Author's Note: For the next few chapters, we are going to spend some time getting to know Jenna's family and best friends. As always, there will be happy fluffies and a little bit of drama. I'm still fine-tuning these chapters, so updates may take a little longer than normal. To say I'm sorry, we'll start Christmas off with an extra long chapter!

Chapter 18-He's Really Hot, Mom

When Thanksgiving was over, Jenna kicked up her plans for going back to California to visit her daughters. She planned to leave on the 23rd and return on the 27th, giving her time to spend with her kids, as well as her friends. It had been almost a year since she saw her daughters, and she couldn't wait to be reunited with them. She was also thrilled to be bringing Hank along, anxious for him to get to see a different side of her life.

As excited as she was to bring Hank home with her, she was nervous for her girls to meet him. He'd met and spent time with Nick, who was incredibly happy for them. Nick never forgave his father for hurting Jenna, so he was thrilled to see her moving on and happy. Her girls were harder to read. They indicated they were happy that she was happy, but phone chats and pictures hundreds of miles apart were different than existing together in the same place. She just wasn't sure how the girls would handle seeing her with another man. She prayed they would welcome him and accept him as the man she loves.

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Two weeks before Christmas…

"Ok Mom, we've been talking, and we've figured out a schedule for which house you'll be at each day you're here," said Chloe, Jenna's oldest daughter.

"Sweetie, there has been a little bit of a change of plans. Nick and his family are for sure coming Christmas Eve, and they don't need to move around, and...Hank is coming with me."

"Mom, are you serious?" Chloe asked. "You're bringing your boyfriend to Christmas?"

"I'm serious. I want everyone to get to meet him. I want him to see this part of my life. We don't want to spend our first Christmas together apart. We've been together almost eight months. We...it's serious, Chloe."

"Wow. Ok, I guess none of us realized that. We'll work something out. Maybe we'll have Nick's family stay here with me and Derek, and we'll put you and Hank at Sara and Evan's. They have enough space that if Taylor and Paige want to stay over, they can. Wait, you know Dad is coming to Christmas, don't you?"

"Yeah, I knew he would be there. It's Christmas, baby. The whole family should be together."

Chloe sat in silence for a few moments, trying to wrap her head around her mother bringing another man to their family Christmas. "You really like this guy, don't you?"

"I love him, Chlo. I hope all of you will too."

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December 23rd

Jenna could barely contain her excitement as she and Hank exited the plane. It had been way too long since she was with her girls, and she was thrilled Hank would be by her side for all of it. It was a big step for them, but it was a big step that was necessary. She wanted to continue moving forward and building a life with him.

She was so excited when she saw Chloe waiting for them. She and Chloe ran to each other, squealing as they hugged each other. Hank smiled as he watched their embrace, loving seeing Jenna's excitement to be back in her home.

"Mom! I can't believe you're here!" Chloe said excitedly.

"I'm so happy to see you Sweetie," Jenna said, closing her eyes as she hugged her baby. "I've missed you so much."

"I've missed you too Mom. We all have."

Jenna turned around and reached for Hank's hand, pulling him over to them. "Chloe, this is Hank."

"Nice to meet you Chloe," he said, extending his hand to her.

"Nice to meet you Hank. But we're huggers in this family," she said, ignoring his hand and giving him a hug. He smiled as he hugged her back.

"I should've known," he said, putting his arm around Jenna.

Chloe stared at them for a moment. "You two look really good together. Really happy."

"We are. Very happy," Hank said, pulling Jenna closer.

"Alright, breakfast is at Sara's. It should be pretty close to ready by the time we get there. Derek and Evan are both working today, so it will just be the girls. Oh and…Dad."

"Great! I can't wait to see everyone."

"They are so happy you're home. I assume Addison is freaking out too. You're seeing her, right?"

Jenna laughed. "Addison would hunt me down and kill me herself if we came all this way and didn't get together. We have afternoon and dinner plans today with her and Andrew, and then I think the day after Christmas, we're going out to dinner with the whole group."

"Great." Chloe glanced at the back seat in the rearview mirror. "Hank, I hope you're ready for all of this. This family…we're kind of a lot."

Hank chuckled. "I'm ready. I'm happy to be a part of all of this."

