WARNING TO ALL STORY READERS WHO READ THIS STORY!
️THE NEXT FEW CHAPTERS AFTER A COUPLE OF THESE CHAPTERS WILL CONTAIN HEAVY AND UPSETTING TOPIC. IF SOME OF THESE TOPICS TRIGGER YOU PLEASE SKIP THE CHAPTERS. I WILL PUT TRIGGER WARNINGS IN EVERY AND EACH CHAPTER IF NEEDED ️
️AGAIN HEAVY TOPIC IS HEAVY
The morning after the wedding, the sun streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the house. The Intelligence Unit members were gathered in the living room, sipping coffee and sharing stories from the night before.
Suddenly, Jay burst out of the bedroom, shirtless, with his hand over his mouth. He sprinted past everyone, heading straight for the downstairs bathroom. The team watched in surprise, their conversations pausing mid-sentence.
Adam was the first to break the silence. "Well, looks like someone's feeling the effects of last night," he said with a grin.
Kevin chuckled, shaking his head. "Must've been one too many drinks."
Erin raised an eyebrow, a playful smile on her lips. "I hope he makes it to the bathroom in time."
Will, who had just walked in with a fresh cup of coffee, laughed. "Let's hope it's not his dignity he's losing."
Hank, leaning against the doorway, watched with a knowing smile. "Whatever it is, I'm sure it's worth it."
As Jay disappeared into the downstairs bathroom, the team exchanged amused glances, their curiosity piqued.
A few minutes later, Jay walked out of the bathroom, looking a bit pale but relieved. He rubbed his face and sighed, trying to shake off the remnants of his hangover.
Ruzek, unable to resist, smirked and said, "Rough night, huh?"
Jay shot him a tired look. "Don't, man," he replied, shaking his head.
Just then, little Lily Grace toddled into the room, her tiny arms raised up towards Jay. "Dada!" she called out, her eyes bright with excitement.
Jay's expression softened immediately. He bent down to scoop her up, but then thought better of it, given his current state. "Hey, sweetheart," he said gently, giving her a quick kiss on the forehead. "Daddy needs a little more rest."
He handed Lily Grace over to Kim, who had walked over to them. "Come on, Lily Grace," Kim said with a smile. "Let's let Daddy rest a bit more."
Jay gave them both a grateful smile before heading back into the bedroom. He closed the door behind him, ready to get a bit more sleep and recover from the festivities of the night before.
Jay stumbled back into the bedroom, feeling the weight of the previous night's celebrations. He collapsed face down on the bed with a groan, burying his face in the pillow.
Nadia, who had been resting on her side of the bed, smirked as she watched him. She scooted closer and gently placed her hand under Jay's shirt, her fingers tracing soothing patterns on his back.
"Rough morning?" she asked softly, her voice filled with amusement and affection.
Jay let out a muffled laugh, his face still pressed into the pillow. "You could say that," he mumbled. "But it was worth it."
Nadia leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to his shoulder. "I'm glad you had fun," she said, her hand continuing its soothing movements. "But maybe next time, we pace ourselves a bit better."
Jay turned his head slightly, just enough to look at her with a tired but happy smile. "Deal," he said, reaching out to take her hand in his. "I love you."
"I love you too," Nadia replied, her eyes softening as she looked at him. "Now get some rest. We've got a whole lifetime of adventures ahead of us."
With a contented sigh, Jay closed his eyes, feeling the warmth of Nadia's touch and the comfort of her presence.
Four hours later, the house was buzzing with activity as the Intelligence Unit members and their friends from the hospital continued to enjoy the morning. The smell of fresh coffee and breakfast filled the air, and laughter echoed through the rooms.
The bedroom door creaked open, and Jay and Nadia stepped out, looking refreshed and happy. They were both wearing their wedding rings, which sparkled in the morning light. Jay had his arm around Nadia's waist, and they both had wide smiles on their faces.
As they walked into the living room, everyone turned to look at them. Adam was the first to speak up, grinning from ear to ear. "Well, look who decided to join us!"
Kevin chuckled, raising his coffee mug in a toast. "How are the newlyweds feeling?"
Nadia held up her hand, showing off her ring. "We're feeling great," she said, her eyes shining with happiness. "And very married."
Jay laughed, holding up his own hand to display his ring. "Yeah, it's official," he said, looking around at their friends. "Thanks for making yesterday so special."
Erin walked over and gave Nadia a hug. "You both look so happy," she said warmly. "It was a beautiful wedding."
Will clapped Jay on the back. "And now you get to enjoy the rest of your lives together," he said with a smile.
Hank, standing nearby, nodded approvingly. "You two deserve all the happiness in the world," he said, his voice filled with pride.
As the morning continued, Jay and Nadia were surrounded by their friends and family, sharing stories and laughter. The love and support from their loved ones made the start of their married life even more special.
palpable, a testament to their strong bond.
