Sam and the guys returned to the house.
Dorothy was consoling both girls who were in tears.

"Shammy!  You kay?" Julia asks with tears just pouring down her face.

"Yeah Princess, I'm okay!  Sammy's strong, a little wimpy punch can't hurt him!" Sam smiles.

Julia breaks away from her grandmother and runs to Sam.  Sam kneels down and wraps his arms around her tiny body.

"No more tears, little one.  Sammy is okay!"

"I lub you, Sham."

"I love you so much more, pretty girl!"

"And you too, Auttie.. and you too, Theo!"

Theodore giggles and jumps with excitement.
Sam chuckles and gives each one a hug.

"Now I'm gonna go check on mommy, okay?"

"Daddy, your nose looks bad." Autumn says handing him a towel.

"I'll ice it, I'll be fine.  Be back in a second, kids."

Sam walked into Albert and Dorothy's bedroom where he found Jessica sitting on the foot of the bed in tears.

"Oh Jessie, don't cry."

"Sam, I'm so sorry!"

"Hey it's okay! It's gonna take a lot more to knock me down, hun! I'm fine." Sam smiles as he sits down beside her.

He places a hand on her back and Jessica holds his cheeks. She takes the towel and gently dabs the blood that slowly ran down.

"Oh sweetie.. look what he did to you."

"Ah this is nothing! You should see him!"

"You hit him?!" Jessica smiles.

"I kinda did!"

"Oh my gosh! Well good! Was it fun?"

"Very!"

"Did you knee him in the balls?"

"No.. Next time."

"Yeah!" Jessica laughs.

".. Thank you for sticking up for me, Sammy."

"Of course! I'll always stick up for you, Jess."

Jessica smiles and gives him a hug.
"Now let's get some ice on that nose, my big protector." She rubs his back.

"Ice would be nice." Sam smiles.

"Nice one. Sammy." Jessica chuckles.

***

Christmas.

"Sam, you bought way to much for my two and the baby. I told you I was only buying them a few things."

"I know but I wanted you to save your money and let me take care of everything!"

"I really wish you weren't so nice."

"Why?" Sam chuckles.

"Because I feel bad!"

"Oh enough of that!  Let's go wake the kids."

"Help me up!" Jessica lifts her hand.

Sam laughs and grabs her hand.

"Ugh! Thank you! Getting down there was a mistake!"

"Heh!  I kinda thought that when you sat down, but by that time it was too late."

Jessica laughs and runs her hand over the front of her bump.

"Look how big this girl is getting!" Sam holds the sides of her belly.

"I know!  She's looking extra big today! Or maybe that's just because I literally ate the entire dessert table last night!"

Sam laughs. "Hey, the baby needed it!"

"She did!" Jessica laughs.
"Sammy, It's baby Eva's first Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas, Eva!" Sam kisses her bump.

Jessica giggles.  They were then interrupted by Julia.
"Stop kissing sishy, Sham!  It's pwesent time!"

Sam chuckles and he and Jessica look up to the top of the stairs.

"Come on, kids! We were gonna start without you!" Sam says.

"Oh no way, Jose!" Julia says quickly walking down the stairs.

"Careful, Juju!"

"I got it!"

"And I've got little man!" Autumn lifts Theodore since he can't get down the stairs alone.

**

"Wow, we got a lot of stuff!" Julia says.
"Thanks guys!  I lub everything!"

"Good, I'm glad!" Sam smiles.

"Yeah.. HAH!  Look at Teo!  He's playing with my Barbie playhouse!

"You like that, Teddy?" Jessica giggles.

"Ya!"

"I let him play wit it.  Cause I a nice girl!"

"You are!" Jessica laughs. "Thank you, love."

"You welcome!"

Julia then took a pause before looking at her mother once again. "Momma?"

"Yes, baby?"

"What daddy doing on Cwristmas?"

"Oh um.. I don't know, baby."

"He by hiself?"

"I'm not sure.."

"Oh.. can I call him?"

"Yeah, later. Okay, love?"

"Kay.. mama, daddy no hit no more.. I tink He sowy."

"I think so too, love. Don't worry about it." Sam cuts in.