When they were stopped at a red light, Chloe took the time to really study Hank in the mirror. "He's even hotter in person, Mom."

"Chloe," she said, covering her face with her hand as Hank laughed.

"So it's going to be like that?" he asked, putting his hand on Jenna's shoulder, gently squeezing it.

Jenna put her hand on top of his. "I'm sorry babe, but it is, at least with the kids."

"Should be fun."

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When they pulled up to the house, Sara, Paige, and Taylor came rushing out screaming. Hank stood back, leaning against the car, smiling as he watched Jenna's reunion with her daughters. He was looking forward to getting to know her family as he prepared plans for their future together.

As Jenna turned around to him, the girls rushed over, hugging him just like their sister, welcoming him into their lives.

When they got inside, the girls all reached into their pockets and pulled out name tags, sticking them to their shirts. "What's this?" Jenna asked, laughing a little.

"We know we're a lot, so we thought it would be easier," Taylor said.

"Very helpful," Hank said as he laughed.

"Ok, breakfast is almost ready. Dad is bringing part of it, so we'll eat when he gets here," Sara said.

"What can I do?" Jenna asked.

"Nothing!" Paige said.

"No Mom, we're taking care of this," said Sara. "You can help with the meal on Christmas, but we've got this taken care of. You just got off of a plane. Go sit and relax with your hot boyfriend."

"Sara."

Sara leaned close to Jenna. "He's really hot, Mom."

Jenna covered her face with her hand. "Yeah, I know."

"Go sit with him."

Jenna walked over to Hank, taking his hand and pulling him to the couch. "Sit with me?"

"Of course." They sat down, and Hank put his arm around her as she snuggled up next to him, her head on his shoulder, and closed her eyes.

"Tired?" he asked softly.

"Yeah. I was too wired on the plane to sleep, but the early morning is hitting me now."

Hank smiled into her hair. "I could tell."

"My ex is on his way," she said softly.

"I know."

"Are you really ok with this?"

Hank made her look at him. "Jen, it's going to be fine. It'll be awkward for all of us, but it's better to do it today instead of on Christmas."

Jenna sighed. "You're probably right. It'll be good to get it over with."

"Exactly."

"Daddy!" they heard Taylor yell.

"Here we go," Jenna said under her breath as they stood up.

Jenna watched as Jake hugged Taylor and went to the kitchen, hugging the girls as he put down his contribution to the meal. It was strange seeing him again after so long. They spent a night together before she moved to Chicago, the last time she saw him. Now, almost a year later, she was back and with a man she was in love with. Jake turned around and their eyes met. She gave a small wave, and he smiled at her. She took Hank's hand, and they walked toward him.

"Jennie."

"Hi Jake."

Jake pulled her into his arms, hugging her tight. "I'm glad you came home. It's really good to see you."

"You too," Jenna said. She pulled back and turned to Hank. "Jake, this is Hank."

"Nice to meet you Jake," Hank said, extending his hand to Jake.

"Nice to meet you Hank," Jake said as he shook Hank's hand. His eyes went back to Jenna. "You look great, really happy."

"Thank you. We are really happy."

"I'm glad. You deserve it, Jennie."

Jenna let out a small sigh of relief. First meeting with the ex: check.

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They had a great breakfast together. Jenna and her girls fell back into their normal banter, almost as if no time had passed. Hank couldn't help but smile, silently watching their interactions. Jenna looked so happy, and a part of him felt a little sad that she didn't have her girls as part of her daily life anymore. When there was a break in the conversation, Jenna reached over and slipped her hand into his, squeezing it just a little.

"You ok?" she asked softly. "You're awfully quiet."

Hank leaned in close so he could speak directly in her ear. "I'm good. I'm just taking it all in."

"I'm glad you're here," she said, squeezing his hand again. Hank nodded his agreement as he raised her hand, kissing the back of it softly.

When breakfast was over and everything was cleaned up, Jake said, "I hate to eat and run, but I have to get to the restaurant. I'll see all of you later." He looked over at Jenna. "Walk me out?"

"Um...sure." Jenna followed him to the door, and they walked together to his car. "What's this about?"

"You're happy?" Jake asked.

"Very."

"He's good to you? Really?"

"Yes, he's very good to me. He's an amazing man. I'm very happy with him."

