A few hours later.

"Jessica, you need to go home.  You need to rest." Dorothy says to her daughter.

"No.  I'm staying!  I don't want to leave him."

"These chairs are uncomfortable.  You need to sleep in your bed."

"I'm not leaving him."

"Okay." Dorothy sighs.

"How about we leave for just a couple hours.  You need a shower, baby."

Jessica turns and gives her mother an irritated look.

"I'm sorry, but you do!  Besides, the kids are asking about you."

"Fine.  But I'm coming right back!  I don't want him to be by himself."

"We'll stay until you get back, Jess." Roberta chimed in.

"Okay.. I'll hurry!"

"It's okay, take your time, hun."

**

Jessica's parents house.

"This is crazy, those poor kids!   And that fucking bastard!  Excuse my language Daddy, but what the fuck was he thinking doing this to Sam?"

"I don't know." Albert sighs.

"They've all finally calmed down..
Juju blurting it out wasn't the way Jessica wanted them to find out, I'm sure."

"Definitely not."

*
*
*

Earlier that day.

Julia woke up and looked around.  Beside her she saw her aunt.

"Auntie Annie!  Auntie Annie!" She screams as she climbs on top of her.

"What, Juju?"

"My daddy!  Is he alive?!"

"Yes honey.  He's still at the hospital, but he's alive."

"I want my other daddy to die!"

"Julia, don't speak that way."

"I do, Auntie!  I don't want to ever see him again!"

"I know, baby.."

Julia then climbs off of her aunt, and slides of the side of the bed.

"Where are you going?"

"Don't worry!" Julia shouts, running down the hall.

Ann chuckled softly and laid her head back.

"Guys!" Julia shouts, running into the room all the kids were in.

"Julia?  JULIA!" Autumn gasps before running over and picking her little sister up.

"Oh!  Sissy, listen!  Ah!  Listen to me!" She shouts as she kicks to get down.

"I'm so happy you're back!  Where are mom and daddy?"

"That was I is trying to SAY!" Julia gives her big sister a look.

"Sorry.. What is it?"

"Everyone wake up!" Julia screams.

"Juju, shh!  They're sleeping."

"They gotta hear this! WAKE UP!"

Landon turns over and groans, and Theodore stayed sleeping peacefully.

"Ugh he can't hear! Fine, I'll tell them later!"

"What happened?"

"My mean daddy hit my nice daddy and he fell on the ground, and hims was bleeding and bleeding, and BLEEDING! SO MUCH! He's in the hostable now!"

"What?"

"I saw it!  Then Auntie pickeded me up and tooked me here."

"No.."

"Yes!  Sissy, daddy's gonna die!" Julia says with tears in her eyes.

"Don't say that!  He's gonna be fine!"

"He hit his head on the ground over and over and over again!"

Autumn overed her face and began to sob.
"I HATE HIM!  I HATE HIM, I HATE HIM, I HATE HIM!"

By now Landon has woken up. He sat in bed looked at the girls with sleepy eyes as he tried to figure out was was going on.

"What's going on in here?!" Albert and Ann run in.

"MY DADDY!" Autumn cries.

Julia turns to her aunt and grandfather, and says, "I told her."

Ann sighs and walks over to comfort her niece.
"Sweetheart, it's going to be okay.  Daddy has some of the best doctors and nurses taking care of him.  He is going to be just fine, pretty girl!"

"I don't want him to be hurt.. he's the sweetest man in the whole world.. I don't want him to die."

"Baby, he won't!  Not for a long long time, okay?  We just need to pray that he makes a full recovery really really soon."

*
*
*

Present time.

"There she is.. oh gosh, she's probably a wreck!  I better make her something good to eat before she heads back." Ann says as Jessica and Dorothy enter the house.

"Hi, Jessie.. how are you?" Albert stands up to greet them.

"Not great.  I just need to shower so I can get back to him."

"The kids are in George's old room.  They've had a rough day."

"My poor babies.  I'll go talk to them."

...

"Hey loves.."

"MOMMY!" The kids ran to her.

"Jessie!  Is my daddy still hurt?" Landon asks.