Julia smiles and walks over to hug Sam.
Jessica felt for her. She didn't understand.
Yes, she feared Danny after what happened at her party, but he is still her daddy, and she loves him.

**

Later than day.

Jessica had sent Danny a text telling him Julia wanted to speak to him, but Jessica never got a response.

Luckily Julia was distracted by all of her cousins, but it still hurt Jessica more than anything.

"You feeling okay, Jessica?" Ann asks.  She could tell something was bothering her sister.

"Yeah.."

"Sam and Landon went to Megan's parents'?"

"Yeah." Jessica smiles very softly.  "They'll be here soon."

"That's good!
.. Why do you look sad?"

"I don't know.."

"Did something happen?"

Jessica shakes her head as her eyes travel down to the ground.

"Jessie, you're my little sister.  I know somethings bothering you.  Tell me."

"I just feel sad for my kids." Jessica says, beginning to cry.

"Aw honey!" Ann scoots over and wraps her arm around her younger sister.

"Julia wanted to speak to him, so I text him and he didn't answer.  I feel so bad for her.. she doesn't know any better.. it's Christmas and she just wants her daddy."

"Aw poor baby!  What a jackass!
Honey, I know it's tough right now, and I'm so sorry you have to go through this.
.. But you have us!  And you have Sam!  You are so so blessed to have Sam."

"I love Sam!" Jessica covers her face and cries.

"Aw sweetie!" Ann hugs her tighter and chuckles. "I love him too!  Don't cry!"

"No but he's great to me and the kids.. I'm so happy I have him."

"Me too, Jessie."

Just then Sam and Landon arrive.

"Hi Sam!  Hey Landon!" Jane was the first to greet them.

"Hi everyone!" Sam says, then looks over to the couch and sees Jessica in tears.

"Jessie, what's wrong?" Sam hurries over.

"She loves you so much, she's crying." Ann says.

"Aww."

"Here.  Take her." Ann moves over so Sam can take her place in the hug.

"Sweetie, don't cry!  I love you too!" He smiles and rubs her back.

Jessica sniffles and lays her cheek on Sam's shoulder.

"Baby girls got your emotions all wonky, huh?"

"I think so!" Jessica sobs.

"Aw sweetie, don't cry!"

"I can't help it, Sammy!  I just can't stop!"

"Oh you poor baby!  I know what'll make you happy?"

"What?"

"Some hot cocoa!"

"Yeah!" Jessica smiles.  Lately that has been Jessica's biggest craving.

"Yeah!  I'll be back, let me check with your mom just to make sure she has some."

"Oh I hope she does!" Jessica whines.

"If she doesn't I'll run home and grab some."

"Sammy!" Jessica pouts.

"No, no more tears, remember?" Sam wipes her tears with his thumbs

"Yeah." Jessica smiles. "Got it!"

Sam chuckles and kisses her forehead.

Just as he kisses her, Ann nudges Jane.

"I bet they're fucking!"

"Ann!  It's Christmas, stop that talk!"

"I know I'm right.  Jess is going to have this baby, they'll get together, and before you know it, they're having a baby of their own!"

"Ann!" Jane chuckles.

"I will bet you money, hoe!"

"You're ridiculous!" Jane laughs.

***

January 30th.
27 weeks pregnant.

"Mama, it time to get Autumn and Landon from school?"

"Not yet, baby."

"Time to get Sam?"

"What?!  I never pick up Sam!" Jessica laughs.

"But I want to!  I want to pick him up for work!" Julia pouts.

"He'll be home soon."

Just then they hear something hit the ground.

"Oh no! Teo! He kay, mama?"

"Theo?!" Jessica shouts as she runs to the living room.

When Jessica found him, she saw him purposely knocking things down and shouting.

"Theodore, what are you doing?!" Jessica ran over and grabbed him.

"Mama!" Theodore sobbed.

"Honey, what are you doing this for? That's so naughty!"

"No bang, mama!" He shouts.

"This is a big no no! You broke Sam's lamp and his vase!"

"Mama, no bang." He looks up with a pout and sad watery eyes.

"Yeah, no more bang. Now you and sissy go into the other room so mommy can clean up."

