"Ed?" Jamie called out as he walked into the apartment. He dropped his duffel bag and scanned around quickly. "Where are you guys?"
"We're in the nursery!" she responded.
He made his way in that direction, ignoring the feast of food on the stove that he was sure his grandpa had something to do with. He walked into the nursery to find Eddie and Conor relaxing in the glider, unwinding after their first day alone while Jamie returned to work. He'd checked in periodically but was able to get Pop on board without much difficulty to drop in on the two during the day. He had been slightly nervous in the days leading up to it but considering the smile on his wife's face and his son sprawled across her chest relaxing peacefully, he assumed the day went just fine.
"Hey Papa Reagan," Eddie said gently. "I was about to call and see where you were. You hungry? Pop dropped off enough food to last us a week."
"I am but I can eat later." He dropped to his knees next to the chair and kissed his wife and son. The two month old seemed close to nodding off but did manage to reward his father with a smile.
"Hey buddy," Jamie said, running a finger over the baby's cheek. "I missed you today."
"He missed you today too," Eddie replied. "I think he was looking around for you when we talked earlier."
Jamie smiled, "How was your day with him?"
"It went better than I thought," she admitted. "He was pretty calm most of the day. He just ate and slept. He did love it when Pop came by earlier. He stayed for awhile and watched him so I could shower and eat."
"That's good," Jamie said, making a mental note to call his grandpa to thank him later.
"In more important news, how was your first day back at work?" Eddie asked.
"It was good," he responded. "And actually, I got a surprise visitor today. Do you remember Sergio Ramirez?"
"I think so. Weren't you in the same academy class?"
Jamie nodded, "Yep. He dropped by the precinct today."
"Oh yeah? What for?"
"A job offer actually… one for you and me," Jamie revealed.
Eddie's eyes furrowed in confusion, "A job offer? For us?"
"Yeah. He works for Binghamton police department. The department over there is expanding and they're adding a field intelligence division. They want me to take the Lieutenant's exam and eventually head the division over there."
"Wow," Eddie responded.
"That's what I said. And for you, they're in need of sergeants and detectives over there. You'd start as an officer of course but with your experience, he said that he doesn't think it would take too long for a promotion." Then, he gauged the look on her face. "What're you thinking, Ed?"
She let out a sigh, "I don't know, Jamie. This is a lot to take in."
"I know it is."
"What do you think?" she asked. "Are you actually considering doing this?"
"I don't know. He invited us to Binghamton whenever we have a chance and tour the town. He knows our time is kind of limited right now because of the baby. I haven't given him an answer yet. I told him that I wanted to talk to you first."
Eddie stayed silent for a long moment before responding, "I think we need to talk about this some more before making a decision to meet with him."
Jamie nodded in agreement. The next few days were spent in long discussions over the offer. Eddie showed more hesitation over it and was wary of even meeting with Sergio but then started to become more agreeable as she researched the area. Binghamton was actually a wonderful city and quite similar to the one she spent her early years in. As much as she loved Manhattan, the slower pace of life that Binghamton offered seemed quite appealing especially since they now had a little one to think about. Homes actually seemed more affordable than anything in their area at the moment, which was appealing to Jamie and Eddie both. They'd been house hunting even before Conor was born but hadn't had any luck. Their apartment was a good size for them right now that Conor was little but knew that they'd need more space before too long. Eventually, Eddie agreed to meet with Sergio.
They'd decided to keep it to themselves for now until there was actually something to tell but it didn't last long as Danny overheard Jamie talking on the phone to Sergio as they sat down for family dinner later that week.
"Sergio Ramirez? What are you talking to him about kid?" Danny asked casually as Jamie walked back into the dining room to take his place at the table next to his wife and son.
Eddie's eyes widened slightly but masked it as she tended to a fussy Conor.
"Oh… we were just catching up," Jamie responded quickly, reaching over to take the baby as he sat down so Eddie could eat.
"Where does he work now?" Frank asked curiously.
"For Binghamton PD," Jamie said, patting Conor's back gently to soothe him. "They're expanding the department to add a field intelligence division and he was just talking to me about it."
"His brother Javier works with us over at the 54," Danny said. "He said that he was in town this past week visiting. Did you get to see him?"
Jamie let out a slightly nervous laugh, "Yeah. What's with the third degree, Dan?"
Danny gave him a look, "There's no third degree. I'm just curious. Javier said that he was out here recruiting to take some over to the dark side of the BPD."
Then, the look that came across Jamie's face stopped everyone in their tracks. The youngest Reagan had never really been a great liar, especially to his family members. They knew him quite well and most could read him quick.
Danny set his fork down and looked over at his little brother, "Sergio talked to you, didn't he?"
Jamie sighed, "He did."
Henry stared at his youngest grandson for a long moment before speaking up, "You want to leave the NYPD?!"