Meanwhile, Nadia was in the kitchen, preparing a surprise. She called over Hank, Erin, and Kim, her excitement barely contained. "I have something special to show you all," she said, her eyes sparkling.
Curious, they gathered around her. Nadia took a deep breath and began, "Jay told me that when he was younger, he always wanted to go to Disneyland. But he never could because his mom was too drugged up on coke."
Erin's eyes softened with understanding, and Hank nodded, his expression serious yet supportive. Kim placed a comforting hand on Nadia's arm.
Nadia smiled and pulled out an envelope. "So, I decided to make that dream come true. I got us two tickets for two weeks at Disneyland!"
She opened the envelope to reveal the tickets, and the room erupted in cheers and applause. Erin hugged Nadia tightly. "That's amazing, Nadia! Jay is going to be so thrilled."
Hank smiled warmly. "You did good, Nadia. This is going to mean the world to him."
Kim grinned, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "I can't wait to see his reaction!"
Nadia beamed, feeling a sense of accomplishment and joy. "Thank you all. I just want to give him the happiness he deserves."
As they shared in the excitement of the surprise, the love and support from their friends made the moment even more special. Nadia knew that this honeymoon would be a dream come true for Jay, and she couldn't wait to see the look on his face when she told him.
As the game continued, the room was filled with laughter and friendly banter. Jay was deeply engrossed in the game, his competitive spirit shining through. Nadia, holding the envelope with the surprise honeymoon tickets, approached him with a smile.
She crouched down in front of Jay, gently taking the controller out of his hand. "Husband," she said softly, her eyes twinkling with affection.
Jay looked up, a smile spreading across his face. "Wifey," he replied, his voice filled with warmth.
Nadia handed him the envelope, her excitement barely contained. "I have something for you," she said, her heart pounding with anticipation.
Jay took the envelope, curiosity piqued. He carefully opened it and pulled out the tickets. As he read them, his eyes widened in disbelief. "Disneyland?" he whispered, his voice breaking. Tears welled up in his eyes as the realization hit him.
Nadia nodded, her own eyes glistening with tears. "I know how much you wanted to go when you were younger. Now we can make that dream come true together."
Overwhelmed with emotion, Jay burst into tears. Nadia immediately pulled him into her arms, holding him close as he cried. "Thank you," he managed to say between sobs. "This means more to me than you can imagine."
The room fell silent as their friends watched the heartfelt moment unfold. Erin, Kevin, Adam, Will, and the rest of the team exchanged knowing glances, their hearts warmed by the display of love and support.
As Jay and Nadia held each other, the love and support from their friends made the moment even more special. The surprise honeymoon was a dream come true for Jay, and he knew that with Nadia by his side, they could face anything together.
The morning continued with more laughter and joy, the excitement of the upcoming trip adding to the happiness of the newlyweds. Surrounded by their loved ones, Jay and Nadia felt truly blessed, ready to embark on their new adventure as husband and wife.
Jay continued to sob, overwhelmed by the surprise and the emotions it brought up. Adam, trying to lighten the mood, patted Jay on the back. "It's okay, man. You don't need to cry," he said with a grin. "You're going to Disneyland!"
But Jay couldn't stop the tears. The memories of his childhood and the realization that his dream was finally coming true were too much to hold back. Nadia gently felt Jay's head, her fingers running through his hair in a soothing manner. As she did, she noticed that his forehead felt unusually warm.
"Jay, you feel a bit hot," Nadia said softly, concern creeping into her voice. She placed the back of her hand on his forehead to confirm her suspicion. "I think you might have a fever."
The room fell silent as their friends exchanged worried glances. Erin stepped forward, her medical training kicking in. "Let's get him to sit down and rest," she suggested. "We can check his temperature and make sure he's okay."
Kevin and Will helped Jay over to the couch, where he sat down, still sniffling but starting to calm down. Erin quickly fetched a thermometer and took his temperature. "You're running a bit of a fever, Jay," she confirmed. "You probably just need some rest and fluids."
Nadia sat beside Jay, holding his hand. "We'll take care of you," she said reassuringly. "Just relax and let us help."
Jay nodded, grateful for the support of his friends and family. "Thanks, everyone," he said, his voice still shaky. "I guess I got a little too emotional."
Hank, standing nearby, nodded approvingly. "Sometimes, it's good to let it out," he said softly, his voice filled with wisdom. "But now, let's focus on getting you better."
As the morning continued, the team rallied around Jay, making sure he was comfortable and well taken care of.
As the morning continued, Jay's exhaustion began to catch up with him. With the warmth of Nadia's presence and the soothing comfort of her touch, he found himself drifting off to sleep. He rested his head on her chest, his breathing gradually becoming steady and calm.
