellphone. "Do you ever relax?"

"Jack, Julie is our youngest and she is in her late twenties. The answer to your question is 'Yes,' I believe you can. I guess you get used to your new normal so you eventually relax, but you will forever worry about them," William advised.

"How old are they when you can finally relax?" Jack asked as he pulled into the stadium parking lot.

"Well, when I actually allow myself to relax, I'll let you know," William responded. "You know, Elizabeth was the best behaved of our three girls. We, of course worried about her as a child, but as she got older, we could tell that she had a level head on her shoulders. Now Julie…I don't think we'll ever relax with her," he admitted as they pulled into Jack's parking space in the players' security patrolled section of the lot.

As they walked toward the "Players" entrance, Jack was stopped by a group of adoring fans, many of whom were women, seeking autographs. "Hey Ryan," Jack called out to one of the groundskeepers.

"Hey Jack, I understand congratulations are in order," Ryan stated with a brotherly slap on the back. "I'll bet that daughter of yours is a real beauty."

"You're right, she is," Jack replied with a broad dimply smile. "Hey, this is William Thatcher, my father-in-law. Would you do me a favor and get him situated in a good seat in the family section? Oh, and tell Mike that if William wants anything from concessions, I'll settle up with him after the game."

"Sure thing." Ryan turned to William, "Hello, Mr. Thatcher, follow me and I'll get you situated."

"Thanks, Ryan." Jack turned to William, "I'll come and get you after the game."

"Okay, thanks Jack…Good luck," he yelled out as Jack headed for the locker room.

Jack barely made it into the locker room before he was inundated with handshakes and pats on the back, the male version of providing congratulations. He pulled out his phone and showed each player, bat boy, coach and the manager, a picture of Elizabeth holding their daughter, and he beamed from ear to ear.

Before Jack knew it, the team was preparing to hit the field and he was still wearing his street clothes. He rushed to his locker, changed into his uniform, grabbed his glove, baseball cap, and a bottle of water from the cooler by the door.

Standing in the doorway with one foot in the locker room and the other outside in the tunnel leading to the backstop, he stopped, turned around and rushed back to his locker. Grabbing his cellphone, Jack called Elizabeth…

"Hey honey; is everything okay?" she asked.

"I miss you and Bella. Are you okay?" he asked.

"Jack, you've only been gone for an hour and a half; we're fine. But I do have a question?"

"What…?"

"I'm assuming that Bella is your choice; am I right?" she responded as Addison Isabella lay sound asleep in her arms.

"Well, it does mean beautiful, and well, she is, so it fits…"

"Okay, Bella it is," she agreed. "But Jack, please don't worry about us, we're fine."

Jack released a harsh breath that came across much like a soft laugh, "That's easier said than done."

"Well, our moms are keeping me company, so please don't worry."

"I'll try honey. I'll be back just as soon as the game is over."

Jack tossed his phone on the top shelf of his locker, closed the door and headed for the dugout.

Once on the field, Jack tossed the ball with Enrique Hernandez, the second baseman. Jack was caught several times daydreaming as the ball went right by without him so much as lifting his gloved hand.

"Jack, are you okay, man?" Enrique yelled out as Jack ran down the first base line to retrieve the uncaught baseball.

Tossing the ball back to Enrique, he replied, "Man I've got other things on my mind, but I'll get it together; keep throwing…"

They continued to toss the ball back and forth as each throw from Enrique picked up more and more speed. Jack settled into the job at hand, wishing that he were still at the hospital, but feeling the need to play well enough that Elizabeth and Bella would be proud of him.

As the game began, the Dodgers took the field in the top of the first inning. The announcer introduced each player as he took his position, with the crowd erupting in applause when Jack stepped out of the dugout.

"The Dodgers Organization would like to congratulate our exceptional centerfielder, Jack Thornton, and his lovely wife, Elizabeth on the birth of their first child, a daughter, named Addison Isabella. Congratulations Jack and Elizabeth…" the announcer broadcast Jack's life changing news as he lifted his arm into the air, acknowledging the crowd before taking his position on the field.

Throughout his life, baseball had always come easy to Jack; he was so into it that he would eat, sleep and breathe the game. Batting and fielding came naturally, with literally no thought needed. That was until that announcement was made.

Now, as he stood out in centerfield, practically a stranger to the glove that was on his left hand, Jack had to think about what he was doing. His body was on the field, but his mind was miles away at Cedars Sinai Hospital.

Jack's whole world was no longer baseball. Well, if Jack were honest with himself, he'd say that after he met and fell in love with Elizabeth, he knew that there was more to life than the baseball field. But now he was a daddy, and not just someone's daddy, he was daddy to the most precious little girl who had ever breathed, or so he felt, and as her father, he had every right to feel this way.

The first three Giants' batters were retired without contact ever being made with their bats. Jack was thankful, as he spent the majority of the time staring into the infield but seeing nothing other than the vision of his beautiful wife and daughter.

Terrance Gore, left fielder for the Dodgers was nearing the infield when he realized that Jack was still standing in centerfield. He turned around, jogged over to Jack, slapped him on the back, and brought him back to the reality at hand.

"Man, maybe you just need to go back to the hospital. It's evident that you aren't here," Terrance stated as they reached the first base line. Walking toward the dugout, he continued, "And I get it. I was the same way when Britney was in the hospital having Zane."

As Jack tossed his glove onto the shelf in the dugout he responded, "I know, but I need to be here too."

"Yes, we do need you, but only if you can get it together," Terrance responded.

"I'm trying man…"

With each subsequent inning, batter after batter approached the plate on both sides; each one, striking out, called out on a flyball, or thrown out before reaching first base.

That was until Jack stepped up to the plate, his second time at bat, in the bottom of the fourth inning. Hit in the upper left arm by an errant pitch that he would have ordinarily been able to escape, he took his place on first base.

The next two batters, Justin Turner and Corey Seager each hit singles, advancing Jack all the way to third base. Unfortunately, a high fly ball hit by designated hitter, Joc Pederson, and caught by Mike Yastrzemski retired the Dodgers leaving the score, at the bottom of the fourth inning, still tied at 0-0.

In the top of the seventh inning, the Dodgers took the field as Jack stood in his usual spot in centerfield. Although the Dodgers had managed one strike out and a caught fly ball, several batters still made it to base.

As catcher Buster Posey stepped up to bat, he cockily tapped the plate with the tip of his bat before pointing his finger out to centerfield. Although the crowd was yelling, clearly unhappy with his bold display, all Jack heard in his head was Elizabeth singing…

Hush little baby, don't say a word
Momma's gonna buy you a mockingbird
If that mockingbird don't sing…

Jack glanced up and the high-flying ball was heading right for him. Too shallow in centerfield, the ball was clearly over his head as he began running backward toward the fence. Diving, he hit the ball with the tip of his glove sending it over the fence as the umpire deemed it to be a ground rule double.

As a result, the two runners already on base also advanced, moving the runners from first to third and second to home, giving the Giants a 1-0 lead. Thankfully, the next batter grounded out with no further runs scoring.

Back at the hospital…

Elizabeth was embarrassed that she hadn't even thought to turn on the TV to watch the game. Hitting the power button on the remote control, she went through the channels, finally stopping on Channel 21, ESPN, and the only game she was interested in.

Back at Dodger Stadium…

The Dodgers left the field and Jack had a few moments to reflect during the seventh inning stretch. Several of his teammates wanted to ask, "What the Hell is the matter with you today?" However, those with children knew where his mind was, and those who didn't knew better that to approach him, as it was evident that they couldn't have been harder on him that he was on himself.

Although several Dodgers made it on base, the team was still retired without scoring.

It was finally the bottom of the ninth inning and the score remained 1-0 with the Giants chomping at the bit for the win. The first two Dodgers batters hit infield balls and were called out at first base. The third batter hit a double out into left field and securely stood on the bag awaiting the next Dodger to approach the plate.

Jack stood on deck realizing that a base on balls, being struck by an errant pitch or a hit were needed to keep the team's hope for a win alive. Feeling responsible for the score as it currently stood, Jack approached the plate.

He tapped the plate and wiggled his butt, the second of which always made Elizabeth smile, and this time was no different as she watched from her hospital bed.

Back at the hospital…

Unaware of Jack's lack of concentration which caused the only run to score thus far, Elizabeth watched as he stood firmly for the first pitch which was low and outside.

Elizabeth held the baby in her arms, and although she was sound asleep Elizabeth whispered, "That's your daddy, and we are so lucky to have him."

Back at Dodger Stadium…

As the Giants' coach called "Time," and approached the mound to talk with his pitcher, Jack took the moment to take a deep breath and get his mind straight.

The coach left the pitcher in, both of them feeling certain that Jack could be taken out without his bat contacting the ball.

The next several pitches left Jack with a 2-2 count, and a strong desire to come away from the game having redeemed himself. Unaware that Elizabeth and Bella were watching the game, Jack took a deep breath and whispered, "This is for my girls…"

Jack kicked his cleats into the dirt just as the pitcher wound up. As the next pitch was thrown, down the middle and just above the knee, Jack never lost sight of the ball. He leaned back into his right leg and swung his maple wood bat.

Contacting the ball, Jack dropped the bat and headed for first base. By the time he reached second, the crowd was erupting in cheers and applause and his teammates emptied the bench as the ball easily cleared the left field fence.

The runner in front of Jack tied up the score when he rounded third base and headed home, joining the other players as they congratulated Jack when he crossed the plate for the win.

Victorious, the team headed for the locker room with Jack feeling much better about his game than he did several innings ago.

"Are you ready to go, William?" Jack called out as he approached his father-in-law following his shower and clothes change.

William stood up and shook Jack's hand, "That was a great game, Jack."

"It didn't start out that way," Jack released a harsh breath. "Come on, I want to stop off and get Elizabeth a milkshake on the way to the hospital."