Conor flinched with the raised voice but immediately settled back down as Jamie began to soothe him again.
"Pop…" Jamie trailed off. "I didn't say that."
"It's just something we're considering," Eddie interjected, feeling that Jamie needed a backup. "We haven't made any decisions yet."
"We're meeting with Sergio next Sunday in Binghamton," Jamie added quietly. "We just want to hear him out and we'll make a decision then."
"You can't leave!" Erin let out desperately, her eyes welling at the sight of her precious baby nephew.
"No one said anything about leaving, Erin," Jamie said. "We're just weighing our options."
"What's so great about Binghamton?" Sean asked to no one in particular.
"A lot more things than I thought," Jamie replied.
"There's opportunity for advancement for me and Jamie both," Eddie began. "I think my chance here has dwindled away but I have more of an opportunity over there to make detective."
"They want me to take the Lieutenant's exam and head up the field intelligence division there," Jamie added. "We would take a pay cut to start off but we would end up making more in the long run."
"There's a lower cost of living over there," Eddie said. "We'd actually be able to afford a good size home right now with an actual yard. It'll be a long time until we can afford something here."
"I know something Binghamton will never have…" Henry trailed off. "Family. Family who is here for you and will drop everything to help you, especially with that baby boy of yours."
"I know that, Pop," Jamie said, reaching out and putting a hand on his.
"Even if the three of you did make the move, we would still drop everything to help you," Frank chimed in, flashing a small smile toward the youngest Reagan in his son's arms. "We'll support you in whatever decision you make."
"Thank you Dad."
"They can't move away, Francis!" Henry exclaimed, finally letting out all the pent up emotions later that night that had built up after Jamie and Eddie had informed them of the possible move.
"Pop… you're acting like they're packing up as we speak," Frank pointed out. "They're just going to talk to Sergio. There's no harm in that."
"So you're for them doing this?!" Henry exclaimed.
"Moving away? Of course not."
"Why didn't you say anything to them?" Henry asked. "Don't you want them to stay here?!"
"Of course I do!" Frank exclaimed. "Pop… it would break my heart if they moved away. It really would. Not being able to see them and the baby would hurt. But we can't obligate them to stay in the city. They're still young and that department would be lucky to have them. And Jamie's not wrong… who knows when they'll be able to afford an actual home here. Conor is going to get bigger and I'm sure that they'll have another baby before too long. And opportunity for Eddie to advance too? We all know that she should've been promoted a long time ago. We can't influence their decision, Pop."
Henry sighed, "Francis… I'm not getting any younger. Conor is likely the last great-grandchild's life that I'll get to be apart of before my time is up. The thought of them living over three hours away and only being able to see them once or twice a month doesn't sit well with me."
"I know Pop. And trust me, I feel the same way. But Jamie and Eddie have to do what's best for their family. If it's moving to Binghamton, then that's what they need to do."
Sunday dinner that week was quiet without Jamie, Eddie, and Conor who were in Binghamton visiting Sergio and the BPD to get a feel of the city and learn more about Jamie and Eddie's possible new roles. The tension was thick from Henry all the way down to Sean.
"Okay, I'm going to say it," Danny said. "I really hope they don't move away."
Erin sighed, "Me too."
"I hope they hate it there and decide to stay here," Sean added with a frown. Despite his hesitations at first, he'd grown to adore his baby cousin. "I don't want to Conor to move away."
"Enough," Frank said, giving a pointed look around the table to his family members. "It's their decision."
"To move over three hours away?!" Erin exclaimed. "And we would only see them and Conor once or twice a month? I know you wouldn't be okay with it, Dad."
"Of course not but what can I do?" Frank questioned. "I can't make them stay here."
"Yes you can," Erin responded.
"Jamie's a grown man," Frank defended. "He and Eddie are more than capable of making the best decision for their family."
"But…" Erin managed to let out before Danny intervened.
"As much as I don't want them to move," he began. "It would be a good opportunity for them. If I would've gotten an opportunity like that when Lin and I were starting out with a new baby, I would've considered it too. New York City isn't cheap."
"I know that," Erin replied. "I kind of want to be selfish and make them stay. I don't want to miss Conor growing up."
"None of do, sweetheart," Frank said, reaching over and placing a comforting hand on his daughter's shoulder. "But we have to support whatever decision they make."
"It would be quite a loss for the NYPD to lose Jamie and Eddie but a big gain for the BPD," Danny added. "They're both great assets."
"They are," Henry finally mustered, having stayed pensive during the conversation. "If they move, I'll be making weekly trips to Binghamton Francis. I'm not missing time with that little boy."
Frank gave a small smile, "I know Pop."