Nadia gently massaged his shoulders, her fingers working out the tension from the previous day's excitement. She looked down at him with a tender smile, her heart filled with love and gratitude for the man she had married.
The room was quiet, the soft murmur of conversations and the occasional clink of coffee cups creating a peaceful backdrop. Erin, Kevin, Adam, Will, and the rest of the team watched the scene with fond smiles, their hearts warmed by the display of love and care.
Kim, holding Lily Grace, walked over and sat beside Nadia. "He's really out," she said softly, glancing at Jay.
Nadia nodded, continuing to massage his shoulders. "He needs the rest," she replied. "It's been an emotional couple of days."
Hank, standing nearby, gave Nadia an approving nod. "You're taking good care of him," he said. "That's what matters."
Nadia smiled, feeling a deep sense of contentment. "Thank you, Hank. I just want him to be happy and healthy."
As Jay slept peacefully on Nadia's chest, surrounded by the love and support of their friends and family, the morning continued with a sense of calm and unity. The excitement of the upcoming trip to Disneyland added to the happiness of the newlyweds, and with the support of their loved ones, they knew they could face anything together.
The day was filled with laughter, shared memories, and the promise of a beautiful future. Jay and Nadia, hand in hand, were ready to embark on their new adventure, knowing that they were surrounded by a strong and loving community.
Nadia gently whispered to Jay, "Let's go to the bedroom. I can scratch your back, and when you're asleep, I'll do some research on Disneyland."
Jay, still feeling the emotional weight of the surprise, nodded and allowed Nadia to guide him to their bedroom. As they settled onto the bed, Nadia began to softly scratch his back, her touch soothing and comforting.
"Thank you, Nadia," Jay murmured, his voice heavy with gratitude and exhaustion. "This means so much to me."
"Anything for you, my love," Nadia replied, her voice filled with warmth. "Just relax and get some rest."
As Jay's breathing became steady and calm, he drifted off to sleep, feeling safe and loved in Nadia's care. Once she was sure he was asleep, Nadia quietly got up and grabbed her laptop. She sat beside him, ready to start planning their magical trip to Disneyland.
The room was peaceful, the soft glow of the laptop screen illuminating Nadia's determined expression. She was excited to make this dream come true for Jay and couldn't wait to see the joy on his face when they finally arrived at Disneyland.
in bed, a laptop on her lap, Jay's shirt halfway up his back as he slept peacefully beside her.
Kim smiled warmly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Looks like someone's hard at work," she whispered, nodding towards Nadia.
Nadia glanced up, a soft smile on her face. "Just doing some research for our trip," she replied quietly, not wanting to disturb Jay.
Adam chuckled softly. "You two are adorable," he said, stepping closer. "Need any help with the planning?"
Nadia shook her head gently. "Thanks, Adam. I think I've got it covered for now. Just want to make sure everything is perfect for Jay."
Kim sat down on the edge of the bed, careful not to wake Jay. "He's lucky to have you," she said sincerely. "You both deserve this happiness."
Nadia's smile widened, her heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you, Kim. It means a lot to hear that."
As they continued to chat quietly, the room remained a haven of warmth and love. Nadia felt a deep sense of contentment, knowing that with the support of their friends, she and Jay could face anything together.
As they chatted quietly, Lily Grace toddled into the room, her tiny feet making soft padding sounds on the carpet. She pointed to Jay, who was fast asleep, and said in her sweet, small voice, "Dada sleepy."
Kim Burgess smiled and gently picked Lily Grace up. "Yes, sweetheart, Dada is very sleepy," she replied softly. "He's had a big day."
Lily Grace rested her head on Kim's shoulder, her eyes wide with curiosity as she looked at Nadia. "Mama working?" she asked, noticing the laptop on Nadia's lap.
Nadia chuckled softly. "Yes, I'm just planning a special trip for Dada and me," she explained, her voice filled with warmth.
Kim gave Nadia an approving nod. "You're doing a great job, Nadia. Jay's going to be so happy."
Nadia's heart swelled with gratitude and love as she looked at her friends and family. "Thank you, Kim. I just want everything to be perfect for him."
With Lily Grace now content in Kim's arms, the room remained a peaceful sanctuary. The love and support from their friends made the moment even more special, and Nadia felt truly blessed to have such a wonderful community around them. The excitement of their upcoming trip to Disneyland added to the joy, making the future look even brighter for Jay and Nadia.
The Intelligence Unit decided to take a break from their usual intense work and went shopping for clothes together. The atmosphere was light and filled with laughter as they browsed through various stores.
Nadia wandered into the swimwear section and her eyes lit up when she found a cute bikini. She held it up, admiring the design, and then called out to Jay. "Jay, come over here! What do you think of this?" she asked, a playful smile on her face.