An hour and a half later, Jack and William, carrying bags and trays of soft drinks and a special Neapolitan milkshake for Elizabeth, stepped off the elevator and headed for her room.

They left the food and all drinks except the Neapolitan milkshake on the nurse's station desk for the staff to enjoy.

Walking into Elizabeth's room, Jack found both Charlotte and Grace sitting by the bed as Elizabeth, propped up by pillows, carefully held her daughter.

Elizabeth glanced up and smiled when she observed Jack walking into her room. "Is that what I think it is?"

He approached the bed, "A sweet treat for my sweetheart."

Mr. Thatcher walked over to the other side of the bed and kissed Elizabeth's forehead. Running his hand across his granddaughter's cap covered head, he leaned over and placed a soft, gentle kiss on her cheek. "Popa loves you," he whispered.

Checking his watch, and feeling certain that Grace and Charlotte were in need of a hot meal, and Jack and Elizabeth needed time alone with their daughter, he suggested, "Why don't I take you two lovely ladies out to dinner?"

Alone in the room, Jack sat on the side of Elizabeth's hospital bed, his arm around her shoulders, and both sets of their eyes were fixated on their little girl.

"Daddy hit a homerun for you today, sweet Bella," Elizabeth whispered as she glanced over and caught Jack's eyes.

"So, it's Bella…?" he asked.

"Did you not remember me talking to you before the game?"

"Of course, I remember…actually, I don't. My mind seems to be a scrambled mess right now."

"Well, Bella does mean 'beautiful' and…" glancing over at their daughter she continued, "She clearly is."

Jack's finger under Elizabeth's chin turned her to face him. "She takes after you…" he whispered as his lips softly met hers.

Staring down at Bella, their tears fell again. Unstoppable emotions consumed them as they each thought back to the road that brought them to this point; the anger, the fear, the anticipation, and finally the pure joy that they currently felt.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but it's time for the baby to go back to the nursery," Elizabeth's nurse advised. "Your doctor wants you to rest tonight, and then your little girl will 'room-in' with you so you can get used to her feeding cues. Does that sound okay?"

"Oh, so starting tomorrow, Bella will stay in here with me?"

"Yes ma'am," her nurse advised. Turning to face Jack she continued, "Oh, and Mr. Thornton, it was nice of you to bring all of us dinner. Thank you very much…"

"You are welcome; I hope everyone enjoyed it," he replied.

"Trust me, we did. In-N-Out Burger beats the cafeteria any day of the week," she responded as she placed Bella in the rolling bassinet. She stood by as Jack and Elizabeth said 'good night' to their daughter before wheeling her toward the door. "In case you didn't realize, visiting hours are over," she added before pushing the bassinet out into the hallway and down to the nursery.

Suddenly, even though they were together, it was evident that something was missing. Bella was right down the hall, but she may as well have been across the world.

"You need to go get some sleep, Jack," Elizabeth whispered, speaking the words, but holding on to him, her actions telling him otherwise.

Jack helped her move down in the bed as she lay her head on the pillow. Easing back beside her, he slipped his arm behind her neck, kissed her forehead and watched as she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

Before long, Jack too, was asleep as several of the nurses stepped into the room to take a peek.

"He's not supposed to be here," one nurse advised.

"I know that," Elizabeth's nurse responded. "But he's not hurting anything, and I happen to think it's precious."

The following morning, with his son-in-law wearing the same clothes from the previous day, William asked, "Jack, did you stay here all night?"

"I did…actually, I fell asleep," Jack admitted as William, Grace and Charlotte walked into Elizabeth's room.

"I remember when Elizabeth was born, and I believe I did the same thing," William admitted.

"Oh mom, daddy, guess what…?"

"What honey," Grace responded.

"When they bring Bella to me, she'll stay in my room for the rest of my stay here. It's called 'rooming-in' and the nurse said that it will help get me used to having her with me and knowing her different cues," Elizabeth advised.

"WOW, things sure have changed since I had you girls," Grace replied.

Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher and Charlotte hung around the hospital but took the opportunity during Bella's feeding times to step out for coffee and fresh air while allowing Jack, Elizabeth some privacy with their daughter.

Each time Bella nursed, although Jack was mesmerized by the connection between her and Elizabeth, he somehow felt as though he was missing out on this bonding experience.

Observing his expression, Elizabeth asked, "What's wrong, honey?"

"It's nothing…"

"Jack, don't you remember that we tell each other everything; so, what's wrong?"

"You two are so close, and it's just that I don't feel like I get to bond with her… forget I even said anything; I'm fine."

As Elizabeth finished, instead of immediately putting Bella on her chest to burp her, she handed her to Jack.

"What am I supposed to do?" he nervously asked.

"Just support her head and neck and prop her up on your chest and gently pat her on the back to get any air out."

"Burrrp…" Bella quickly released air that was trapped in her tummy.

"WHOA, little girl, I think that one was bigger than you…" Jack lovingly smiled. "Thank you," he whispered to Elizabeth as he began to walk around the room continuing to hold Bella against his chest, certain that he could feel her heart beating in time with his.

Jack walked back to Elizabeth's bed and took a seat. "Is it okay if I still hold her?"

"Jack, she's is as much a part of you as she is me, I think we can share…" she laughed softly.

"Uh, that one wasn't a burp. Do we call the nurse to change her?" he asked.

"No, the diapers, wipes and powder are on the desk over there," Elizabeth pointed to the table under the TV which was hanging on the wall.

Jack sat Bella in Elizabeth's arms and stepped across the room to get the supplies he needed.

"Do you want me to do it?" she asked.

"No, I don't want you to tell anyone that I only pitch in with the good stuff. I can do this…I think."

Jack laid a pad down on Elizabeth's bed, rolled his daughter's gown up to her waist and started to remove her dirty diaper. "Oh my gosh, I wonder if that hurts," he asked as he stared down at her shriveling umbilical cord.

"I guess if we pull on it, it might, but from what I've read it should fall off soon," Elizabeth advised.

Jack removed her diaper, suddenly sorry that he'd volunteered for the job. Elizabeth watched as he practically used an entire package of wipes to clean Bella's bottom, eventually proud of himself as he powdered her diaper area.

Appearing a bit cocky at this point, he took hold of her feet and lifted her bottom as he slid the diaper underneath her. Once he secured the stretchy fastening tape to the other end of the diaper, he threw his hands up in the air as if he'd just lassoed a calf and restrained it by tying three of its legs together in the World Championships.

"See, I've got this…" he stated as he handed Bella back to Elizabeth who proceeded to remove the diaper. "What are you doing?"

"Honey, do you see these little pictures on the back of the diaper?"

"Yes, what about them?"

"Jack, they are supposed to be in the front, along with the majority of the padding. Also, did you find it odd that the sticky tabs hooked in the back?" she waited for a response, but when he didn't provide one, she continued. "Well, that's because the tab is in the back, and hooks on the front."

"Well other than that, did I do okay?" he asked.

"Jack, you did a perfect job; both Bella and I greatly appreciate it, and we appreciate and love you."

Thankful for a day off before leaving for a final road trip to play the Atlanta Braves, Jack remained at the hospital with Elizabeth and Bella all day. Her parents, his mother, Mookie, Rosa, and a group of the Dodgers wives and girlfriends stopped by with gifts for the baby.

The gifts included the following:

1-A pink blanket, a photographic background prop for showcasing Bella's first year milestones.

2-A pink elephant with Addison Isabella Thornton embroidered on one ear.

3-A silver Noah's Ark bank engraved with Bella's name.

4-Several pairs of footie pajamas…a) pink with frog patches on the body and frog faces on the feet; b) white with pink flowers, a pink shrug and a cap; c) and a deep rose colored long-sleeve onesie with a panda patch on the chest and panda faces on the feet.

5-Several outfits…a) a pink and white dress with bunny rabbits and flowers; b) a three piece set with pink pants, a white bodysuit with "I Love Daddy" on the front and a pink jacket; and c) a three piece set with melon colored pants and button down over-shirt with a bodysuit.

6-A Bright Starts Hug-n-Cuddle Elephant Activity Gym

7-A Wubba Nub Giraffe Pacifier

8-A Bright Starts Tummy Time Prop and Play Mat

9-A Fisher-Price Infant-to-Toddler Rocker and a pink newborn baby wrap swaddle blanket from Rosa, Mookie and their son, Preston.

10-Baby Snuggle- a baby bed which imitates the infant's embryo period and mimics the shape of the female uterus. It has an anti-rolling, shaping pillow to stop the baby from spilling over into awkward positions.

Glancing at all of the gifts sitting on her bed and on the table across the room, Elizabeth was extremely thankful for everyone's thoughtfulness. "It feels like I've had a baby shower right here." Glancing down at Bella she continued, "There are a lot of people who are happy that you're here, but no one more excited than your daddy and me."

With several breaks in visitors throughout the day occurring during Bella's feeding times, once the sun began to lower, so did Elizabeth's eyelids.

"Why don't all of you go get some dinner?" Elizabeth suggested. "I know that the cafeteria can't be that good, and please take Jack with you."

"What, you don't want me around?" Jack sounded hurt.

Elizabeth smiled. Taking hold of his hand she responded, "I love you, and I want you here, but I'm exhausted and since Bella is taking a nap, I think I will too. Please go get a good meal."

"I'm coming back to see you after we finish," Jack promised. "Can I bring you anything?"

"I appreciate it, but I'm fine," she assured him. As everyone left her room, Elizabeth called out to her daddy, "Please try to get him to relax if you can. The team leaves tomorrow, and I know he's worried about leaving us."

"Honey, I don't know if I can say anything to him to make him feel at ease," her father responded.

"The team is gonna be gone for five days and I'm sure he's worried about us being alone."

"Your mother can stay…"

"Daddy, I appreciate that, and she's welcome to, you know that. But she has that Woman's League fundraiser next weekend, and she needs to be there for that. Besides, Rosa is here, and I'm sure she wouldn't mind staying with us, if needed."