"He's okay, buddy.  What have you been up to today?"

"Crying."

"Aw Landon.. It's gonna be okay. Daddy is strong. Just like you, right?"

"Yeah.. but Jessie, my mommy was strong too.. and she died. What if he dies? Where will I go? I'll be no ones little boy."

"Sweetie, don't think like that! He's gonna be fine! The doctors are helping him as we speak."

Landon rubs his eyes and hugs Jessica tightly.

"Aw buddy.."

"Sorry to interrupt. I just didn't want little miss to feel left out." Ann says walking in with the baby on her hip.

"Aw of course! Come here, my little one." Jessica smiles and holds her arms out.

"Ahh!" Evangeline squeals and kicks her legs when she sees her mother.

"Hi pretty girl."

"She's eating her hands! That means she's hungry!" Autumn says.

"Yeah, she just woke up from her nap, so I'm sure she's more than ready for a meal."

"Oh okay, well mama's here! How did she do with the bottle?" Jessica asks her sister.

"She hated it at first, but she was hungry so she got over it pretty quick." Ann chuckles.

"That's good."
Just then Evangeline arched her back and began to fuss.

"Alright, I'm coming, I'm coming."

***

Two weeks later.

"Oh Evangeline, you're so fussy, momma! What's the matter?"

"Eh! Eh!" The baby scrunches her face and looks at Jessica.

"You're fine." Jessica says to her just as Autumn walks up to her.

"Mommy, can I go with you to the hospital today?" She asks.

"Sweetie, he's still in ICU. Remember, no kids are allowed in until he is moved into a regular room."

"What if something happens and I never get to say goodbye?" Autumn tears up.

"Honey, daddy is going to be okay! He's getting stronger and stronger everyday."

"Do you think he'll wake up today?"

"Maybe so!" Jessica smiles.
"I'll keep you updated, okay?"

"Okay.. Tell him I love him."

"I will, baby." Jessica smiles softly and softly caresses her cheek.

"Ehh! AHHHHHH!" Evangeline screams.

"Evangeline! What are you doing?" Jessica asks.

"She's been so cranky lately! What's wrong with her?" Autumn asks.

"Growing pains." Jessica smiles.

"Oh." Autumn shrugs. "Alright, well I'm gonna go do my homework."

"You're such a good girl! Your aunt should be here soon so kiss me now before I head to the hospital."

"Okay! This one is for you! And this one is for Daddy!"

"Muah! Thanks, I'll give it to him." Jessica giggles.

"Thank you.. Oh and mom?"

"Yes?"

"Are you taking Evie with you?
.... Will you please take Evie with you?"

Evangeline babbles and points to her sister as she kicks her chubby little legs.

"I love you Vangie, but you're a handful!"

Jessica chuckles and lightly bounces her on her hip.
"Yes I'm taking her. Grandma Dottie is going to arch her out in the waiting room."

"Oh good!"

Jessica laughs and kisses Autumn's cheek.
Autumn then leaves to finish up her homework leaving Jessica and the baby alone.

"I know why you're being a crabby butt, and you know why you're being a crabby butt, don't you?"

Evangeline looks at Jessica and narrows her brows.

"Why are you so mad?" She laughs.
"You're all out of whack cause there's a baby in mommy's tummy, aren't you? Huh? That's why you're being a stink!"

"Abababababaaadaaaaaa!"

"Yes!" Jessica giggles.

**

At the hospital.

"Steve and I are gonna go down to the cafeteria before they come in.  Do you want us to bring you anything, Jessica?" Roberta asks.

"No ma'am, I'm okay.  Thank you."

"No problem.  We'll be back."

"Okay." Jessica smiles softly.

Sam's parents leave and Jessica sits beside Sam.  She holds his hand and brings it to her lips, placing a soft kiss on it.

"You need lotion, baby.  Your hands are a little dry.,"
Jessica then looks at him for a while longer before speaking.
"So I'm six weeks pregnant today.. my morning sickness is pretty bad, I'm completely exhausted, and even though the baby is about the size of a sweet pea, my bladder is feeling it!  But it's okay.. We're having another baby!  It's going to be tough, but it'll be fun!  So get better because I need your help!" Jessica chuckles.