Jay walked over, his eyes widening as he saw the bikini. "Wow, Nadia, that looks amazing," he said, his voice filled with admiration. "You'd look stunning in that."
Nadia blushed slightly, enjoying the compliment. "You think so?" she asked, twirling the bikini in her hands.
"Absolutely," Jay replied, stepping closer. "You should definitely get it."
Their playful banter continued, their chemistry evident to everyone around them. Adam, who was nearby, couldn't help but sigh dramatically. "You two are hopeless," he said with a grin, shaking his head.
Nadia and Jay laughed, their happiness infectious.
As the shopping spree continued, the Intelligence Unit members started to notice how heavy their bags were getting. Erin was the first to comment, lifting her bag with a slight groan. "Wow, I think we might have gone a bit overboard," she said, laughing.
Kevin nodded in agreement, adjusting the strap of his own bag. "Yeah, these bags are getting pretty heavy. We might need a cart soon."
Will chuckled, looking at his own bulging bag. "I guess we all found some good stuff. But hey, it's not every day we get to do this."
Nadia, still holding the bikini she had picked out, smiled at Jay. "Looks like we're all going to need some strong arms to carry these back," she said playfully.
Jay grinned, flexing his muscles in a mock show of strength. "Don't worry, I've got this," he said, earning a round of laughter from the group.
Adam, ever the joker, pretended to stagger under the weight of his bag. "I think I might need a nap after this," he said with a dramatic sigh, causing everyone to laugh even harder.
The camaraderie and light-hearted banter made the shopping trip even more enjoyable.
As the time came for Nadia and Jay to leave for their honeymoon, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation. The Intelligence Unit gathered to see them off, their smiles reflecting their happiness for the newlyweds.
Nadia and Jay were busy chucking their suitcases into the car, their playful banter continuing. "Careful with that one, it's got all my shoes," Nadia teased, giving Jay a playful nudge.
Jay grinned, pretending to struggle with the suitcase. "I'll handle it with care, don't worry," he replied, winking at her.
Nadia laughed, her eyes sparkling with affection. "You're the best," she said, leaning in to give him a quick kiss.
The rest of the unit watched the scene with amused smiles. Erin nudged Kevin and whispered, "They're so cute together."
Kevin nodded, a smirk on his face. "Yeah, it's like watching a rom-com," he said, chuckling.
Adam, always the joker, couldn't resist adding his two cents. "Alright, lovebirds, save some of that energy for Disneyland," he called out, earning a round of laughter from everyone.
Nadia and Jay joined in the laughter, their joy evident. "Thanks, Adam. We'll make sure to have plenty of fun," Jay replied, giving a mock salute.
With their suitcases finally loaded, Nadia and Jay turned to their friends. "Thank you all for being here," Nadia said, her voice filled with gratitude. "We'll miss you, but we'll be back with lots of stories."
"Have an amazing time!" Will said, giving them a thumbs-up. "You two deserve it."
As they drove away, the unit waved them off, their hearts warmed by the love and happiness they had witnessed.
As Nadia and Jay were getting ready to leave, Lily Grace toddled over with a small suitcase of her own. She was determined to pack her favorite toys and a few clothes, mimicking her parents' preparations. The sight of her tiny suitcase and serious expression made everyone in the unit smile.
"Aww, look at her!" Erin exclaimed, her heart melting at the adorable scene.
Kevin chuckled, "She's ready for her own adventure."
Jay crouched down to Lily Grace's level, his eyes filled with affection. "You look so cute, baby," he said gently. "But this time, it's just me and Mama going on a trip. We'll be back soon, and we'll bring you something special, okay?"
Lily Grace looked up at Jay with wide eyes, then nodded solemnly. "Okay, Dada," she said, her little voice full of trust.
Nadia smiled, her heart warmed by the interaction. "We'll miss you, sweetheart," she added, giving Lily Grace a kiss on the forehead.
The rest of the unit watched with fond smiles, their hearts touched by the sweet family moment. "She's going to be a heartbreaker one day," Adam joked, earning a round of laughter.
With everything packed and ready, Jay and Nadia gave their final hugs and goodbyes.
As Nadia and Jay got into the taxi, they were caught up in their excitement, laughing and chatting about their upcoming trip. Meanwhile, Lily Grace stood at the window, her small hands pressed against the glass, watching them with wide eyes.
She waited for a wave or a kiss, but in their excitement, Nadia and Jay didn't notice her. The taxi pulled away, and Lily Grace's face crumpled as she realized they were leaving without saying goodbye. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she began to sob, her little shoulders shaking with each cry.
Erin, noticing Lily Grace's distress, quickly scooped her up into her arms. "Oh, sweetheart, it's okay," she soothed, gently rocking her. "Mama and Dada will be back soon. They love you very much."