"Mamaaaa!" Theodore whines as he presses his face into her belly.

"What are you doing, son? Come on, you're fine. Go with sissy. Later you'll tell Sam you're sorry."

**

"Jess? I'm home!"

"In here!" Jessica says out of breath.

"Hey! What are you doing?"

"Sam, I'm so sorry! Theo is being a little devil today."

"He knocked all this over?" Sam chuckled.

"Yes, I'm sorry! I'll pay for it, I promise."

"Don't worry about it, it's just little things."

"I don't know what's gotten into him lately."

"Boys are just wild. Give me, I'll do it." Sam takes the broom.

"Thanks. But Sam, my Teddy isn't wild!" Jessica pouts.

"Well there's a new baby coming. He senses somethings changing, and he might be a little jealous."

"Aw my poor baby! But still, he doesn't need to destroy the house." Jessica places her hand on her forehead and sighs with exhaustion.

"Heh! Little buddy. Take a rest, I've got this."

"Thanks." Jessica says as she sits down on the couch.

"How's Evangeline today?"

Jessica looks down and brushes her hand over her bump. "She's good!"

"Yeah?  Has she calmed down a bit?  I know last night was tough on you."

"It was!  She's still a little hyper.  She's like her big brother Simba, and that scares me."

"Aw.. she'll be okay, hun."

"I hope so..
  Thanks for staying up with me by the way.  I know you were tired."

"Oh I'm fine!  It's not a problem." Sam smiles.

Jessica then gasps and smiles big. "Sam come here quick!"

Sam places his hands on her stomach and laughs. "What's she doing?"

"Sticking her butt up in the air!"

"Oh my gosh, what is this girl thinking?!  Does it hurt?"

"A little. Feel that tushy!" Jessica laughs and pokes her belly.

"You're such a silly girl, Evangeline!" Sam kisses her stomach.

Evangeline flips around and kicks her legs like crazy.

"Oh wow! She likes your voice!"

"Yeah?"
Sam grabs the sides of her stomach and says, "HEYYYYY EVAAAAA! This is Sam speaking!"

Jessica laughs as the baby goes crazy.
"Oh my gosh, no, calm down!"

Sam chuckles and kisses her bump once again.
"Okay, okay, time to calm down, Princess."

Jessica smiles at Sam and enjoys the peace and quiet.

"MOMMYYYYY!" Julia shouts.

Both Sam and Jessica quickly ran to check on the kids.

"Julia, what's wrong?!" Jessica asks.

"Teo hit me!" Julia pouts.

"Theodore Alexander, what is your problem today? Say sorry!"

Theodore looks at Jessica and sobs.
He then lifts his hand and points to his ear.

"What's wrong? Tell me what happened." Jessica kneels down.

Theodore pulls his hearing aids out and hands them to Jessica.

"No Teddy, leave them in."

"No Woork!" Theodore mumbles loudly.

"Yeah cause you took them out, silly!"

"No WORK!"

"What? Baby, they should be working." Jessica places them back in and asks, "Can you hear me?"

Theodore looks up to Jessica and places his hand on her neck.

"Theo.."

Theodore cries as he feels the vibration of his mother's voice.
He then lays his ear on her neck and hugs her tight.

"He can't hear, Sam."

"Is the battery out?"

"I don't know. I'll have to call his doctor. No wonder he was knocking things over. He's trying to hear! Aw my baby!" Jessica holds him tight as she softly cries.

"You want me to call?"

"Will you please?  Ask if they have anything in the morning."

"Yes ma'am."

Jessica held her son in her arms as he cried.
She felt terrible for him.  He was so upset.

***

The next morning.

Luckily Theodore's ENT doctor was able to see him quickly.  Sam was off, so he watched Julia for Jessica while she took Theodore.

Theodore only wanted to be carried so he could bury his face in his mother's neck. If he couldn't hear her, he needed to feel the vibration of her voice. It soothed him.

"Oh baby boy, I'm so sorry.. the doctor is gonna help you, okay?"

Sam's POV.

"Jessica is not going to be long so we have to MOVE!
I want to surprise her, guys.  Don't fuck up!"

Sam called Jessica's siblings, his brother, and Sarah and her fiancé to help him quickly get the nursery together.