"Honey, I know how he feels. He just doesn't want you to be alone."

"But daddy, you went back to work after us girls were born, right?"

"No, I took two weeks off with each of you girls," he admitted. "Well, actually, I was out for nearly a month when Viola was born, but she was our first. By the time you and Julie came around, your mother was a pro at getting everything done and prioritizing."

"Well, this is his last away trip this season, and I don't think the Dodgers are going to make it into the playoffs, so please, help make him feel at ease about his trip."

"I'll do my best, but I can't guarantee anything," her father responded. "To be honest with you, he wouldn't be the man I think he is if he goes away without any thought to you and Bella."

"That's not what I mean, daddy…"

"Hey, is something wrong?" Jack asked as he stepped back into Elizabeth's room.

"No, daddy and I were just talking. You guys have a nice dinner…" Elizabeth stated as Jack approached the bed.

"I don't want to go…" Jack whispered as his lips pressed softly against hers.

"I know honey, but you need to leave us at some point, and this will only be for a few hours. Besides, I'm just going to take a nap. Bella and I will be fine."

Jack sat on the side of the bed, "I don't want to leave now, but before, I meant that I don't want to leave tomorrow."

"I know, but honey, we knew that there would be times when we would be apart," she reminded him.

"This is different; you've just had major surgery, and Bella's here now too. I just want to be here with you," he stated, his nervousness and disappointment was easily recognized in his voice.

"I'll talk to Rosa and I'm sure she and Preston can come over and stay while you're gone. Please Jack, don't worry," she framed his face with her hands. "I love you; Bella and I are so lucky to have you, and after this trip, you'll be able to be home until spring training."

"I know, but five days is going to feel like forever…" he whispered.

"Come on, Jack, we're leaving," William called out from the doorway.

Jack reached over and grabbed his phone from the table beside Elizabeth's bed, kissed her goodbye and begrudgingly disappeared out the door.

Suddenly alone with just her thoughts and a sleeping baby, Elizabeth grabbed her bag from the bedside table and pulled out her journal.

She opened the leather-bound cover and flipped to the next blank page. As she clicked her pen open, she wondered how she could possibly convey everything she felt into words; just how could she adequately express her feelings, thoughts and emotions onto the stark white canvas.

Elizabeth took a deep breath and began to release what she'd held inside…

"My dearest Bella, while I carried you safely inside me, although I worried about you, your little kicks and punches told me that you were growing and strong. You were delivered from my body with no instructions attached, and I feel much like I did on my first day in high school Latin class, lost and nervous.

My sweet little cherub, I loved you long before we met, and although I'm sure I will make mistakes along the way, please know that everything I do will be done out of the most genuine love for you.

My dear little one, you were not a mistake, a problem or an accident. You will never be a burden, an inconvenience, or a nuisance. Always remember that I love you, yesterday, today and most definitely tomorrow. I will always believe in you, probably more often that you will believe in yourself, but know that you are a powerful girl, and you will be capable of doing anything you set your mind to.

I glance down at you, so peaceful as you sleep, a smile on your face, and beautiful dreams in your head. I can't promise you that I can fix every problem you encounter, but your daddy and I will never let you go through them alone. For you now make up the biggest part of both of our world.

Bella, my hope is that you find it enjoyable to run in the rain, splash in puddles, and face the sun so you may feel the warmth on your face. I pray that you make special friends who remain with you for a lifetime, that you are lucky enough to find the end of the proverbial rainbow, that you sleep under a sky filled with stars, and that one day, many, many, many years from now, that you spread your wings and soar like a bird.

I love you more than I ever thought possible. You are my daughter, my life, my love; you are my world. You are my hopes for today, and my dreams for tomorrow, and I will love you until the end of time…"

Elizabeth closed her journal and slipped it back into her bag. She carefully eased down in the bed, rested her head on her pillow and quickly fell asleep.

Elizabeth had only been asleep for a short while when she woke to find someone wheeling Bella out of the room. "Wait, where are you going?" Elizabeth raised up quickly, practically doubling over in pain.

"Mrs. Thornton, are you okay?" the woman rushed over to Elizabeth's bedside.

"Where are you taking my baby?" Elizabeth asked, clearly agitated as she held her abdomen when she crawled out of bed.

"The pediatrician is coming in to check all of the babies. I'm sorry; you were sleeping, and I thought I'd have her back before you woke up," the woman explained. "I'm sorry; please relax…you're upsetting yourself and it's not good for you or the baby.

Elizabeth didn't recall seeing this woman previously, so she rang the buzzer.

"Yes, Mrs. Thornton, may I help you?" Elizabeth's nurse called from the nurse's station.

"Could you please come in here?"

"Yes ma'am, I'll be right there…" her nurse replied.

As her nurse walked into Elizabeth's room, she had to push Bella's bassinet away from the door. "What's she doing over here?" Elizabeth's nurse asked the other woman, who turned out to be a nurse's aide who had recently graduated.

"She was taking her out of my room?" Elizabeth cried out. "Who is she; I don't know her."

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Thornton," Elizabeth's nurse apologized. Turning to face the new aide, she asked. "Did you just come in here and take the baby?"

"I'm sorry, but she was sleeping, and I thought I could get her back before Mrs. Thornton woke up."

"Mrs. Thornton, this is Debbie, a nursing aide student. Actually, she just graduated, so I guess she isn't a student anymore. I'm deeply sorry for the confusion." Turning to face Debbie, Elizabeth's nurse was very stern, "Don't ever enter one of these rooms and walk out with a baby if you have not explained the situation to his or her mother."

The nurse's aide broke down in tears, "I'm so sorry; I didn't mean to upset you. I just thought you needed some sleep…I'm so sorry."

Elizabeth wiped her eyes and eased herself back onto the bed, "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to jump down your throat. It simply scared me."

"Is it okay if we take Bella down to the nursery for her check up with the on-call pediatrician?" Elizabeth's nurse asked.

"Of course. How long will she be?" Elizabeth asked.

"Well, the nursery is close to full, so why don't you lay back, get some rest and we'll bring her back before she needs to nurse again."

"Are you sure?" Elizabeth responded.

"Yes ma'am, we'll have her back soon…"

Watching the nurse's aide wheel Bella out of the room, Elizabeth held her abdomen as she eased back up in bed.

Elizabeth laid down and moved her arm from her abdomen. Observing blood seeping from underneath Elizabeth's gown, her nurse asked, "Mrs. Thornton, how long have you been bleeding?"

"What…?"

Obviously concerned, her nurse asked, "I need to check your sutures."

"Why…?" Elizabeth asked before looking down and observing her blood which soaked her gown and was now covering her left forearm.

"Oh no, what's wrong?"

"Just relax and let me take a look…" the nurse stated as she rolled Elizabeth's gown above her belly button.

Grabbing gauze pads from her pocket she dabbed at Elizabeth's incision, finding that four sutures had torn away, leaving the wound gaping open on the left side.

"I need to call the doctor and see what he wants to do with this; I'll be right back…"

Five minutes later, she pushed a wheelchair into Elizabeth's room, "Dr. Escobar is on duty and we need to take you down to the ER."

"But my daughter will be back in a little while; Can't I wait until my husband and family get back from dinner?"

"No ma'am; Dr. Escobar is preparing for you now. He needs to close this wound before infection sets in. Bella will be fine in the nursery."

Elizabeth was noticeably nervous and fidgety as she was helped into the wheelchair. Feeling stressed and nervous, she quickly realized that hospital gowns do not have pockets and the phone was left sitting on the table beside her bed. Unable to call Jack, she was at least comforted by the fact that Bella was safe and sleeping in the nursery.

Once she was wheeled into the ER, her nurse slowly and carefully helped her up into the bed. Dr. Escobar entered and proceeded to examine her, as the pain of his prodding added to her agitation.

Concerned that she needed more than just a local anesthetic, he ordered that she be given a sedative prior to proceeding. An IV stand was pulled next to her bed and a saline drip was prepared.

So many things were going through Elizabeth's mind, and she needed Jack, but with her phone sitting on a table three floors away, she had no way of getting in touch with him.

"Can someone please call my husband?" Elizabeth called out.

"I'll be glad to; what's his number?" the ER nurse asked as she continued to complete the doctor's orders.

With the pain Elizabeth was experiencing in her abdomen, she felt nothing when the IV was inserted. The nurse pulled a prefilled syringe from her supply container and the IV piggyback of Versed, a benzodiazepine was added. "What's your husband's number?" she asked as she dropped the needle into the sharp's container.

Frantic, all Elizabeth saw swirling in her head was 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,0, and in no particular order, "It's…it…'s. His. Name. is. Jack." As her eyelids drooped, she began to cry… "I don't know the number…"

"I'll look it up; don't worry…" the nurse advised as she walked out of the room and immediately checked the computer system for Elizabeth's patient records. Finding his number, she placed the call.

Three floors up, Jack's phone sat on the table next to her bed. Unfortunately, the phone in Jack's pocket was Elizabeth, mistakenly picked up by him as he rushed out the door to dinner.

The nurse stepped back into the room, "I called but he didn't answer."

"Huh…?" Elizabeth asked, but thankfully for the medication, she now seemed oblivious to her current situation.

Before the nurse could respond, Dr. Escobar stepped back into the room. Elizabeth tried to watch intently as he spoke with the nurse, however, her head seemed foggy, and she found it quite difficult to focus. She observed their lips moving but had absolutely no idea what either one was saying.

She remained in the bed, certain that she couldn't move even if she had wanted to. Her arms felt heavy and she had no feeling anywhere in her body. She opened her mouth and screamed…well, she was certain that she had screamed, but since Dr. Escobar and his nurse were not jarred by her screech, she assumed that the outcry was only in her head.