Kevin joined them, offering a comforting smile. "How about we read your favorite story, 'Goodnight Moon'? Would you like that?"
Lily Grace sniffled, nodding slightly as she clung to Erin. The rest of the unit gathered around, offering their support and doing their best to cheer her up.
"We'll make sure you have lots of fun while they're away," Adam said, giving her a gentle pat on the back.
With the love and care of her extended family, Lily Grace's sobs gradually subsided. Though she missed her parents, she felt comforted by the warmth and support of those around her. The unit was determined to make sure she felt loved and secure until Nadia and Jay returned.
As the unit gathered around Lily Grace, they did their best to cheer her up and make her feel loved. Erin continued to hold her, gently rocking her back and forth. "How about we go play with your favorite toys?" she suggested, trying to distract her.
Lily Grace sniffled and nodded, her tears slowly subsiding. Kevin brought over a stuffed animal, making it dance in front of her. "Look, it's Mr. Bunny! He wants to play with you," he said with a smile.
Adam, always ready with a joke, pretended to have a conversation with the stuffed animal. "Mr. Bunny says he wants to have a tea party. What do you think, Lily Grace?"
A small smile began to form on Lily Grace's face as she watched the antics of her friends. "Tea party," she said softly, her eyes lighting up a bit.
"That's the spirit!" Will said, giving her a thumbs-up. "Let's set up a tea party right here."
As they set up the tea party, the room filled with laughter and playful chatter. Lily Grace's mood lifted, and she began to giggle and play along with her friends. The unit's efforts to make her feel better were clearly working.
Meanwhile, Nadia and Jay, now on their way to the airport, were unaware of the little drama back home. They were excitedly discussing their plans for Disneyland, their hearts full of anticipation for the adventure ahead.
Back at the house, the tea party was in full swing, and Lily Grace was surrounded by love and care. The unit's dedication to making her feel happy and secure was evident, and they knew that they would do everything they could to support her until Nadia and Jay returned.
As bedtime approached, Lily Grace became increasingly restless and started to cry. Erin tried to soothe her with a bedtime story, but nothing seemed to work. "Maybe we should call Nadia and Jay," Erin suggested, her voice filled with concern.
Hank shook his head. "They just left. Let's try to handle this ourselves first."
Platt, however, considered the idea. "It might help to hear their voices," she said thoughtfully. "Sometimes a familiar voice can make all the difference."
Erin nodded and quickly dialed Nadia's number. After a few rings, Nadia answered, her voice filled with warmth. "Hey, Erin. Is everything okay?"
"Lily Grace is having a hard time settling down," Erin explained. "We thought hearing your voice might help."
Nadia's voice softened. "Put her on, please."
Erin gently handed the phone to Lily Grace. "Mama?" Lily Grace said, her voice trembling.
"Hi, sweetheart," Nadia said soothingly. "It's okay, baby. Mama and Dada love you very much. We're coming back soon, and we'll bring you something special from Disneyland."
Lily Grace's sobs began to subside as she listened to her mother's comforting words. Jay's voice joined in, adding, "We miss you, Lily Grace. Be a good girl for Erin and the others, okay?"
"Okay, Dada," Lily Grace replied, her tears drying up.
After a few more reassuring words, Erin took the phone back. "Thank you, Nadia. That really helped."
"Anytime," Nadia said. "We'll call again tomorrow. Take care of our little girl."
With the call ended, Lily Grace seemed much calmer. Erin tucked her into bed, and within minutes, she was fast asleep. The unit breathed a collective sigh of relief, grateful for the power of a parent's love and the support of their close-knit team.
The next morning, the house was filled with the soft sounds of early risers. Erin was the first to wake, quietly making her way to the kitchen to start breakfast. She wanted to ensure that Lily Grace had a good start to her day.
Lily Grace soon toddled into the kitchen, rubbing her sleepy eyes. "Morning, Erin," she said with a yawn.
"Good morning, sweetheart," Erin replied with a warm smile. "How about some pancakes for breakfast?"
Lily Grace's face lit up. "Yes, please!"
As Erin prepared the pancakes, the rest of the unit began to stir. Kevin and Adam joined them in the kitchen, helping to set the table and make coffee. The atmosphere was relaxed and filled with the comforting routine of a family morning.
"Did you sleep well, Lily Grace?" Kevin asked, ruffling her hair.
Lily Grace nodded, her mouth full of pancake. "Yes, Uncle Kevin."
Adam chuckled. "Looks like someone is in a better mood today."
Erin smiled, glad to see Lily Grace happy. "We have a fun day planned for you," she said. "How about a trip to the park after breakfast?"
Lily Grace's eyes widened with excitement. "Yes! Can we feed the ducks?"
"Of course," Erin replied. "We'll bring some bread for them."