"We're on it, Sam!  This is seriously so sweet!  Thanks for asking us to help!" Sarah says.

"You're very welcome, now get to work!"

"Yes Sir!" Sarah laughs.

**

They moved fast, and luckily Jessica decided to take Theodore to lunch, giving them even more time.

Everyone was out by the time they returned home.

"Sammy!  Juju, we're home!" Jessica stands Theodore up, but he was not very happen.

He lifted his arms and jumped up and down as he fussed.

"Teddy, you're heavy!  Come sit with mommy on the couch, love."

Just then Sam walked in.
"Hey guys!  How did it go?"

"Well.." Jessica sighs.
"His hearing has gotten worse.  It wasn't great to begin with, but now he's completely deaf."

"No way! So that's it?  Can they help him?"

Jessica nods. "With cochlear implants."

"Well that's good! At least they can help him, that's great!"

"They played this little simulation and showed me the difference between how he could hear with the hearing aids, versus how he will be able to hear with the implants.." Jessica then looks down and begins to cry.

"What did it sound like?"

"It sounded like a machine, Sam! My voice won't sound the same as what he was used to. To me it sounded scary."

"Really?"

"They said it adjusts and that it's not exactly what he'll hear.. but it still hurts me. I just wish he could hear like everyone else! I don't know what I did wrong."

"Sweetie, it's not your fault! You said Danny has an aunt who's deaf. It was in his blood from Danny's side."

"I know but I still feel terrible. Like I could have done something to stop it."

"No, no, no, you did everything right!"

"Thanks." Jessica sniffles.

Theodore climbs on top of Jessica and pokes her lips.

"Hi baby..
He's pretty miserable now.. I feel so bad."

"Me too.. well don't worry about it, we're gonna get him these implants."

"He has to have surgery!" Jessica cries even harder.

"Aw.. well he's strong, Jessie. Aren't you, buddy?" Sam signs that last part, as well as saying it out loud.

"He is.."

"We can schedule that as soon as possible, right?"

"Yeah, I guess so.. should I let Danny know?"

"That's up to you but.. I wouldn't. I'm paying for it, don't worry."

"Sam, please stop that. I appreciate it so so much, but he's my son and you shouldn't pay for everything he needs."

"I don't care who's son he is, Jess.  I want to do it because I love you guys."

"Sam.."

"All I may ask for is a little kiss." He smiles.

"Oh gosh!" Jessica cracks up.

"I just wanted to hear that beautiful laugh."

"Oh geez.. heh!" She rolls her eyes. "Where's Juju?"

"She's napping. She was a big help today!"

"Really? What'd she do?"

"She helped out a little." Sam smirks.

"With what?!" Jessica chuckles.

"Follow me." Sam stands and holds his hand out to help her up.

"Ah! Ah!" Theodore lifts his arms then signs Please.

"Come here, bud! Let me hold you!" Sam says.

"YAY!" Theodore giggles.

"Heh! Thanks." Jessica says.

"No problem, Mommy!" Sam smiles then motions for her to walk in front of him.

Stopping in front of the spare bedroom, Sam looks at Jessica and smiles.

"Okay.. what now?"

"Open the door!"

"I'm scared!"

"It's fine, I promise! Open the door!"

Jessica opens the door and gasps.
"SAMMY!"

"You like it?!" Sam jumps.

"I love it! This is every single thing I showed you! I was going to buy it, Sammy!" Jessica shouts.

"Well now you don't have to! I beat you to it!" Sam smiles.

"Aw! Oh I can't believe this is her own little room!
SAMUEL!"

Sam chuckles.

"Thank you so much, Sam!"

"You're welcome, Jessie!"

Jessica wraps her arms around him and presses her lips against his.

Theodore's eyes widen and he makes an 'O' shape with his mouth.

"Woah! Do— Should I remodel another room in the house?"

Jessica laughs and squeezes his cheeks.

"You're too cute!"

"Heh! Heh.. Well thanks." Sam smiles as he becomes very awkward.

Theodore then gives Sam a big kiss.

"I am just very popular today, aren't I?" Sam chuckles, making Jessica laugh.