"What kind of day is this? I lost my wife and my daughter just an hour apart. How do I move on? How do I tell the kids?"

"I'll be right by your side.
.. Unless you want to be alone. I understand."

"No! Please don't go, I need you, Jess."

Jessica nods. "I'll stay."

"Thank you.."

"You're welcome. Sam, I've never lost a spouse, but.. I have lost a child. I know what you're going through."

"You do. I think that's why I feel like I need you by my side. You're the only one that understands this pain."

Jessica nods as tears fill her eyes.
"It's horrible.. and I hate that you're going through this. No one should Ever go through this!"

"No.. and I'm sorry you had to."

"Thanks.. I do find comfort in knowing Megan is there with him.. and that he has a new friend.. I always think that he's alone somewhere. I know the family that went before him are there.. but that thought has never left my mind since he's been gone.
Now knowing he has someone there that will love him.. and knowing that a sweet baby girl is there to be his little buddy.. that does bring me peace."

Sam looks at Jessica in tears.
"Yeah.. at least they have each other."

Jessica sighs and says, "I remember Megan telling me she would watch after him.. she's such a sweet woman."

"She is. One of the best."

**

That evening.

"How do I tell them, Jess? Autumn has already lost so much. Landon.. he's just a little boy, he doesn't understand."

"I'm here, Sam."

Sam and Jessica sat the kids down and told them the news. Autumn was sobbing uncontrollably. Landon was upset, but of course he didn't fully understand.

Autumn cried and cried until she fell asleep in Jessica's arms.
Landon had calmed down, but was very clingy with Sam.

"I can't go upstairs.. I can't sleep there. The nursery is there.. I hate even being in this house!"

"I understand.  I stayed at my parents house after Simba passed.  It's hard.
..Why don't sleep in the guest room tonight? 

"I probably will.  Even that though.. she decorated everything in this house.."

"She did very well. You guys have a beautiful home."

"Thank you."

Just then Jessica's cellphone rang.

"Sorry, it's Danny."

"It's fine."

"Hello?" Jessica answered.

"Hey baby. How's Autumn?"

Jessica sighs. "She's asleep now. She's not doing well."

"Damn. I'm sorry."

"This sucks."

"Yeah.. are you feeling okay?"

"Just exhausted."

"Little man actin up?"

"Little man? What if it's a girl, you butt?" Jessica laughs.

"I still stand with boy."

Jessica laughs. "Anyway, yeah he or she is wearing me out! But it's okay.. I can take it."

"You're a champ!"

"Hah! Thanks.."

"I'll call you in the morning, Boo."

"Alright. Goodnight."

"Night."

Jessica hung up and sighed.

"Jess, you better go home and get some rest.."

"I feel bad leaving you."

"I'll be okay.  Besides, you have a baby that is probably missing you.  Go home."

Jessica sighs. "Sam, are you sure?"

"Yeah..
Yeah, I'm okay."

"Okay.. I'll be here in the morning. I'll try to be early in case Autumn gives you trouble."

"Okay. Whenever." Sam shrugs.

"Do you mind if I bring Julia with me? If not, I'll see if my mom or siblings can watch her."

"No, bring her! It'll be good for Landon to have someone to play with.. be a good distraction.
That girl puts a smile on anyone's face.."

"Heh.. she sure does. Get some rest, Sam."

"You too..
Jess?"

"Yeah?"

"Megan's.. arrangements.. are all taken care of but.. I have to go for Everly.. will you-"

"Of course."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome, Sam."

**

The next morning.

"Owww.. Oh dammit." Jessica groaned.

"Baby, you are getting sooo big!  Mommy can't even get out of bed!" Jessica rubs her belly.

"Mama!" Julia whines.

"Oh my baby's up!" She smiles at Julia.

"Dada?"

"Dada is at home, sunshine." Jessica moves her hair out of her face.

"Dadaaa!" She whines as she crawls on top of Jessica.

Julia presses her little hand into Jessica's belly, causing the baby to kick back.

Julia gasps with her binky in her mouth and her eyes widened on her mother's round mid section.

Jessica laughs. "What was that?!  Was that the baby?"

"Babyyy?"

"Yeah!  That was the baby kicking you!  Saying, Sissy don't do that, you're squishing me!"

Julia laughs and throws her body over Jessica's belly.

"Ouch!  What are you doing, goofy?"

Julia takes her pacifier out of her mouth and puckers.