"You wanna feel the baby?" Jessica places his hand on her stomach.
"It's small, but it's in there!" She giggles.
"What do you think it is?  A boy would be fun!  Huh?
.... We've never made a boy before." She laughs softly.

"The kids don't know yet.  It's just our little secret right now.  I think I'll wait a few more weeks before I tell anyone else just to be on the safe side."

Jessica softly rubs her thumb against Sam's skin as she looks down to him.
"Please wake up.  I don't want to do this without you, Sammy.  Please?"

Suddenly Jessica felt Sam's hand move on her belly. It was the slightest movement, but she knew what she felt.

"Sam! Baby, can you hear me? Did you just move?!
.. Maybe I'm crazy.. but I could have sworn I felt you move!"

Just then the doctor walks in.
Jessica turns her head and he smiles.

"Hello, Ms. Lange."

"Hi!" Jessica then looks down at Sam's hand on her belly and giggles.

"Sorry.. We're just talking!" She chuckles and moves his hand off of her stomach.

"Sorry to interrupt."

"Oh no, you're fine!"

"I was just looking over Mr. Shepard's chart."

"Uh huh?"

"He seems to be doing well. The swelling has gone down quite a bit."

"That's great!"

"Yes, we are going to lower his dosage and see how he does."

"Good! That's amazing news! You hear that, Sammy? You're getting better and better! I'm so proud of you, honey." Jessica smiles and kisses his hand.

**

That evening.

"Jessica, she won't stop crying! I don't know what's wrong with her!" Dorothy says on the verge of tears as Evangeline screams her little head off.

"Evie! What is all this about?" Jessica takes her from her mother, and Evangeline immediately stops crying.

Jessica chuckles and nods her head.
"You stinker!"

"She just wanted mommy. That's so sweet!"

"Are you crying, mom?"

"Yes... She was such a little handful today!" Dorothy covers her face and cries harder.

"Oh mom, I'm sorry! I should have just left her with the other kids.  Evangeline Celeste, look what you did!  You made grandma cry because you were so bad!"

"No! Don't tell her that!  It's okay. I love her and I love spending time with her! She was just a bit much today."

"Yeah, she's been in a mood lately."

"Are you pregnant?"

"What?" Jessica laughs. "Mom, no. I'm not pregnant."

"Well you acted this exact way when I was pregnant with George. Except you were two and much more annoying."

"Thanks!" Jessica says sarcastically.

"So how is he? Any change?"

"No.." Jessica looks down, fixing the baby's outfit.

"So what are they gonna do now?"

"We just wait for him to wake up. I mean he was on some really heavy stuff for two weeks! That's probably why it's taking so long for him to wake up now, right?"

"I'm sure! I don't know how all that works but-"

"Just agree with me, mom." Jessica says as she begins to cry.

"Yes honey, you're absolutely right! He'll wake up soon!" Dorothy hugs her daughter.

"He has to! He's missed so much already! I mean, Evie turned five months last week, and he didn't even get to give her a kiss! He loves celebrating her little life every month.."

"He'll be up for her sixth month, and he'll give her tons and tons of kisses to make up for it!"

"Yeah.." Jessica sniffles and wipes her cheek.

"You better get home, mom.."

"You're not coming with us?"

"No. I think I better stay here just in case he wakes up. I'll keep the baby."

"Honey, you have to sleep in a comfortable bed! Both of you do."

"We'll be fine."

Dorothy sighs.
"Well then I'm staying with you."

"No, mom. Go home and get some sleep. Thank you so much for spending the day here with her. I'm sorry she was such an ass."

"Oh don't call her that! But it's okay." Dorothy smiles and softly caresses the baby's cheek.

Jessica chuckles.
"I'll see you in the morning, mom."

"Okay, baby. You two be safe."

"Say we will, gramma!" Jessica says in a baby voice.

**

After Dorothy left, Sarah called Jessica to see how things were going.
Sarah didn't want Jessica and the baby to be in there all alone, so she packed a bag and met her at the hospital.

"Thanks for coming to keep us company, Sarah. That's really sweet of you."