The nurse gathered the medical tools necessary to clean and repair her torn incision. Although she continued to fight the sedative, she was becoming sleepier as she watched them placing items on the table beside her. With each 'blink,' her eyes remained closed for longer periods of time; first for 3 seconds, then 5 seconds, 8 seconds and ten seconds.

Finally, Elizabeth inhaled deeply and fell asleep as the Versed took complete control of her body. Once she was completely relaxed, Dr. Escobar, having previously left the room to scrub up, returned.

It took only a few minutes to clean and close the incision once he started. With the procedure completed, Dr. Escobar continued with his remaining ER patients while the nurse remained in the room to monitor Elizabeth's breathing.

Elizabeth was resting in the exam room when her maternity nurse entered, "How are you feeling?"

Experiencing a sense of intoxication, she replied, "A little woozy, but" she lifted up her gown, "I'm good as new," she laughed. Suddenly confused, she asked, "What happened to me?"

Glancing at her chart, Elizabeth's nurse observed that she was given Versed, which was known to possibly leave a patient with a complete or partial loss of memory, during and/or just following its use.

"Do you remember having your daughter…Bella?" the nurse asked.

"Yes, but why am I here and where is my daughter?" she was initially startled, but then took a breath, "Oh wait, I remember, she's in the nursey."

Before her nurse could respond, Elizabeth asked, "When can I go back to my room?"

The nurse stepped out into the hallway and returned pushing a wheelchair. "Are you ready to go now?"

"Am I ever; did the pediatrician see Bella yet?" Elizabeth asked as she was helped into the wheelchair.

"Mrs. Thornton, there's a problem with Bella…"

"What kind of problem?" Elizabeth was quickly moving from woozy and groggy, to agitated and frantic. "Where's my daughter?"

"When she was seen by the pediatrician, he was concerned about her heart, so she's been taken down for testing," the nurse advised. "She is also jaundiced, but the doctor said you don't need to worry about that unless she begins to look more yellow."

"More yellow…I didn't know she was yellow to begin with," she snapped. "I don't understand; she was fine. What could have happened?" Elizabeth's breathing became more rapid. "Is my husband with her?"

"I'm not sure if he's with her, but she may already be back in the nursery. Please don't worry; it could be something as simple as a heart murmur, which they outgrow most of the time."

"I need my husband; please take me back to my room," Elizabeth begged.

Elizabeth was wheeled out of the ER and toward the elevator. Her nurse was called to assist another nurse, and an orderly was asked to return Elizabeth to her room.

As they entered the elevator she asked, "My baby is having tests, can you take me to where she is?"

"I'm sorry ma'am, but I don't know where she is, and even if I did, I was told to take you back to your room."

Elizabeth was riding up in the back elevator as Jack, his mother and her parents stepped out of the main elevator onto her floor. Jack rushed down the hallway carrying a container as he excitedly entered her room.

"I have a surprise for my beautiful wife…" he stated before realizing that the room was empty. Placing the container which held a slice of strawberry cheesecake on the table, he rushed out to the nurse's station.

"Where's my wife and daughter?" he called out to anyone who could hear him, but unfortunately no one knew.

"Where's my wife's nurse?" he asked, but again, no one knew or was willing to tell him.

"What's wrong, Jack?" Mr. Thatcher jumped in as both mothers ran into Elizabeth's room.

"Elizabeth's not in her room, and Bella is gone," he stated as his breathing rivaled Elizabeth's even though they were three floors apart. "Someone better find my wife and daughter…I knew I shouldn't have left them" he stated as he began pacing in front of Elizabeth room, not knowing where to go or what to do.

Mr. Thatcher said nothing to anyone as he headed for the elevator, on his way to bite the head off of the Chief of Staff…how dare they lose his daughter and granddaughter! Jack headed in the opposite direction and ran toward the nursery.

He was only at the nursery window for a moment when he noticed that Bella was not there. He ran back to her room, "Did you find out anything?" both mothers blurted out as Mr. Thatcher, unable to find the Chief of Staff, walked in the room behind Jack.

"I don't know what to think; she's not in the nursery; she's not in here… do you think Elizabeth would have taken her somewhere?" Jack asked.

"Where Jack? Elizabeth can barely get out of bed by herself," Grace responded.

"I'm sure they're both fine…" Charlotte responded.

"She should have called me…" Jack growled, his tone sounding quite sharp.

"Jack I know your scared, but don't jump all over her. I'm sure she has a good reason," Charlotte suggested.

"Your mother is right, Jack. Don't make things worse by snapping at her; you'll regret it if you do," William stated hoping that Jack would accept the advice.

"I can't think about anything else right now. I need to find Bella…" Jack spun on his heels and headed for the door on his way downstairs.

As he reached the doorway, the orderly wheeled Elizabeth into her room. Still experiencing slight effects of the sedative, she wasn't as quick in her thought processes as normal.

"You're riding around the hospital while our daughter is missing? Why did you leave her alone…?"

"Wh…at?" her response was slow; too slow for Jack's liking.

"What happened, Elizabeth; where were you and where's Bella?" he bellowed, clearly scared, and although he didn't mean to, he was taking his anger, confusion and frustration out on her. When she didn't answer fast enough, he snapped, "Never mind, I'll find her on my own."

Jack ran back down to the nursery; he stood at the window knocking until he obtained a nurse's attention.

"Yes sir, is something wrong?" the nurse asked.

"I'm Jack Thornton, and…"

"Yes, sir; I know who you are. I'm a big Dodgers fan. Congratulations on the birth of your daughter; she's beautiful," the nurse responded.

Jack's tone became curter, "Where is my daughter?"

"Sir, I believe your wife was told before they took your daughter down for tests."

"Test…what tests?" Jack's heart was pounding so loudly that he could hear and feel each beat pulsing in his ears.

"The pediatrician sent her down for tests on her heart," the nurse advised.

"What's wrong with her heart?"

"Mr. Thornton, I don't know that anything is wrong with it. I think he heard a noise when he was listening, and he just wanted to have it checked out," she explained.

"Thank you," Jack turned around and started back for Elizabeth's room.

Back in Elizabeth's room…

Her mother asked, "Elizabeth what's going on?"

Elizabeth's thoughts were cloudy and although she attempted to formulate a sentence, between Jack's verbal assault and her own fear that she was attempting to process, the only thing she could form were tears. She opened her mouth, but no words spilled out.

As the orderly helped her from the wheelchair and into bed, she'd barely become situated when her nurse wheeled Bella back into the room, doing her best to scoot past the grandparents, all of whom gathered around the bassinet. "Bella's back from having her tests, and she wants her mommy…"

"Tests, what tests?" Mr. Thatcher asked.

Glancing at Elizabeth, it was evident that she wasn't yet quite ready to discuss the recent happenings. Elizabeth shook her head up and down letting her nurse know that she could explain what she knew.

"The pediatrician came in to exam all the babies, and he detected something when listening to her heart that concerned him. So, he sent her down for tests."

"Ma'am, I'm not sure what the problem is, but I have money to cover whatever my granddaughter needs," Mr. Thatcher announced. "I want the best doctors and specialists brought in immediately."

"Daddy…we…we have money. We can take care of our daughter," she was more coherent, but still sounded weak.

Directing her attention to Elizabeth, the nurse handed Bella to Elizabeth. "Do you feel up to holding her?" the nurse asked.

"Yes, please…but how bad is it?" somehow Elizabeth was quickly able to release those words.

"The pediatrician will come in and talk to you but it's going to be okay," the nurse couldn't say anymore, but knowing how stressed, worried and agitated Elizabeth was, she wanted to try and ease her mind.

"What about nursing?" the more Elizabeth talked, the less foggy she felt.

"It's okay. The drug Dr. Escobar gave you won't affect Bella," her nurse advised.

"What drug?" Mr. Thatcher asked.

"Some of my sutures tore and they had to take me down to the ER to have my incision cleaned and re-stitched. That's where I've been," Elizabeth replied. "When they took me down to the ER, Bella was in the nursery."

"How are you?" her mother hovered over her bed, concerned for her middle daughter.

"I'm hurting, but I'll be fine. I'm more worried about Bella right now," Elizabeth explained.

"Honey, you should have called us, and we would have come right back," her mother pulled her chair up and sat beside the bed.

"Mom, I'm sorry…"

"How did you tear your sutures?" her mother asked.

"I was resting, and I woke up to a woman I didn't know wheeling Bella out of my room. I guess I tore them when I got out of bed to go after her."

"Who was she?" Mr. Thatcher asked, clearly concerned by the apparent lack of security.

"She was a nurse's aide and she was just taking her down to the nursery to see the doctor. I was asleep when she came in and I guess she thought she'd have her back in my room by the time I woke up."

"I wish you had called us; I just hate that you had to deal with that alone," her mother gently rubbed up and down Elizabeth's arm.

"I think the nurse told me that they did call Jack, but he didn't answer. Besides, it all happened so fast, and to be honest, my head was so foggy that I couldn't even remember phone numbers."

Elizabeth gently rubbed her thumb across Bella's cheek, "I don't know why Jack is so upset with me; he's acting as though I did something to her, or I wasn't watching her."

Charlotte stepped up to the bed, "He didn't mean any harm, honey. When we're scared we tend to snap at those we care about the most. He just didn't know where she was or what was going on."

"I know he was scared, but so was I," Elizabeth turned away from Charlotte and glanced at her parents as she carefully held Bella. "Would you mind giving us some time alone. I need to feed her, and it's just been a stressful evening. I'd just like to be alone with her if you don't mind."

"Of course, dear," her mother remarked as she kissed Elizabeth's forehead before taking hold of her husband's hand and leading him to the door.

Charlotte gave Elizabeth's hand a gentle squeeze and smiled warmly before following the Thatchers out into the hall. They found their way to the waiting room at the opposite end of the wing where they took a seat, watched some television and gave Elizabeth the quiet time she requested.