Jake smiled a little. "I'm glad. I can tell that you're happy and that he really cares about you. He's quiet, and I'm sure the girls are a lot, but watching him watch you...he really cares about you."

"I love him, Jake."

Jake stopped, turning his head to look at her. "Really?"

"Really. He actually said it first, but I was feeling it too. I love him."

Jake squeezed her hand. "I'm happy for you Jennie. I mean that."

"Thank you. It means a lot, especially coming from you."

"You deserve to be happy. I'm glad you've found someone. Just…don't settle, ok? Because you deserve the world."

Tears came to Jenna's eyes. "I know," she said softly.

They hugged each other before he got in his truck. "See you at Christmas."

"Bye Jake."

Hank met Jenna at the door when she got back in. "You ok?"

"I'm fine. Everything is fine, I promise. I'm really tired. Will you come lay down with me for awhile?"

"Sure."

Jenna told the girls where they were going, and they went upstairs together.

When they got to their room, Jenna said, "Just give me a sec, ok?"

Hank brushed her hair away from her face. "I'll be right here whenever you're ready."

"Thanks," she said, forcing a tiny smile.

Jenna walked into the bathroom adjoining their room, resting her hands on the counter as she leaned over it. She was overwhelmed, the only word she could find to describe her feelings. Something about the conversation with Jake had her feeling like she was breathing underwater, and she didn't know why. She closed her eyes, telling herself she needed to breathe. After a few minutes, she walked back into the bedroom. Hank was sitting on the edge of the bed. She stepped between his legs as his arms went around her waist. He held her for a few moments before they climbed into the bed together.

They laid side by side, looking into each other's eyes as Hank softly stroked her cheek. "I love you," he said softly.

Jenna smiled. "I love you," she said as she leaned in and kissed him.

"Are you ok? Things seem...a little off. You were ok during breakfast, but just these last few minutes, you seem tense."

"I'm fine. I'm just really tired, and it's...weird being back here, with my girls, with Jake."

"What did he say to you outside?"

"He was just asking about you, us, if I'm happy, things like that. He said that he could tell that you really care about me."

"Well he's definitely right about that," he said as he kissed her.

"Definitely. I also...I told him that we love each other. I could tell it was hard for him, but he said he wants me to be happy."

"I'm glad we got the first meeting over with. I think everything will be easier after this."

"I hope so." She sighed. "I'm going to sleep for a little while. Don't leave me, ok?"

"I'm staying right here. Get your sleep. We've got a big week ahead of us."

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They napped for a couple of hours. Hank woke up before Jenna did. He brushed the hair away from her face as he watched her sleep. He could tell, even in her sleep, that she was struggling. He knew it had to be overwhelming, returning home after months away, trying to combine her old life and her new life. As hard as things seemed, he knew they were solid, and he knew they'd be fine.

He watched her for awhile until her eyes finally fluttered open. She gave him a sleepy smile.

"Hey," she said softly.

"Hey beautiful," he said, kissing her forehead. "Did you sleep good?"

"Yeah. How long have you been awake?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know. Awhile."

"Why didn't you wake me up?"

"I was just watching you sleep."

"That's a little creepy Hank," she said, giggling.

"I was just thinking about all kinds of things I wanted to do with you," he said, pulling her close as he kissed her.

"Mmm," she said softly. "As much as I would love to do all kinds of things with you, we've got to get up and head to Addison and Andrew's house."

Hank sighed. "Ok."

"I'll make it up to you," she said as she kissed him.

"Oh yeah you will," he said, kissing her deeply.

"Let's get ready. I can't wait for you to meet Addison and Andrew."

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When they pulled up at Andrew and Addison's house, Addison rushed out of the house screaming. Jenna jumped out of the car, and they ran to each other, jumping in each other's arms. Andrew slowly walked out of the house as Hank got out of the car.

"Nice to meet you Hank," Andrew said, extending his hand.

"Nice to meet you Andrew," Hank said, shaking his hand. "Are they always like this?"

"When they go more than a few days without seeing each other. I imagine the scene with the kids was the same?"

"It was. I've never heard so many girly screams in my life."

Finally, the girls pulled away from each other. Jenna hugged Andrew as Hank introduced himself to Addison, receiving another hug. When they pulled away, Hank put his arm around Jenna as her arms went around his waist.