"Same here," Erin replied, her attitude changing but still sad at the thought of her little brother, sister-in-law, and baby nephew living anywhere else but New York. "I'll quit my job and become Conor's nanny if it comes down to it."
Danny gave her a look, "I don't think Jamie really wants you living with them, Sis. Or Eddie. Or anyone for that matter."
"Hey!" Erin exclaimed with a frown.
"Keep it civil you too," Frank warned. "Let's not worry about it right now. Whatever they decide, we will back them no matter what."
"So… what're you thinking?" Eddie asked her husband as they got settled into the hotel room for the night. She peeked over at Conor, who was sleeping peacefully next to her side of the bed in his pack n play. The youngest Reagan family had a busy day from the moment they arrived to Binghamton, starting at the precinct where they met Sergio and got to meet a few people in the department, followed by a tour of the city and ending with a nice dinner at one of the best steakhouses in town. They decided to spend the night in Binghamton before heading back to the city early the next morning.
The day had gone well. They liked what they had seen and what they were told. The neighborhoods they had drove through were inviting and Jamie had a moment where he envisioned their little family settling and growing there.
Jamie held out a hand for her, which she took with a gentle smile. She cuddled up next to him as he sat up against the headboard.
She reached up and tapped the side of his head jokingly. "I see the wheels turning in there," she said. "Now spill."
"I don't know, Ed…" he finally responded, tightening his arm around her. "It's a lot to think about it. It's a great opportunity, it really is."
"But?" she questioned.
"New York City is all we've ever known most of our lives now," he began. "It would be a big change."
"It would be," she agreed. "But at the same time, change can be a good thing."
"Would you be okay to leave the city?" he asked seriously. "I know you and your mom are closer now that Conor is here. And your dad comes by when he can. Would you be okay leaving them and moving three hours away?"
She sighed, "That's the hard part. If this was before, I'd say let's go. But now… it's different. I actually love when my mom comes over. She's a big help and Conor loves her. And dad… I've never seen him happier than when he's with the baby. Honestly, I feel like Conor was what brought us all back together again."
Jamie rubbed her shoulder affectionately, "I know, hon."
"And how would you feel with leaving?" she countered. "I know it would be difficult for you. Leaving Pop, your dad, Erin and Danny. You guys have always lived so close and see each other every week."
"I know… it would be hard," Jamie admitted. "It would be hard not seeing Pop, my Dad, and Erin. With Danny… I think absence would make the heart grow fonder."
Eddie laughed and smacked his shoulder, "Be nice to him. I never thought I'd see such a soft side of Danny Reagan. He's a mush with Conor."
Jamie smiled, "He really is. He loves babies. He was obsessed with Nicky when she was born. And of course, he was over the moon when the boys arrived."
"I found him cuddling with Conor the other day when I went to pick him up from your dad's house," she responded. "I'd never seen him like that before."
He tightened his arm around her and pressed a kiss to the side of her head, "We have alot to think about, Ed..."
"We do," she agreed. "But we'll figure it out. We always do."
The next few days were slightly tense for the rest of the Reagans, wondering how the visit to Binghamton had gone and what decision Jamie and Eddie had made. Frank decided to drop by the apartment to visit his youngest grandchild and see if he could get an idea where their heads were at.
"There he is," Frank said, flashing a wide smile at Conor who gurgled happily in his father's arms as he opened the door.
"Hey dad. Come in," he greeted, handing over the baby and stepping back so Frank could come in. "Eddie went out to pick up a pizza. She should be back in a few minutes."
"Sorry for dropping in last minute but I was missing this little guy," Frank responded, kissing the baby's forehead as he sat down on the couch while Jamie took a seat in the armchair next to them. "How's it been going this week? We haven't talked too much."
"Just busy," Jamie said, then gave his father a knowing look. "I know why you're here, Dad."
"I'm just here to visit my grandson," he replied simply with a shrug. "And to see you two of course."
"Uh huh," Jamie chuckled. "Did Pop send you?"
"I actually beat him here," Frank said. "He's coming after he finishes his poker game with his buddies. To see the baby of course."
"All of you have been unusually quiet since we went to Binghamton... I was expecting someone at our doorstep when we got home to see how it went," Jamie joked.
Frank flashed a small smile, "There almost was. Who do you think had to be the level headed one here?"
"Well I appreciate it."
"While we're on the subject... I just want to say this," he began, letting out a sigh and hugging the baby closer to him. "Don't let us influence the decision you make. You and Eddie need to make the right decision for your family. Of course, we will miss the three of you terribly if you move away. But whatever you decide, we will support you wholeheartedly."
"Thanks Dad," Jamie replied, patting his shoulder. "That means alot."
"And just warning you now... if you do move away, Pop already said that he'll be making weekly trips to Binghamton," Frank added. "Well... we all will."
Jamie let out a sigh as the mood in the room turned serious.