Down the hall, Elizabeth carefully eased up in bed as she first uncovered her left breast, and offered it to Bella who immediately began sucking, obviously hungry. Elizabeth covered herself with her sheet in case someone entered her room, and then directed all of her attention toward her daughter.

Jack rushed into her room, "I still can't…find…he…r." he anxiously stated as he observed Bella in Elizabeth's arms nursing. "Did you know that she had to go down for testing?"

"Yes…"

Feeling somewhat relieved, but still equally anxious because he didn't know the results of Bella's testing, he asked, "How long has she been back and why didn't you call me?"

"She just got back; the pediatrician will be in to talk to us, but the nurse said not to worry," Elizabeth advised as her eyes and attention remained on Bella.

"Why didn't you call me; I've been frantic?" he unintentionally scolded her as he pulled the chair up beside the bed.

When she didn't respond, Jack asked again, "Elizabeth, I've been frantic looking for her. Why didn't you call me?"

"We did try to call you, but you didn't answer."

"Elizabeth, I didn't receive any calls," Jack responded as he pulled the phone from his pocket and immediately realized that it was Elizabeth's. "Oh, I must have picked up your phone by mistake. I guess that's why I didn't answer," he stated lightheartedly, doing his best to lighten the mood.

"I don't want to talk to you right now, Jack…" she carefully moved Bella over to her other breast.

Jack attempted to help her, "I've got it, Jack. I don't need your help."

"What did I do?"

"Jack, I know you were worried, but you treated me as if I'd left her alone or done something to her. I feel bad enough that I didn't recognize that there was something apparently wrong."

As he sat by the bed thinking about what she'd just said, she continued, "Once the doctor comes in to talk to us, please go home. Rosa is going to stay with me if I get out before you get back in town."

"Elizabeth, are you sending me away? I told you, I'm sorry. I was scared; you would have been too if you had come back and Bella was gone, and no one seemed to know where she was..." Jack attempted to explain. He should have stopped there, but much like a man, he didn't, "Then you're wheeled in like you've been on a tour of the hospital, and you wouldn't tell me anything."

Feeling much more coherent by this point, she lifted her glance and caught his eyes. "For your information, Jack, I wasn't on a tour of the hospital, out visiting your many admirers, or checking out the gift shop. I was laying on a bed in the Emergency Room, sedated and having my intestines stuffed back inside my abdomen."

"WHAT? Oh my God, Elizabeth, really?"

"No, I don't think it was that bad, but then again, I don't want to know about the intestines part. All I know is that it certainly felt like it," she stated, her voice sounding quite sharp. "What I do know is that a gaping hole in my abdomen was repaired and re-stitched."

"Oh, I'm so sorry. What can I do for you?"

"Look Jack, I don't feel well, and I don't want to say something that I'll regret later. So please, just leave me alone."

"Elizabeth, I'm so sorry; are you okay? How did it happen?"

"I tore some of the stitches and I was bleeding…"

"Oh my God; how…why…?"

"After you left, I took a nap, and woke up to see a woman I didn't know wheeling Bella out of the room. I guess I tore the sutures when I got out of bed to go after her."

"Who was she?"

"A nurse's aide that I didn't know."

"Why was she taking Bella?"

"She was just taking her down to the nursery so the pediatrician could examine her. She thought that she could have Bella back before I woke."

"Honey, I'm so sorry; I didn't know…"

"Jack, I'm sorry too, but this is a time for us to come together, it's not a time for either of us to be accusatory," she stated as she looked back at Bella before taking her free hand and wiping away tears.

"You're right; I'm so sorry, but in my defense, I was so scared…" Jack gently brushed his finger across Bella's forehead.

Moving his hand to Elizabeth's cheek, he wiped away a few errant tears, "Are you okay?"

"Jack, I'm in pain and I'm scared. Bella apparently also has Jaundice…"

"Oh no, what does that mean?" he asked.

"I'm not sure, but I feel bad, because I can't see where she looks yellow. The nurse said not to worry unless she looks more yellow…I'm afraid she'll have to look like a yield sign before I'll recognize that there's a problem."

This was the first moment of comic relief that Jack had experienced since returning from dinner as he softly laughed.

"Oh great, now you're laughing at me. It's not funny, Jack…I'm scared."

"Oh honey, I'm sorry, I thought you were joking."

"Jack, she's going to be okay, isn't she?" Elizabeth asked as she stared down at the beautiful being in her arms, a combination of the best of her and Jack.

He leaned over and kissed her forehead, "She's going to be fine."

"I'm sorry that I'm so late getting around to you guys," Dr. Rountree stated as he rushed into Elizabeth's room, doing his best to make all of the rounds before 9PM.

"How is she, doctor?" Both Jack and Elizabeth asked in unison.

"Well, as you know I examined your daughter, and I heard something that I just wanted to check out," Dr. Rountree stated as he pulled a small model of a heart from his lab coat pocket. "If you look at the heart, it has four chambers. It pumps the blood out to the lungs where it picks up oxygen and then goes out to the rest of the body to deliver the oxygen." He opened the model, "These right here are the four valves that control the flow of blood in and out of the chambers of the heart."

Both Jack and Elizabeth were nervous but listened intently.

"When we listen through a stethoscope, the heart noises we hear are the sounds of the different valves closing. Often times we hear an extra sound, which is what happened in your daughter's case. I sent her down to our pediatric cardiologist and he determined that it is an innocent murmur. That means that structurally, your daughter's heart is normal, and she should have no issues. More than likely, the murmur will resolve itself, maybe even by the time she has her first appointment with her primary care physician."

"I was told that she also has jaundice," Elizabeth commented.

Dr. Rountree took a peek at Bella who was sleeping soundly in her mother's arms. "I won't say that most babies are born with jaundice, but there are a good number of children who are."

"I'm sorry, but I don't even know what it is," Elizabeth responded.

"Jaundice is caused by too much bilirubin in the blood. It's a yellow substance that is produced when red blood cells, those are the ones that carry the oxygen around the body, are broken down," Dr. Rountree advised.

"Should we be concerned?" Jack asked.

By simply looking at Jack and Elizabeth, Dr. Rountree could tell the fear and insecurity of first-time parents. He pulled up a chair and took a seat. "You're scared because you can't tell that she's got a yellowish tint to her, am I right?"

"Well, yeah," Elizabeth admitted.

"You're not the only ones. I had a mother ask me one time if her son would end up as yellow as a yield sign," Dr. Rountree advised, feeling certain that this little tidbit would put both Jack and Elizabeth at ease. Watching as they both nervously laughed, he responded, "Let me guess, you were wondering the same thing."

"Well actually, I was wondering just that," Jack replied as he covered for Elizabeth.

"Your daughter has a mild case, and she will be fine," Dr. Rountree advised as he stood up and took one last look at Bella. "You get some rest, Mrs. Thornton. With a new little one in the house, sleep may be hard to come by."

"Oh, Dr. Rountree, I do have one complaint…"

"What's that?"

"Well, I left to go to dinner with my mother and in-laws, and when I got back both Elizabeth and Bella were gone. My wife wasn't even aware that anything was wrong with the baby until after your testing was done. Don't you have to have our permission to run those tests?" Jack asked.

Looking through Bella's chart, Dr. Rountree responded, "Well, apparently Mrs. Thornton did give permission."

"I did? I'm sorry, but I don't remember that" Elizabeth replied. "All I remember is that Bella was in the nursery waiting to be seen by you when they took me down to the ER."

Elizabeth thought for a moment, "Could it have been when I was down in the ER? I understand that the sedative they gave me has a side effect of lost memory around the time you're using it."

Knowing that the staff should not have obtained Elizabeth's permission while she was under the effects of a sedative, he simply stated, "I'm sorry if there was some confusion, but your daughter did need the test, and well, we received good results, so I guess it ended well."

Both Elizabeth and Jack glanced down at their sleeping daughter. Jack stuck out his arm to shake Dr. Rountree's hand, "Thank you for everything."

Once the doctor left, Jack took his seat beside the bed. "Elizabeth, I'm sorry about earlier."

"Jack, it's okay; we were both scared. Your mom was right…"

"Right about what?"

"She told me that you didn't mean it, and that when you're scared, you tend to take it out on those you love the most."

"And I do love you…"

"Jack, there is no doubt in my mind that you love me, and this little angel here. I think we just need to remember that in times of stress that what we say can quickly make a bad situation worse."

"You're right, and I'm sorry. You know I didn't mean what I said, right?"

"I know, but while we're on the subject, why did you tell Dr. Rountree that you wondered if Bella would be as yellow as a yield sign? You didn't think that, and as a matter of fact, you laughed at me when I said it."

"Honey, I don't care if he uses me in his stories with other new parents, but I don't want anyone laughing at you," Jack admitted. "I always told you that I'd have your back, and although I floundered somewhat today, I'm always there for you…" he leaned over and pressed his lips to hers.

"But you laughed at me…"

"Elizabeth, just like you can laugh at me, I would hope that you wouldn't want anyone else making me the topic of their jokes."

"I love you so much…" she whispered as her parents and his mother rushed into the room.

"We saw a doctor coming out of here. Is Bella okay?" Mr. Thatcher asked as the women stood beside him awaiting their answer.

"She's fine; in fact, she's perfect," Jack responded.

By this time, it was already past visiting hours as the nurse advised Jack and their parents.

"Jack, will you take all of the gifts home with you, please?" Elizabeth asked. "I don't want anything to get misplaced, and I need to write thank you notes when I get out of here."

"Sure, I'd be glad to," he responded as the nurse stepped out and returned to the room with a cart to help him manage everything in one trip. "Thank you," he stated as he hesitantly left Elizabeth's bedside and began to load the cart.

"No problem," the nurse advised. "Feel free to leave it downstairs at the front desk."

Elizabeth's parents and Charlotte all said their goodbyes and stepped out of the room to give Jack a moment alone with her.

"I wish I didn't have to leave," he stated.