Addison stared at them for a few moments. "Goodness. You two look so good together. You look so happy Jen," she said.

"I am," she said, looking up at Hank. "He makes me very happy."

"She does the same for me. She's...put me back together again."

"Come on inside. We've got lots to talk about," Addison said.

They spent the rest of the afternoon and evening catching up and getting to know Hank. Addison and Andrew were so happy for Jenna, and for the first time since her conversation with Jake, Jenna felt relaxed. Addison had been supportive of her and Hank since she first found out about him, and she was thrilled that her best friend found love again. While she wished that had been in California, Jenna's happiness was the most important thing.

Hank was glad to see Jenna feeling better. He was glad that she had such great friends, people who loved her and took care of her during some of her darkest days.

As the evening went on, their early morning really caught up with them. When they were ready to leave, Addison and Andrew walked them out to the car. Before they reached the car, Addison took Jenna's hand, holding her back so she could have a private moment with her.

"JENNA! I love him for you!" Addison said excitedly.

"I'm glad," Jenna said, laughing.

"He LOVES you. It's so obvious."

"I love him too. He's so good to me, Addi."

"How are you holding up after everything that happened? I know you've said you're fine, but how are you, really?"

"I'm good. Physically I'm healed. Mentally…I'm better. There's the occasional nightmare, but they are getting farther apart. I'm ok, Addison. Really."

"You and Hank really seem to have moved on from your…"

"Sabbatical," Jenna said.

Addison laughed. "Is that what we're calling it?"

Jenna shrugged. "It sounds better than a breakup."

Addison shook her head. "Whatever you say. Do the kids know about the…sabbatical?"

"They don't. I wasn't ready, and we were back together before I got the chance to tell anyone. It's better that they never knew."

"Well, I'm glad you two worked it out. He's good for you." Addison gave her a huge hug. "I'm so glad you're here. I've missed you."

"I've missed you too, Addi."

While the girls were talking, Hank and Andrew leaned against the car. "Thank you for having us over. I've heard so much about both of you, and I'm glad to finally get to meet you," Hank said.

"I'm glad you were able to come. Jenna…we really care about her, and I'm glad to see for myself that she's really happy. Just make sure she stays happy, ok?"

Hank nodded. "I promise that I'll take care of her."

"I know you're police, but if you hurt her, I'll come after you."

Hank laughed. "I don't doubt that. I won't hurt her."

"Good."

As Jenna and Addison walked over to the guys, Addison pulled Hank into another hug. "Thank you for taking care of Jenna and making her happy. You two have a good Christmas, and we'll see you all at dinner in a few days."

"Goodnight," Jenna said, hugging them both again.

When they got back to Sara's house, Jenna was a little relieved that Sara and Evan had already gone to bed. She and Hank had a wonderful evening, and she didn't want an interrogation from Sara. Jenna shut the bedroom door as Hank sat down on the edge of the bed.

"Tonight was great," Hank said. "I'm glad I finally got to meet them."

"Me too. It was a really fun night. I've missed them a lot."

"You seemed a lot more relaxed tonight."

"Yeah, I'm feeling a lot better." She walked over to Hank, standing between his legs as she put her hands on his shoulders. "How are you holding up with all of this? I know it's a lot."

Hank shrugged as Jenna ran her hands down his arms, taking his hands and intertwining their fingers. "It's a lot, but I'm along for the ride. I'm enjoying getting to see this part of your life. I just hope that the rest of the week, you'll relax and enjoy yourself like you did tonight."

"I think it's just nerves and exhaustion. It'll get better."

"I hope so." Hank pulled her close and kissed her deeply. "I love you. No matter what happens this week, I love you."

"I love you babe," Jenna whispered as she pulled him closer as they kissed. When they pulled away, Jenna said, "You know what would help me relax?"

"What?" Hank asked.

"A shower."

Hank raised his eyebrow. "Really?"

Jenna nodded, stepping out of his grasp and walking toward the bathroom. She slipped her sweater over her head and dropped it on the floor behind her. Before she stepped into the bathroom, she looked at him over her shoulder. "You coming?" she asked.

Hank walked to the bedroom door, quickly locking it before following Jenna into the bathroom.