As they finished breakfast, the unit worked together to clean up and get ready for the day. The sense of camaraderie and support was palpable, and it was clear that they were all committed to making sure Lily Grace felt loved and cared for while her parents were away.
Meanwhile, Nadia and Jay were enjoying their first morning at Disneyland, filled with excitement and anticipation for the adventures ahead. They knew that Lily Grace was in good hands, and that thought made their trip even more enjoyable.
The next morning, after a fun trip to the park and feeding the ducks, it was time for Lily Grace's nap. As Erin was getting her ready, Lily Grace looked up with big, hopeful eyes. "Can we call Mama and Dada?" she asked, her little hands clutching her favorite stuffed animal.
Erin smiled and nodded. "Of course, sweetheart. Let's give them a call."
She dialed Nadia's number and put the phone on speaker. The phone rang a few times, but then went to voicemail. Erin tried again, but the call was declined. She frowned slightly, not wanting to disappoint Lily Grace.
Lily Grace's face fell, and she started to rub her eyes, tears welling up. "Mama… Dada…" she whimpered.
Erin quickly scooped her up into her arms. "It's okay, Lily Grace. They must be busy right now, but they'll call us back soon," she said soothingly.
Hank, who had been watching, shook his head. "They probably just missed the call. Let's give them some time."
Platt, however, stepped in. "It might help to leave a message. Hearing their voices could make her feel better."
Erin nodded and left a cheerful voicemail, letting Nadia and Jay know that Lily Grace wanted to talk to them. "We'll try again later, okay?" she said, giving Lily Grace a reassuring hug.
Meanwhile, Nadia and Jay, who were enjoying a ride at Disneyland, noticed the missed calls and voicemail. They quickly listened to the message and felt a pang of guilt for not being able to answer.
"We should call back as soon as we can," Jay said, squeezing Nadia's hand.
"Absolutely," Nadia agreed. "Let's find a quiet spot and call her back."
Back at home, the unit continued to keep Lily Grace entertained, knowing that Nadia and Jay would call back as soon as they could. The love and support from everyone made the wait a little easier for the little girl.
Nadia and Jay quickly found a quiet spot in Disneyland and called back. Erin answered the phone, relief evident in her voice. "Hey, Nadia, Jay! Lily Grace has been waiting to talk to you."
She handed the phone to Lily Grace, who eagerly took it. "Mama! Dada!" she exclaimed, her face lighting up.
"Hi, sweetheart!" Nadia said, her voice filled with warmth. "We're so sorry we missed your call. We were on a ride."
Jay chimed in, "We miss you so much, Lily Grace. Are you having fun with Erin and everyone?"
Lily Grace nodded, even though they couldn't see her. "Yes, we went to the park and fed the ducks. But I miss you."
"We miss you too, baby," Nadia said softly. "We'll be back soon, and we'll bring you something special from Disneyland."
"Okay, Mama," Lily Grace replied, her voice now calm and happy.
After a few more minutes of chatting and reassuring their little girl, Nadia and Jay said their goodbyes, promising to call again soon. Erin took the phone back, smiling at how much better Lily Grace seemed.
"Thank you, Nadia and Jay. That really helped," Erin said.
"Anytime," Nadia replied. "Take care of our little girl."
With the call ended, Lily Grace seemed much more settled. Erin tucked her into bed for her nap, and within minutes, she was fast asleep, clutching her stuffed animal.
Back at Disneyland, Nadia and Jay felt a sense of relief and happiness knowing that Lily Grace was in good hands.
Later that morning, Lily Grace woke up from her nap, rubbing her sleepy eyes. She looked around and saw Erin nearby. "Erin, can we call Mama and Dada?" she asked, her voice still groggy.
Erin smiled and nodded, reaching for the phone. "Sure, sweetheart. Let's give them a call."
As Erin dialed the number, she suddenly remembered the time difference. Nadia and Jay were in Disneyland, which was several hours behind. They were likely still asleep. Erin hesitated, realizing that Lily Grace might not understand why they couldn't talk to her parents right away.
When the call went to voicemail, Erin gently explained, "Lily Grace, Mama and Dada are still sleeping because it's very early where they are. We'll call them again later, okay?"
Lily Grace's face fell, and she looked confused. "But I want to talk to them now," she said, her eyes filling with tears.
Erin hugged her gently. "I know, sweetie. They miss you too, and they'll call us back as soon as they wake up. How about we play with your toys until then?"
Lily Grace nodded reluctantly, still a bit sad but comforted by Erin's presence. "Okay," she said softly.
The rest of the unit, noticing the situation, quickly rallied to cheer her up. Kevin brought over her favorite stuffed animal, and Adam started a playful game to distract her.
"We'll have lots of fun until Mama and Dada call back," Erin promised, giving Lily Grace a reassuring smile.