"Honey, you need some sleep; besides, you aren't that far away."

"I mean tomorrow; I don't want to go…"

"Jack, we'll be fine and I'm sure that Rosa will stay with me while you're gone."

"Elizabeth, I thought you told me that she was staying with you."

"I did, but that was when I was mad, and I thought that I didn't want you around."

"How do you feel now?" he asked.

"Jack, Bella is here; she's okay, and we're a family. I don't want you to go either, but I know that you have to. Don't worry about us; we'll be fine, and we'll be waiting for you to come back home…"

Jack reached over and brushed a few tears away from her cheeks. He wasn't self-absorbed so he knew that her tears were a combination of Bella's birth, the physical pain she was experiencing, the anxiety over Bella's health, and his leaving.

The reasons didn't matter. He was well aware of the fact that Bella would always be their first priority, but he also knew that he would forever make it his mission to show her how important she was to him as well.

Jack kissed her good night and walked with her parents and his mother out to the parking lot. He loaded his car with all of the gifts they'd received, and said good night to William and Grace, who left for their hotel located a short distance away.

Jack took the empty cart and walked with his mother to her car, "I'm sorry that you have to leave. You know there is plenty of room at the house, and you are always welcome to stay."

"I know, honey, but I need to get back home. I wasn't expecting to leave when I did, and I just threw a few things in a bag and took off. But if you or Elizabeth need anything, you call me and I'll come right back," she promised.

Jack held the door open as his mother slipped in behind the wheel. "Call me when you get home."

"Jack, it's going to be late; I'll call you in the morning."

"No, I won't be able to sleep until I hear that your home safely."

Charlotte started laughing.

"What's so funny?" he asked.

"You are already sounding like a parent…"

"Funny…" Jack stuck his head inside the door and kissed her on the cheek, "Drive carefully, oh, and remember who you are…" a throwback statement, reminiscent of the comment his parents always told him and Tom when they left the house.

"I will. I love you Jack, and I'm so proud of you and Elizabeth. That little girl is lucky to have you both as her parents."

"No luckier than Tom and I were to have you and dad," he stated as he stepped back from the car and watched as she pulled out of the parking space.

Jack stood and watched as his mother pulled out onto the street and disappeared into the usual, didn't matter what time of day, LA traffic.

Jack started walking back toward the hospital. Once inside, he passed the front desk and continued on toward the elevator. He exited on Elizabeth's floor and returned the cart to the nurse's station.

"Thank you, but you really didn't need to bring it all the way up here," one of the nurses stated as Jack pushed the cart behind the desk.

"That's okay; I wanted to say good night to my wife anyway," he stated as he quietly slipped into Elizabeth's room while all of the nurses within earshot stopped and smiled, envious of the obvious love he felt for his wife.

"I thought you had left," Elizabeth stated, startled when Jack walked into her room.

"I brought the cart back to the nurse's station, and thought I'd come back in to see my two favorite girls," he stated as he bent down and kissed Bella, who was lying in her bassinet, and then took a seat on the side of Elizabeth's bed.

"Is something wrong?" she asked.

"I just wanted to see you again before I left," he replied as he took a seat on the edge of the bed.

She lay quietly, watching him. He looked sad, almost lost, and she assumed that it was due solely to the scare they'd had earlier in the evening.

Elizabeth took hold of Jack's hand. As her thumb brushed over the skin on his palm, she looked into his eyes. Too quiet for Elizabeth's liking, she stated, "Please tell me what's wrong."

Looking over at his daughter, his free hand wiped away several tears before they could slip down his cheek. "You know, baseball has always been my life. I ate, slept, and breathed it. That was until you came along. The moment I laid eyes on you, I found something so much more important. Then you honored me by becoming my wife and I can honestly say that I never want to be apart from you."

Hearing Bella make a cooing sound their attention was drawn back to the bassinet. Jack stood up and stepped over where he bent down, hovering over his daughter.

"Your mommy and I love you to the moon and back." As his thumb brushed across the pink, blue and white striped knit cap she was wearing, he continued, "You are so very precious." Glancing back at Elizabeth, "I wish I didn't have to leave."

"Jack, please don't worry about us; we'll be fine."

"I'm going to call you every day, and we'll do Face Time so I can see both of you, okay?"

"Bella and I will be right here, so you call whenever you need us…?"

"Don't tell me that or you'll never be off the phone," he teased, but knew in his heart that if constant contact was possible, he'd do it.

"I love having you here, but please, go home and get some sleep," Elizabeth practically begged. "Bella and I will be fine. Just remember, this is your last road trip for the season."

"I know it is, but honey, it's five days away from you and this little sweetheart here," Jack responded as he placed his hand on top of her baby blanket covered body.

"Honey, you'll be busy, and it will be Friday before you know it," she responded as her hand ran tenderly up and down his arm.

"I will never be too busy to think about you two," he leaned over, kissed Bella once more before turning his attention to Elizabeth. "You promise that you will do everything the doctor tells you to do?"

"Yes, I promise. Besides, my parents will be here until Tuesday or Wednesday, so we'll be fine."

"I love you," Jack leaned over her bed and pressed his lips to hers. "Friday…I'm going to see you Friday!"

Trying her best not to let him see her disappointment, she smiled, "And we'll be waiting…"

Hesitantly, Jack left and headed home. Just before reaching his house, his mother called.

"I'm home safely…"

"I'm glad. Thanks for coming up, mom."

"And you thought I was going to miss my granddaughter's birth?" Before Jack could respond, she continued, "Not a chance in this world."

"I just got home myself," he replied.

"Well, you go inside and get some sleep. Good luck in Atlanta," she responded.

"Thanks, I'll talk to you when I get back."

"Good night, Jack."

"Good night, mom."

Jack walked inside. The house was dark and quiet, too quiet. He grabbed a beer from the refrigerator, turned on the radio and stepped out onto the balcony, leaving the door open so he could hear the music. Taking a seat in the lounge chair, he was mesmerized by the moon which cast a golden glow on the water below.

Jack thought back to when he moved out to LA, alone, leaving Elizabeth in Baltimore. It wasn't his choice, but they worked through it. However, on that day at the ballpark, when he observed her standing against the fence, her rolling cart beside her, he didn't think that he could ever be happier. That was until he closed his eyes. Tears rolled down his cheeks as his vision of Bella, implanted in his memory, consumed his mind.

Then it seemed as though the sounds of the ocean stilled when the Rascal Flatts song, "My Wish" began to play through the stereo system…

I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow,
And each road leads you where you wanna go,
And if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.
And if one door opens to another door closed,
I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window,
If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile.
But more than anything, more than anything

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

I hope you never look back, but you never forget,
All the ones who love you, in the place you live,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
And you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,
And always give more than you take.
But more than anything, yeah, more than anything

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish. Yeah, yeah.

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish (my wish, for you).

This is my wish (my wish, for you)
I hope you know somebody loves you (my wish, for you).
May all your dreams stay big (my wish, for you)

Jack stood at the railing, holding on with one hand and wiping away tears with the other. He walked back inside, poured his full bottle of beer down the drain, and walked out the front door. He followed the path around the house and down to the beach. Taking a seat on the sand, he stared out at the moonlit ocean.

Jack thought back to one of the last conversations he had with his father. Almost word for word he recited what his father said, much like he'd replayed it in his head so many times before…

"Jack, I closed my eyes for what seemed like the slightest moment and I now see a grown man where a young boy once stood. There are so many reasons why I'm proud of the young man you've become; you are kind, considerate, thoughtful, and I know that you are going to do great things in this world. I may no longer carry you in my arms, but always know that you will forever be carried in my heart. I am so proud to call you my son."

He looked up into the hazy sky, "Hi dad…" was all he had to say before his eyes again began to water. "Somehow, I feel so close to you here. Maybe it's because on a clear night, I feel like I can reach up and touch the sky, bringing me so much closer to Heaven."

Jack ran his foot through the sand before continuing, "You were such a great example of what a father should be, and I'm just…" Jack stopped momentarily, doing his best to catch his breath. "I'm just afraid that I'm going to fall short; that I won't be everything that they need or deserve. Dad, I love Elizabeth so much. I look into her eyes and I'm certain that I couldn't love her more than I do at that moment. Then I look away and when I look back, I realize how very wrong I was. It's like I take a breath, my heart swells and I fall deeper in love with her. And now Bella is here. I never knew what mom meant when she used to say that your whole life changes the moment your first child enters the world. Dad, she is so beautiful, and perfect, and I'm amazed at what Elizabeth had to go through to bring her into this world. She is such a miracle, actually, both of them are, and I would gladly reach up and give them the moon if I could."

Jack took several deep breaths, "Dad, Bella already has me wrapped around her little finger, but I'm sure you already knew that." He ran his hand through his hair, "I can't even imagine how you felt when Tom and I were born. You know, sometimes I think about my life years ago; I hadn't even met Elizabeth yet, but truthfully dad, she is what I envisioned. When we talked and you would tell me to wait for the right one, not to settle, that the love of my life was out there, sometimes I wondered if that was true. But now, I look at Elizabeth and Bella, and I can't even catch my breath."

Jack swallowed hard trying his best to moisten his desert dry mouth, "I need to ask you…did you ever feel like you weren't worthy of mom? Like you could never be everything that she needed or deserved?" As quickly as he asked, he released a soft laugh, "What am I saying, you were perfect for her; you were perfect with her, and you two were perfect together. I, on the other hand, tend to put my foot in my mouth more times than not, and…" suddenly there was calm; the breeze stopped, and the waves stilled. Taking that as a sign, Jack looked up, laughed softly and replied, "You're right, Elizabeth is that perfect puzzle piece for me, and all I need to do is my best…you taught me that."

Jack sat quietly for a few moments as the breeze slowly picked up and a big wave formed and rolled onshore. "You're really here; aren't you…I can feel you, so close. It's like you're sitting here beside me, imparting your wisdom, much like you did when you were alive."

