July 1st.;

"Thank you so much Ann for having your friend take these. They turned out perfect." Jessica says looking through all of the baby pictures that Jessica had done for Eloise.

Her baptism was coming up and Dorthy suggested that Jessica should have pictures taken to send out to family and friends.

"Look at her little face!" Ann smiles pointing at one of her favorite prints.

"And these were taken the day she turned two months. Just a few days ago, huh little miss? I feel like you've always grown since these were taken!" Jessica turns to Eloise who was perfectly content in her daddy's arms.

"What do you think daddy? Does your princess look beautiful or what?" Jessica says to Sam

"She has angel eyes." Sam says

"Awww, she does. She just gets even sweeter by the minute." Ann says

Ann had stopped over for lunch to bring Jessica the pictures and check in on the family. Then she soon had to back to work. She was so busy that she did not get to visit as often.

"I better get going. But I'll see you all very soon!" Ann smiles

"Okay, we should probably get going to. My mom is watching the baby today so Jessica and I can go to Minneapolis to tour dorms." Sam says

"Oh no! You're leaving her for more than an hour!" Ann pouts, almost mocking her sister. Everyone made fun of Jessica for never leaving the baby with anyone. She was so protective over her daughter. Sam was too.

Ever since Eloise was born, especially after her being hospitalized, Jessica has barley trust anyone to watch her baby when needed. Eloise was always glued to Jessica's hip. Expect for today... Jane was watching Eloise because Sam was taking Jessica to see the university that he was attending next month and to get some things for his dorm. Luckily he was able to get a private dorm this year, so it will be easier for Jessica to come and visit with the baby.

Jessica didn't really want to leave Eloise, but Sam convinced her that it would be okay. Dorthy could not watch the baby today because she was working. So Jane was their only option.

Jessica trusted Jane, but It would make Jessica feel better if Sam's mom came to Jessica's house to watch the baby since all of her things are there.

When Ann left Jessica packed a few bags for Jane while she watched the baby today.

"Geez, honey. Did you pack all of her things into these bags?" Sam chuckles as he loads the car

"No! It's just in case your mom needs anything. She has it all!" Jessica answers as she gets into the car.

"The baby will be fine. We will only be gone for six hours." He says

"That's a lot of hours!" Jessica says with wide eyes

"Two hours there and back. Plus two hours to look around and get something to eat. Consider this our first date since the baby." He says

"It basically is." She sighs

"Come on, don't be sad. You were excited the other day." He says

"You're right... I'm sorry. I just hate leaving the baby."

"Me too, but she'll be in good arms."

//-//

When they get to Sam's parents house Jessica gets a little emotional in the car.

"I don't want to leave her." She cries

"Baby. Come on, it will be okay. You know we can't make the trip with Ellie. She'll be so tired and fussy." Sam says taking her hand

"Okay fine..." Jessica says getting out of the car

Jessica wrote out a list for the Jane and said her goodbyes. Then, Sam and Jessica were on their way to Minneapolis.

//-//

"Doesn't it feel good? Windows all down? Loud music? Just the two of us?" Sam says

Jessica takes his hand and giggles. It has been a long time since it was just the two of them. It felt like the old days in the summer when Jessica and Sam would take long road trips and Jessica would tell her parents she was at Sarah's all day.

As one of their songs finished playing, a baby song played next.

"Awww, Sam... don't skip it." Jessica pouts

"Babe, it's a baby song. We can't listen to this." He chuckles "our daughter doesn't even listen to it." He chuckles

"I know. I guess I'm emotional today." She whispers

"Want to talk about it?" He asks

"Everything is happening so fast. We have a little two month old who's growing, you're going to college soon, I'm starting my senior year. It's a lot." She sighs

"But I'll be home all the time like I promised."

"Then your parents are wasting all that money for you to room and board there." Jessica insists

"But there is no other option. It's fine. This is going to work out." He says happily

"I think today is reminding me how I need to start getting used to being away from the baby during the day. I'll be going back to school and working."

"Yeah, it's a lot to think about. But just try to think about today. Let's just forget about seeing the university and just walk around and have a day to ourselves not thinking about any of that."

"We have so much to do before you leave though..."

"Don't be responsible today. Let's just be our old selves and goof around. We can get dorm stuff some other time."

"What happens when you come home and all of those errands that had to be done for your mom aren't!"

"She'll get over it. She got to be with Eloise today. That balances it all out." He chuckles

//-//

Instead of touring the campus and starting the collection of college necessities Sam took Jessica into the city for a fun afternoon. He knew that Jessica deserved a day to feel good and be a little free. Jessica was still struggling mentally. Though she never talked about it, Sam could see that Jessica's bright spirit wasn't fully there.

They walked around for a while and held hands enjoying each other's company. They looked at some shops then headed to lunch.

"How did today feel?" He asks Jessica as he catches her in a deep stare.

"Today felt.... really good. It made me feel human again." She chuckles

"Human?"

"Being a mother has consumed me. Everything I do is for her now. Today is the first time she hasn't been with us. It feels weird." She says

"I think you needed today." He says

"What do you mean?" She says with wide eyes

"I've been worried about you." He says

"Worried? How come? I'm fine." She stutters

"Jess... ever since Eloise has been born I know it's been a lot for you. I've noticed that you've been sad. The doctor even brought up postpartum depression and suggested that maybe you talk to someone, I don't know." Sam knew what he wanted to say in his head but could not get it out in the right words.

"We've just been through a lot. I'm not depressed." She argues

"I'm sorry I just thought-"

"Thought what?" She asks

"I thought that you were struggling and I don't know how to help."

"I'm just fine." She hisses

//-//