"Well... this makes this next bit harder but..." he trailed off, giving a small nervous glance down as he reached over and caressed his son's tiny socked foot. "We've made a decison and I'm not sure how you'll take it..."
Frank's heart dropped to the pit of his stomach. He had prepared himself for this but secretly hoped that he did it for nothing. They were moving away and there was nothing he could do about it. He would miss his son and daughter-in-law but even more so his grandson, who had enhanced all of their lives in the short two months since he'd arrived.
"Well..." was the only word Frank managed to find after a long moment, letting out a long sigh as he cuddled the little boy close. "If that's what you and Eddie have decided then you have my full support."
All of a sudden, Jamie flashed a small smile at his father, which confused him.
"What?" Frank questioned.
"We're not moving, Dad," Jamie said.
"Wait... what?" Frank questioned again, the whole exchange confusing him even more.
"We're not moving," a new voice answered. They both turned to see Eddie standing in the doorway, box of pizza in hand. She walked over to the kitchen to set down the pizza then joined them in the living room. She patted her father-in-law's shoulder affectionately. "We're not going anywhere."
Frank looked between them for a long moment before Jamie let out a chuckle.
"I was trying to make you sweat a little bit," Jamie joked. "But like Eddie said, we're staying here in the city. You don't have to worry about us going anywhere.
"So you're not moving?" he asked, wanting to get full confirmation before giving a reaction. He looked down at the baby who was staring up his grandfather with curious eyes then between his son and daughter-in-law.
Jamie laughed, "Yes dad. We're not moving."
With that, Frank was filled with instant relief. They were staying. He wouldn't have to worry about them being three hours away. He wouldn't have to worry about seeing three empty spaces at their dinner table each week. He wouldn't have to miss seeing his grandson grow up.
"Well... I'm very happy to hear that," he replied, lifting Conor up to his shoulder as a bout of fusiness hit to soothe him. "I will just say... if you pull what you did to me with your grandfather, he would've smacked you upside the head like he's done to Danny."
"Sorry Dad," Jamie chuckled.
"It's okay," Frank responded. "What lead you two to staying? Did something happen when you visited Binghamton?"
"Actually no," Eddie admitted. "Everything went really well. We liked what we saw."
"What was it then?" he continued.
"Our family wouldn't be there," Jamie said, reaching out and clasping his father's shoulder affectionately. "Like Eddie said, we liked what we saw and what they told us. It was a good opportunity."
"But, the thought of being away from you guys didn't sit well with us," Eddie added.
"There's so many little things that I've realized are so important to me and to us that I've taken for granted," Jamie began. "I love that I can drop in at the house to you or Pop and get advice if the day was rough. I love to come to family dinners and get to spend time with everyone each week. I love that our boy is a short drive away from his grandpas. Not everyone has their grandparents and I feel especially lucky that Conor has two generations to learn from on this side."
"Thank you, son," Frank responded, reaching out and squeezing his son's arm. "That means alot. This little boy has brought so much joy to this family. l would've missed him and the two of you of course. But, if you would've moved, you two would've had quite a few Reagans at your doorstep each week."
Eddie chuckled, "We did talk about that."
"Pop said he would've made weekly trips out to Binghamton and Erin said that she would've quit her job and became Conor's nanny. But Danny said that you probably wouldn't want her living with you guys."
"I love my sister but he's not exactly wrong there," Jamie joked.
Eddie gave him a look, "Be nice."
"Anyways," Frank continued. "I'm happy you will be staying, especially so we can watch this little guy grow up. And hopefully any others that come along."
"I told Jamie that Conor needs to be walking and talking before another Reagan baby comes along," Eddie pointed out. "I think I would pass out if I had another one anytime soon."
"Me too," Jamie added. "I want to enjoy him first."
"That's what your mother and I said after we had Danny... then we had your sister over a year later."
Jamie and Eddie's eyes both widened. The thought of another little Reagan on the way anytime soon was daunting. But, they knew if it did happen, they would embrace it and tackle the challenge as a team like they always did.
The young couple headed to the kitchen to set up the table while Frank enjoyed time with his grandson.
"You get to stay here in the city with your old grandpa, Conor," he said gently, running a finger down the side of the baby's face as he rocked him. "I'm quite happy about it. What do you think?"
Conor responded with a small coo, seemingly agreeing with his grandfather.
"I would've been sad if you moved away because getting to see you is the highlight of my week," Frank continued. "And I'm sure for everyone else too. You're a very special little boy, Conor Reagan. You've changed all of our lives for the better and you don't even know it yet."
The baby smiled at that before letting out a yawn and closing his eyes.
"Oh... I'm boring you now, huh?" he joked. "It's okay. You get your rest. Grandpa will be here."
Frank pressed a kiss to the baby's forehead and held him close as he drifted off to sleep.