Certain that he was not alone, Jack continued, "I'm sure you know, but we had a scare with Bella and Elizabeth today. They're both fine, but I was so scared. I now understand why you and mom sat up until Tom and I came in at night; there's something about needing to know that the ones we love are safe."

Jack closed his eyes and turned his head as if he were looking beside him. In his mind, he saw his father, and felt his arm around his shoulders, so strong, so loving, and Jack released a cleansing breath. "You know, even though you are physically gone, you're still here with me. You had such an impact on my life that I can hear you, and I can definitely feel you."

Jack stood up, "I guess I'd better go inside and get some rest. I don't know how you even functioned after I was born. I thought I held the world when Elizabeth married me, and then along comes Bella, and my chest puffs out more and more as my heart grows by leaps and bounds. The pride I feel consumes me," he continued to talk as he walked toward the water.

Jack turned back, looking at the spot where he was previously sitting he talked as if his father were standing before him. "I am truly blessed. Before I met Elizabeth, I never thought about being a father; I just thought it wasn't in the cards for me. Maybe it's because I never believed I'd find a woman who I loved more than life itself. But I did, and Bella is a product of that perfect love, and I just don't know how you were able to leave mom and go back to work right after we were born? I mean, I love baseball, but not nearly as much as I love Elizabeth and Bella, and it's killing me right now to have to leave them…even for just a few days."

Jack turned back to stare at the water; the warm breeze felt like his father's breath as it brushed across his neck. He was certain that he could feel his father's arms around his body, and although he knew he had to leave, he felt that his father would watch over Elizabeth and Bella, not only while he was gone, but for all eternity.

Not that he thought that he would, but Jack didn't sleep at all. He felt that Elizabeth and Bella were fine, or someone would have called him. However, every time he closed his eyes, he saw Elizabeth nursing Bella, or heard his daughter's precious cooing sounds and he'd sit up in bed, knowing that he was too far away from them, and that was while they were in the same city. He had no idea how he would function when they were on opposite coasts, even if it were only for five days.

Jack got up and took a shower, packed his bag, and made a promise to himself that he'd be on the first plane back home after the Friday game, even if he had to charter a flight.

He locked up the house, got into his car and headed for the ballpark. Stuck in traffic, he was listening to music when his phone rang.

"Hey mom, is something wrong?" he asked concerned that she was calling so early.

"No, I just wanted to check on you, Elizabeth and Bella before you caught your flight. How is everything?"

"I haven't heard anything, so I assume all is well. I'll call her when I get to Atlanta. I didn't want to call her this early because I'm hoping she's sleeping."

"Speaking of which, did you get any?"

"I'm fine, mom."

"I know you are, Jack, but did you get any sleep?"

"No ma'am. Hey, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, what is it?"

"After I was born, how did dad go right back to work? I'm having a hard time being away from my girls…"

"What makes you think he went right back to work?"

"I guess I just assumed that he did. Why, didn't he?"

"No, he was off for two weeks, I think, when you came along. With Tom, we were old hats by that point, and I think he was only able to take a week off, why?"

"I was just wondering," he replied.

"You know, I never told anyone this, mainly because I felt a little crazy, and assumed that it must have been caused by the medication I had been given…"

"What are you talking about?" Jack asked.

"Well, back when you were born, I was in the hospital, and I fell asleep. I guess I dreamed it, but I could feel your father's warm breath on my neck, and I was certain that his arms were around me. When I opened my eyes, it was just me in the bed, but somehow I felt calm, like everything was going to be okay," Charlotte explained. "Then, later that morning, your father showed up at the hospital in his street clothes when he should have been working. He told me that all of the police officers on his shift had gotten together and were covering his schedule for two weeks. Obviously, they couldn't pay him for working when he was out, but all of those officers donated sick leave time, so he received full pay, and didn't lose any of his own sick leave time."

"WOW, that was a great bunch of people he worked with."

"They sure were. They were his other family…" she replied.

"Well, I'll be home on Friday; it may be late, but I'm not staying any longer than I have to."

"Jack don't worry. Oh, who am I kidding; I know you're worried, but try not to. I'll check in with Elizabeth and if she needs anything, I'm only a couple of hours away, a lot less than that if traffic isn't bad," she responded and both of them laughed.

Jack and his mom said their 'goodbyes' as Jack pulled into the stadium parking lot. He parked and pulled his bag from the back before heading to the bus that would transport them to LAX.

"What are you doing here, Jack?" Chris Taylor, left fielder asked as Jack stuck his bag by the bus's cargo area.

"What do you mean? I'm going with the team to Atlanta," he responded.

"Oh, I just thought you'd be with your wife and daughter," Chris advised.

"I wish I was…"

"Hey Jack, how's your wife and daughter doing?" Dave Roberts, LA Dodgers manager stopped him before boarding the bus.

Twenty minutes later, the bus pulled out of the parking lot on its way to LAX. Two hours later, Jack made his way into the elevator at Cedars Sinai Hospital, his arms full of gifts for his wife and new baby, as he found himself dependent upon another elevator occupant to push the button.

"Let me get that…what floor?"

"Three please…"

"Aren't you Jack Thornton…?" the man asked.

"Yes, I am."

"I'm actually from New York. I'm visiting my mom. I'm a big fan of yours, and I have to say, I was so sorry to see you leave the Mets."

"Thank you."

"I'm assuming you have a new baby…Congratulations…!"

"Thank you," Jack replied as the door opened and he stepped off onto the third floor. Jack turned back to the man, "I hope your mom gets along well."

"Thank you," the man replied as the door closed.

Jack continued down the hall; in his arms he held two bouquets of flowers. The one for Elizabeth contained 14 pale pink, and 10 dark pink roses in a glass vase, while the other container, pink in color and decorated with baby footprints and what looked like a heartbeat spelling out 'love,' contained pink roses and white daisies. Tucked under his left arm was a stuffed doll with brown hair wearing a pink dress embroidered with "My First Dolly." Down by the hemline was "Bella" embroidered in bright pink. Tucked away in a bag with pink tissue paper and ribbons were a Pandora Moments Family Tree Heart Chain bracelet and six charms that he'd purchased for Elizabeth during his last trip to the east coast when the Dodgers played the Mets. The bracelet and charms, all silver, included the following…

A Daughter heart charm

Baby teddy bear dangle charm

A little girl holding a teddy bear charm

Baby bottle, shoes and heart with footprints dangle charm

Stork and twinkling stars dangle charm

And the final one was his favorite, not for any reason other than its name, "Bella Bot" and he now realized how ironic this purchase was.

He stood in the doorway, mesmerized while she nursed Bella, and he listened as she spoke to their daughter.

"You know, you and I are pretty lucky to have your daddy in our lives. He's such a good man, and he loves both of us so much. When you get older, I'll tell you about how your daddy and I met; how I didn't want to give him a chance, and about how happy I am that he was so persistent." Elizabeth took her free hand and wiped her eyes, "I already miss him, but he'll call us today, and he'll be home on Friday. So, we have to be strong for daddy because he's being strong for us."

Elizabeth carefully switched Bella from her left to her right breast, as the infant continued to nurse. Jack smiled as it looked like Elizabeth was becoming more comfortable with nursing and moving Bella from side to side seemed less complicated for her.

"There you go," Elizabeth whispered as her eyes were fixated on her newborn.

Quietly, Jack sat the flowers, Pandora bag, and doll on the table and pulled his iPhone from his pocket…Click… the sound drew Elizabeth's attention as she looked up and observed Jack taking a picture of her and Bella.

"Jack, what are you doing, and what are you doing here?" she squealed excitedly.

"That's a picture for me, and it won't go any farther."

"I thought your flight was leaving early. Are you on the way to the airport?"

"Actually, I'm not going?" He stated as he picked up the flower vases, bag and doll and walked over to her bed.

"Oh no, please don't tell me you were traded…"

"No, nothing like that. I went to the ballpark this morning and Dave Roberts was there," Jack stated as Bella finished nursing and he put down the flowers and picked her up from Elizabeth chest.

Holding her doll face to face with Bella he whispered, "This is your first baby."

Jack walked with her in his arms over to the window to give Elizabeth a few moments to fix her gown. "Daddy missed you last night." Jack turned around, "I missed both of you last night."

"We missed you too, but why don't you have to go with the team; are you taking a charter later today?" she asked as she smiled at the presents and the beautiful bouquets of flowers before her.

"No, like I said, Dave Roberts was at the ballpark, and he called me last night, but with everything happening, I didn't get the call," he stated as he continued to walk around the room with Bella on his shoulder as he gently patted her on the back.

"Anyway," he continued, "We're out of the play-offs, and Coach suggested that I have some time with you and Bella. So, they decided that they were going to give Cody Bellinger some play time. As a result, I don't have to go."

"I'm so glad to hear that. Thank you for the flowers; they are beautiful." Turning the vase containing Bella's flowers around she looked at the front where it spelled out 'love,' "Look baby girl, daddy loves you…"

"Daddy loves Bella, but Jack loves Elizabeth…"

"What's this?" Elizabeth asked about the Pandora bag which was hidden behind the flowers.

"This is for you," Jack stated, he walked back over to her bed as she opened the bag.

"Well, I didn't actually push, but is this my 'push present?'" she giggled as she pulled each item from the bag. "Oh Jack, what did you do?"

"I couldn't decide what to get, so I got them all, and before you tell me you already have a bracelet, I know that because I gave it to you. But this way, you can put all of your baby charms on one bracelet if you want and you don't have to take them apart."

Elizabeth eased her legs over the side of the bed. She stood up and stepped closer. He continued to hold Bella as her lips pressed gently against his. "You are so thoughtful and considerate. Thank you so much…"

"You are welcome, and although I enjoyed the kiss, you didn't have to get up."