"Muah!  Kisses, kisses, kisses!" Jessica says in a high pitched voice.

"Yummies?"

"Smells like it, huh?  Grandma must have made a yummy breakfast!"

"Yay!" Julia jumps and claps her hands.

**

Jessica arrived at Sam's around 8:00.
She let herself in and started making breakfast.

Soon Sam walked in.  He looked horrible.  His hair was a mess, he looked like he hadn't slept at all, and his eyes were red and puffy.

"Morning, Sam."

"Morning.."

"Sham!" Julia smiles and waves.

"Heh.. hey beautiful.."

"Here Sam.. eat something."

"I can't.."

"Samuel, you have to eat!"

"I just.. Nothing makes sense.  There's no reason for anything.  There's no reason to be here anymore."

"Stop that!  That little boy is reason enough, Sam!"

"I just don't know how I'm going to raise him to be a good person without her."

"Sam, you are one of the most incredible men I have ever met.  There is no doubt in my mind that you'll do an amazing job."

"Thank you.. I hope you're right."

"I'm always right." Jessica smiles.

**

Two days later.

Megan and Everly had a beautiful service.
Family members spoke about Megan and what a wonderful mother she was. Jessica wanted to stand and say something as well.

"Hello.. most of you know me but uh.. for those of you who don't..
I'm Jessica.. Autumn's mother.. and one of Megan's close friends.  I just want to say.. Megan is the most kind hearted soul I have met.. she loved my daughter as much as her father and I do.  She cared for her, fed her, prayed for her!  She did everything an amazing mother would.  When I lost my son.." Jessica's voice shakes.

"She was there for me.. and I now feel comfort in knowing that she and Everly are there to watch over him and keep him company until I get there.

..To Megan and Everly's family, you are in my prayers during this difficult time.
To Sam, you have been my best friend since freshman year of high school.. and you know I will always be here for you and little Landon.  You both are my family."

After speaking, Jessica went back to her seat.  Sam stood up and gave her a hug.

"Thank you, Jess."

"I love you, Sam."

"I love you too."

**

Sam and Autumn were a wreck at the cemetery.  Landon was upset, but still didn't fully understand.

Jessica was emotional at well.
Not only did one of her best friends pass, but another innocent little baby passed as well.  Also, being back at the same cemetery her son was laid to rest, made her one hundred times worse.

Autumn hugged Jessica around her belly as she sobbed uncontrollably.

"Momma's gone, mommy!  My baby sister is gone and I never even got to hold her when she was alive!  I've lost two siblings!  Why?" She bawls.

Jessica kneeled down and hugged her daughter.
"Baby girl, I am so sorry.  I can't imagine how you must feel right now."

"I don't want to lose anyone else!"

Jessica sighed and held her tight.

After leaving the cemetery everyone went over to Sam's house.
He was totally out of it.  Jessica wished there were something she could do to make things better for him and the kids.

"Sam really isn't doing well.." Sarah said to Jessica.

"The man just lost his wife and daughter, what do you expect?"

"You're right.. man, poor guy!  It's crazy how you both lost a child.. it's not fair."

"It isn't.. but since I know what he's going through, I want to help him."

"I'm sure he appreciates that, Jess."

Jessica nods just as her cellphone rings.

"Hey love.." Jessica answered in a soft voice.

"Hi Boo!"

"How are things?"

"Not great.  Autumn has been through so much, Danny.  She's been through way to much for such a little girl."

"Poor thing.. when are you guys coming home?  I miss you."

"Well uhm.. actually.." Jessica looks around the room.  She spots Dorothy and suddenly an excuse pops into her head.

"My mom is really sick and.. well my dad works a lot so.. I think we're gonna stay here just a bit longer.  You know, so I can make sure she's okay!"

"Jess, I thought you'd only be a couple days."

"I'll be home soon, baby.  I promise!"

"Fine.. I hope she feels better soon."

"Me too.
.. I better go check on Auttie.  I love you, handsome."

"I love you too, Boo."

Jessica smiles and hangs up.

"Jess?"

"Hm?" Jessica turns to Sarah.

"Your mom isn't sick."

"I know but.. I can't leave him like this.  I'm going to stay a while and help him with Landon.  He's my best friend and father of my child, I have to do this."

"Wow."

"What?"

"I'm not your best friend?"

"Oh shut up!" Jessica laughs and nudges Sarah.