Meanwhile, Nadia and Jay were still enjoying their time at Disneyland, unaware of the missed call. They were making the most of their trip, knowing that Lily Grace was in good hands and looking forward to sharing their adventures with her when they returned.
Later that morning, Lily Grace became increasingly anxious, waiting for her parents to call back. When the call didn't come, she started to cry again, her little face crumpling with disappointment. Erin, seeing her distress, decided to try calling Nadia and Jay once more.
She dialed the number and waited, but this time, instead of ringing, she received a text message from Nadia: "Hey Erin, please don't call us for a while. Jay's not feeling well—he's been sick and isn't looking his best. We'll call back as soon as we can."
Erin sighed, feeling a pang of sympathy for both Jay and Lily Grace. She knelt down beside Lily Grace, who was sitting on the floor, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Sweetheart, Mama and Dada can't talk right now. Dada isn't feeling well, but they'll call us back as soon as they can, okay?"
Lily Grace sniffled, her eyes wide with concern. "Dada sick?"
"Yes, but he'll be okay," Erin reassured her, giving her a gentle hug. "Let's do something fun to take our minds off it. How about we bake some cookies?"
Lily Grace nodded slowly, still looking a bit sad but willing to be distracted. "Okay," she said softly.
The rest of the unit quickly rallied to help. Kevin and Adam started gathering ingredients, while Platt found a fun cookie recipe. Hank even donned an apron, ready to assist in any way he could.
As they started baking, the kitchen filled with the comforting smells of sugar and chocolate. Lily Grace's mood began to lift as she helped mix the dough and shape the cookies. The laughter and playful banter of the unit created a warm, supportive environment, making her feel loved and secure.
Meanwhile, Nadia and Jay were dealing with Jay's sudden illness. Nadia did her best to take care of him, knowing that their friends back home were doing a wonderful job looking after Lily Grace. Despite the hiccup, they were determined to make the most of their trip and looked forward to calling Lily Grace as soon as Jay felt better.
As the cookies baked in the oven, the unit continued to keep Lily Grace entertained. Adam had her on his back, giving her a playful piggyback ride around the kitchen. Lily Grace giggled, her earlier sadness momentarily forgotten.
Just then, the phone rang. Adam, still carrying Lily Grace, answered it. "Hello?" he said, his voice cheerful.
"It's Nadia," he announced, and Lily Grace's eyes lit up with hope. Adam gently put her down, and she eagerly reached for the phone.
"Mama? Dada?" she asked, her voice filled with anticipation.
Nadia's face appeared on the screen, smiling warmly. "Hi, sweetheart," she said. "Dada's not feeling well, so he's resting right now."
Lily Grace's face fell into a pout. "I want to see Dada," she said, her voice tinged with disappointment.
Nadia's expression softened with understanding. "I know, baby. Here, let me show you." She adjusted the camera to reveal Jay lying down, looking pale and tired.
Jay's tired voice came through the phone. "Hey, Lily Grace," he said weakly.
Nadia glanced at Jay with concern. "Are you gonna be sick again?" she asked gently.
Jay nodded, and before he could say anything else, he turned away and started to vomit. Lily Grace gasped, her eyes wide with shock. "Dada!" she shouted, her voice filled with worry.
Nadia quickly turned the camera away from Jay and back to herself. "It's okay, sweetheart. Dada just needs some rest. I'll call you back later, okay?"
Lily Grace nodded, still looking worried but reassured by Nadia's calm demeanor. "Okay, Mama. I love you."
"We love you too, Lily Grace," Nadia said softly. "Be a good girl for Erin and everyone."
After ending the call, Erin hugged Lily Grace tightly. "Dada's going to be okay," she said soothingly. "Let's finish baking those cookies, and then we can do something fun."
The unit continued to keep Lily Grace entertained and happy, knowing that their love and support were helping her through this time. The bond between them all was strong, and they knew that together, they could handle anything.
As the evening settled in, the unit gathered around Lily Grace's bed, creating a cozy and supportive atmosphere. Voight sat at the edge of the bed and asked gently, "Lily Grace, are you ready to call Mama and Dada?"
Lily Grace nodded eagerly. "Yes, please!"
Erin dialed the number and put the phone on speaker. After a few rings, Nadia answered, her face illuminated by the soft light. She smiled warmly. "Hi, sweetheart!"
Kevin, noticing Jay wasn't in view, shouted, "Where's Jay?"
Nadia adjusted the camera to show Jay lying beside her, looking pale and tired. He managed a weak wave with one hand. "Hey, Lily Grace," he said in a tired voice.
Halfway through the call, Jay buried his head on Nadia's chest, seeking comfort. Nadia gently massaged his scalp, her touch soothing.
Adam leaned in closer to the phone. "How you feeling, man?" he asked with concern.