"Well, yeah I did. I've got to go to the bathroom. Will you be here when I get back?"

"Honey, the bathroom is 10 feet away; it's not on another floor. Of course, I'll be here," he responded. "Do you need any help?"

"No, I think I can handle going to the bathroom by myself. You just visit with this precious angel here…" she stated as she gently patted Bella on the back.

Elizabeth slowly and cautiously made her way into the bathroom, and barely had time to sit on the toilet when five nurses rushed into the room, with three of them making their way into the bathroom.

Jack held Bella tightly as he rushed over to the bathroom, "What's wrong?" he called out.

As the door opened, Jack was still asking, "What's wrong?" his voice getting louder and more frantic each time.

He stepped to the side when the nurses pulled a chair containing Elizabeth out the door and dragged it across the floor to the bed. "Please tell me what's wrong."

Once Elizabeth was securely in bed, her nurse took her blood pressure before pulling a frightened Jack to the side, "Is she okay?" he asked, still holding his daughter tightly.

"She's okay, but she needs to stay in bed."

"I didn't hear anything; how did you know she needed help?" he asked.

"I was with her in the bathroom early this morning and it happened," the nurse advised. "There's a cord hanging in the bathroom, and if it's pulled, an alarm sounds at the nurse's station. Let's just say if you hear the alarm, you respond to it immediately. That's why so many nurses rushed in here."

"Does it have anything to do with the procedure she had yesterday?"

"I'm fairly certain that the answer to that is 'no,' but I'm going to contact the doctor on call. Her blood pressure is normal, so I don't think it's serious. Since she did it once early this morning, she wasn't supposed to get out of bed by herself. I'll get back with you when I hear from the doctor," her nurse advised as she left the room to make her call.

Ten minutes later, the nurse returned. "I talked with the doctor, and since her blood pressure is normal, he doesn't feel like it's postpartum preeclampsia. To be honest, it has only happened when she's gone to urinate, and although we don't know why it happens, it doesn't appear to be dangerous, and usually resolves itself within a few days. So please reinforce that she needs to be accompanied to the bathroom."

"Are you positive?" he asked, as he stood still, but unconsciously his body bounced on his feet, rocking Bella gently against his chest as she drifted off to sleep.

"It happens sometimes. Unfortunately, I can't tell you scientifically why it happens, but with some women there is a correlation between urinating and feeling lightheaded. The situation does resolve, but she just needs to be careful until her body regulates itself."

Once the nurse left the room, Jack laid a sleeping Bella in the bassinet. Taking a seat beside the bed, he took hold of her hand, "Why didn't you tell me that you passed out this morning?"

"Jack, I didn't pass out. I went in to use the bathroom, and while I was on the toilet, I told my nurse that I felt faint. She pulled the cord by the toilet and I'm not sure, but it seemed like nurses came in through the wall."

"Huh…?"

"I mean, there was just me and my nurse and before I knew it there were six or seven nurses in there, but I never passed out."

"Honey, you did promise me that you'd follow doctor's orders," Jack reminded her.

"But Jack, I should be able to go to the bathroom by myself."

"And as soon as your body recoups from everything you've been through, I'm sure you can, but please, not until it's safe, okay?"

She didn't immediately respond, so he continued, "Honey, what would have happened if I weren't in here and you hadn't pulled the cord. You could have passed out and hit your head, and who knows how long you would have been in there before someone realized that you were hurt. At that point, we would have a whole new set of things to be worried about."

"I'm sorry, Jack; you're right. Now is not the time to be modest…"

"I'm sorry, Elizabeth. I just worry about you," he pulled her hand up to his lips.

Jack stayed in Elizabeth's room for most of the day. He helped her when it was time to Nurse or change Bella, but Elizabeth could tell that he was exhausted. So, when she could encourage him to sit in the chair beside her bed, she watched as he would quickly close his eyes and fall asleep.

Jack was awake when the doctor on call made rounds and stepped into Elizabeth's room.

"How are you feeling, Mrs. Thornton?" he asked.

"Actually, I'm feeling pretty good; when can we go home?" she asked.

Before the doctor could answer, Jack stated, "I'm not sure if my wife is afraid to say anything, but I'm not… she nearly passed out twice when she went in to use the bathroom. Is that normal?"

"Is it still happening?" the doctor asked as he flipped through her chart.

"No sir," she replied.

Jack agreed. He had actually accompanied her several more times during the day, standing just outside, but with the door ajar, so she could have a modicum of privacy while taking care of the necessary postpartum cleaning requirements.

The doctor closed her chart, "Well, you asked if it was normal, and although it doesn't happen a lot, it has something to do with the trauma the body experiences while giving birth. That coupled with the imbalance your body experiences when you urinate, it's like a flushing out of your system. As that occurs, some women feel lightheaded, but it usually dissipates, and it sounds as though that's what's happening here."

"So, when do you think we can go home?" Elizabeth asked again.

"Are you trying to get away from our hospital food?" the doctor asked.

Elizabeth quickly thought back to the variety of breakfast and dinner meal trays which consisted of:

Pancakes, eggs, cereal, fruit and coffee

Waffles, bacon, cereal, fruit, coffee and juice

Scrambled eggs, sausage, muffin, oatmeal, watermelon, juice and coffee

Roasted chicken, rice, broccoli, salad, bread, watermelon and tea

Fish, salad, corn, three bean salad, fruit and juice

Sliced beef in gravy, corn, mixed vegetables, juice, and a chocolate chip cookie

"Well, I've only been hospitalized once before and as hospital food goes, what I've had has been good. So, I'm not trying to get away from the hospital food; I just want to go home."

"Do you have anyone at home to help you?" the doctor asked.

"I'm home…" Jack responded.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Thornton. I just assumed that you'd be with the team in Atlanta," the doctor replied. "I'm a big Dodgers fan…"

"That's nice to hear, but no, thankfully I have time off to take care of Elizabeth and help with Bella," Jack advised.

"Well, how about this, let's keep you another 24 hours, and if you don't have anymore concerns, I'll release you both," the doctor advised.

This information saddened Elizabeth who was anxious to be released, but thrilled Jack, who wanted to make certain that she was completely healthy before leaving the hospital.

"Yes sir, but I'm sure I will be fine," Elizabeth responded as the doctor said 'goodbye' and continued on his rounds.

Seeing the disappointment on her face Jack sat on the side of her bed and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, "I know you want to go home, but I feel so much better that you're here if something happens. I mean, just think about it, if you had come home before you were doing the passing out thing, I'd have called an ambulance."

"I understand, Jack. I…I just want us to be a family."

"Honey, we are a family no matter where we are."

"I know that, Jack. I just mean that I want us all to be in our own home."

"Good morning honey…whoa, what are you doing here, Jack?" Elizabeth's mother asked as she entered the room anxious to see her granddaughter.

"Since we won't make the play-offs, they let me off to be with Elizabeth and Bella," he explained. "Where's William?"

"He dropped me off at the front door and he went to park the car."

"Mom, you didn't wait for him?"

She reached down and scooped Bella up in her arms. Smiling down at her granddaughter she explained, "Nope, it's every man for himself, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on this little one."

Elizabeth and Jack both napped while her parents took turns holding and rocking Bella.

Having caught up slightly on their rest, they visited with her parents, and Rosa who arrived later in the afternoon, quite surprised to see Jack.

"Why are you here? Sorry, I don't mean that the way it sounded. How did you get out of the trip?" she turned her attention to Elizabeth, "Is something wrong; are you okay?"

"I'm fine, and I get to go home tomorrow…"

Jack interjected, "As long as she is having no problems, so we'll see…"

Turning to Jack, "Do you not want me to come home?"

"What…? Of course, I want you to come home, but I don't want you to end up having to come right back here."

"I know; I'm sorry…I'm just antsy to get out of here."

"Well, Jack's right. When I had Preston, we were released the next day, but it wasn't a c-section, so they often pushed you out the door right after the baby was delivered. Anyway, I developed an infection and was back in the hospital for nearly a week. It was horrible; I was in the hospital and Preston was at home. At least you have Bella in here with you, so take advantage of all the pampering, girl," Rosa suggested.

"Okay, I know you all are right. I'm just not used to being unable to do things for myself," Elizabeth admitted. "I'll be good, but I'm telling you right now, it will be a special day when Bella and I are wheeled out the front door of this place."

With no further medical issues experienced by Elizabeth or Bella, and just as Elizabeth predicted, the following morning she was helped into a wheelchair. Bella was placed in her arms, and Jack wheeled them down to the front entrance of the hospital. Everyone they passed stopped and stared. Elizabeth was fairly certain that it was because they recognized Jack, but in her mind she wanted to believe that they were admiring their beautiful, precious and adorable daughter. Either way, she was going home with both of them.

Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher followed Jack's vehicle, wanting to make certain that Elizabeth and Bella were settled at home before they left for the airport and their flight back to Maryland. Rosa lived nearby, so she also followed making it a short caravan, but a caravan, nonetheless.

As they turned into the small neighborhood on the beach, Elizabeth glanced from Bella over to Jack.

"Will you do me a favor?" she asked.

"Of course, I'll do anything for you."

"Well, you probably have never seen them or paid attention to them, but I'd like one of those stork signs that you put in your yard to announce the birth of your baby," she explained as they got closer to their house and pulled into the driveway.

"Do you mean like that?" Jack asked as he parked the car and she caught a glimpse of the stork sign which said…

It's a Girl

Addison Isabella Thornton

"Yeah, that's exactly what I wanted," she gushed before the tears of joy consumed her.

The Thatchers and Rosa pulled up in the driveway behind Jack and were at the car to help him with Elizabeth, Bella and all the gifts he'd previously forgotten to bring inside.

As they walked around the car and the stork sign became noticeable to the others, Mrs. Thatcher asked, "What's that?"

They walked around in front of the sign and Elizabeth responded, "It's Jack's way of welcoming our daughter home…"

To be continued…