"Oh it's not a problem at all! Plus, I get to see my girl!" Sarah taps Evangeline on the nose.

Jessica giggles at the sweet little face the baby made.
"Aw she loves auntie Sarah!"

"She sure does!"

"So cute!"

"Thank you.. so Sarah.. what's new in your life? Anything new? I could use a story to distract me."

"Wellllll.."

"Spill it." Jessica smiles.

"I wasn't planning on telling you yet."

"Well now you have to tell me!"

"I don't have to!"

"Oh Sarah!" Jessica groans.

"Alright, fine! I'm pregnant!" Sarah smiles.

"What?!" Jessica's eyes widen.

"I'm pregnant!" Sarah laughs. "I'm only eight weeks. Literally only you, me and Shaun know!"

"Ohh!" Jessica cries.

"Aw Jess!"

"I'm so happy for you!"

"Thank you! Now tell me how far along you are."

"What?"

"You're weepy. How far along are you?"

"Sarah, I'm crying because you're my best friend, and you're pregnant!  Plus, I'm extra emotional because my Sammy is in the hospital!"

"That's right. I'm sorry, Jess."

"It's okay.. and I'm six weeks."

"WHAT?!" She screams.

"I'm pregnant too!!
  Oh my gosh, they're going to kick us out for being so loud!" Jessica laughs as tears roll down her face.

"Oh my gosh, how fun! Our babies are gonna be best friends!"

"I know! Sarah, please don't say anything. No one knows."

"Really? Just me?"

"Well I told Sam but.."

"He can hear you, Jess! Oh my gosh, this is going to be so much fun!"

"Exhausting too!"

"Oh gosh, I know! Especially for you!"

"Just a bit." Jessica chuckles as the baby bounces on her lap while eating her tiny hands.

***

The next morning.

Evangeline was sleeping peacefully on Jessica's chest. Her little mouth hung open, drool dribbling on her mother's shirt.

"Ms. Lange.. Ms. Lange." Jessica jerked up when she felt someone lightly shake her.
"Oh! Yes? Is everything okay?"

"Sam is tarting to wake up. It would be best if you came in and spoke to him." A young nurse says.

"Oh my gosh! SARAH! Sarah, wake up and hold the baby! SARAH!" Jessica hits her on the arm.

"Huh?! What?"

"Sam is waking up!"

"Oh my gosh!"

"I know!  Hold the baby! I'll be back!"

"Now Ms. Lange, remember, Mr. Shepard might be a bit confused. That is completely normal. Don't worry, okay?"

"Okay.." Jessica was so nervous. "All she wanted was to see Sam's eyes and hear his sweet voice again.

...

Jessica walked in and immediately took Sam's hand in hers.

"Sam.. Sammy.. It's Jessie.."

Sam was moaning softly.

"Is he okay?"

"Yes ma'am, he's just fine."

After a few minutes Jessica noticed Sam opening his eyes very slowly.

"Oh my goodness! Hi, Sammy!" Jessica smiles.

Sam looked around with a confused expression.

"Sammy, it's Jessie! Button." She giggles.

Sam looked her in the eyes and smiled the most smallest smile.

"Mmm..Mmm.." Sam mumbled very quietly.

"What, honey?" Jessica leaned forward to hear what Sam had to say.

"Mmm.. Mmm-Megan?" He whispered.

"Megan?" Jessica said, her heart breaking. It hurt Jessica to hear Megan be the first word Sam said since waking up.

"Megan.." She said softly.
Jessica then felt bad, and she knew she had to lie.

"Megan stepped out for just a moment, honey. She'll be back soon.."

Jessica felt so upset right now. Of course she loved Megan, but to hear Sam say her name really hurt her.
She wanted him to be happy to see Her.  Not someone he used to be married to.

"I'm so happy you're awake, Sammy!" Jessica smiled through her tears.
Sam didn't respond, he just stared straight ahead.

Jessica felt sick to her stomach.  She hated seeing Sam this way.
The look he had in his eyes was so different than his normal look.
He looked weak and confused.  Jessica knew he still had a long journey ahead of him.