Jay gave a small smile. "I've been better," he replied, his voice faint.
Voight, seeing Jay's condition, spoke up. "We'll let you go so Jay can rest. Take care, and we'll talk again soon."
Nadia nodded, her expression grateful. "Thank you, everyone. We'll call you again tomorrow. We love you, Lily Grace."
"Love you too, Mama. Love you, Dada," Lily Grace replied, her voice filled with love.
After a few more comforting words, the call ended. Erin tucked Lily Grace into bed, giving her a gentle kiss on the forehead. "Goodnight, Lily Grace. Sweet dreams."
The unit quietly left the room, leaving the door slightly ajar. They knew that their love and support had helped Lily Grace through another day, and they were ready to do it all again tomorrow if needed.
The next morning, the sun peeked through the curtains, casting a warm glow in the room. Lily Grace toddled out of her bedroom, rubbing her sleepy eyes. She found Erin in the kitchen, preparing breakfast.
"Good morning, sweetie," Erin greeted with a smile.
Lily Grace looked up at Erin with hopeful eyes. "When can we call Mama and Dada?" she asked eagerly.
Erin crouched down to Lily Grace's level, her expression gentle. "We can't call them every day, sweetheart," she explained softly. "Remember, Dada is sick and needs to rest."
Lily Grace's face fell slightly, but she nodded, understanding. "Okay," she said quietly.
Erin gave her a reassuring hug. "How about we make a special card for Dada today? That way, he knows we're thinking of him."
Lily Grace's eyes brightened at the idea. "Yes! I want to draw lots of hearts and flowers!"
"That sounds perfect," Erin said, smiling. "Let's have breakfast first, and then we can start on the card."
As they sat down to eat, the unit continued to keep Lily Grace entertained and supported, knowing that their love and care were helping her through this challenging time. Together, they were a strong and loving family, ready to face whatever came their way.
After breakfast, Erin and the unit decided it was time for Lily Grace's bath. They gathered in the bathroom, filling the tub with warm water and bubbles. Lily Grace giggled as Erin helped her into the tub, the bubbles tickling her skin.
Kevin and Adam were on hand to assist, making sure Lily Grace was having fun. As Kevin reached for the soap, he accidentally squeezed too hard, sending a stream of soap straight into Adam's eye.
"Ow! My eye!" Adam exclaimed, blinking rapidly.
Kevin's eyes widened in surprise. "Sorry, man! I didn't mean to!"
Adam, despite the sting, couldn't help but laugh. "Oh, it's on now!" he said, grabbing a handful of bubbles and playfully tossing them at Kevin.
Kevin dodged, but not before getting a face full of bubbles. "Oh, you're gonna regret that!" he said, grabbing his own handful of bubbles and launching them back at Adam.
Lily Grace watched in delight as the bathroom turned into a playful battleground of bubbles and laughter. Erin tried to keep a straight face but soon found herself laughing along with them.
Voight, hearing the commotion, poked his head into the bathroom. He raised an eyebrow at the sight of the bubble fight. "You guys do realize we're supposed to be giving Lily Grace a bath, right?" he commented dryly.
Adam, with bubbles clinging to his hair, grinned. "Just adding a little fun to the routine, Voight."
Voight shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "Just make sure you actually get her clean," he said, turning to leave. "And try not to flood the bathroom."
Erin, still chuckling, managed to regain some control. "Alright, alright, let's finish up here," she said, gently rinsing the soap from Lily Grace's hair.
As the bubble fight subsided, the unit worked together to finish Lily Grace's bath, ensuring she was clean and happy. The laughter and fun had lightened the mood, reminding them all of the joy and love they shared.
After Lily Grace's bath, the unit gathered in the living room, ready to call Nadia and Jay. Erin dialed the number and put the phone on speaker. They waited, but after a few rings, the call abruptly disconnected.
Lily Grace looked up, her eyes wide with confusion. "Can we call them again?" she asked, her voice filled with hope.
Erin nodded, dialing the number once more. They waited again, but the call hung up just like before. Lily Grace's face fell, and she looked up at Erin with worry.
Just then, Erin's phone buzzed with a text message. She quickly checked it and saw it was from Nadia. She read it aloud for everyone to hear:
"Sorry, everyone. Jay's not feeling well, and we're having some connection issues. We'll try to call you later. Love you all."
Lily Grace's shoulders slumped, but Erin crouched down beside her, giving her a comforting hug. "It's okay, sweetheart. Mama and Dada will call us when they can. Let's finish making that special card for Dada, okay?"
Lily Grace nodded, a small smile returning to her face. "Okay, Erin."
The unit spent the rest of the morning helping Lily Grace create a beautiful card filled with hearts, flowers, and loving messages. They knew that even though they couldn't talk to Nadia and Jay right now, their love and support were still reaching them.