Two weeks later.

"I love you.. Teo!" Julia signs.

"I love you too!" Autumn signs.

Theodore smiles and does his best to sign I love you.

"Good job, baby boy!  Now girls, you be good.  We'll be back later, okay?" Jessica says.

"Okay.  Is Theo gonna be okay, mom?" Autumn asks.

"Of course, honey!  It's a very simple procedure."

"Okay.. will you let us know when he's out?"

"I will, babe."

"Thank you!  Now give me kisses, baby brother."

Autumn kisses Theodore's cheeks and hugs him tightly.

"We love you so so much!  Be good and be strong, okay?" Autumn tears up.

"Aw sweetie, he'll be okay." Sam rubs her back.

"I know.. but he's a little baby!" Autumn looks up to her father in tears.

"I know, baby.  But he's strong.  Like his big sisters and his momma."

"Yeah." Autumn smiles.

Sam smiles and kisses her forehead. "Now, we better get going."

"Yes!  Come to mama, my handsome boy!" Jessica takes him from Autumn and gives him kisses.

**

"Mama's gonna hold your glasses, okay, love?"
Jessica takes Theodore's glasses off and sticks them in the case.

"Mama!" Theodore shouts.  Everything Theodore said lately was in a shout.  Not because he was mad, but because he couldn't hear.  He didn't realize he was shouting.

"It's okay, it's okay. Jessica says in a soothing voice as she rubs his back and kisses his temple.
Theodore hugged her and found comfort just being in her arms.

"There's my good boy!  It's okay, my handsome."

"He looks so cute in his little gown." Sam chuckles.

"I know!" Jessica giggles. "Let me get his picture!"

Jessica got close enough for him to see and signed, "Say cheese!"

"CHEEEESE!!" He smiles.

Jessica snaps the picture and giggles.
"Good boy!" She says as well as signs.

"He's so smart, Sam!"

"He sure is!  Good job, momma!" Sam places his hand on her back.

"Not just me, mister!  You had part in this too!  So good job!" Jessica giggles.

"Well thanks!" Sam smiles.

**

Soon after that Theodore was wheeled into the operating room.

Sam and Jessica sat out in the waiting area, both a nervous wreck.  Sam of course didn't show it, and did his best to comfort her.

"I'm so worried.  What if something goes wrong?  What if this wasn't the right choice?"

"Jessie, relax.  It's okay, sweetie." Sam wraps his arm around her.

"I know.. I know, I'm just so scared."

"I know you are and that's normal.  You're his mama!   But he's in good hands."

"I know.. he'll be okay.. I know he will."

"He will!" Sam smiles and kisses the top of her head.

Jessica then lays her head on his shoulder and rests her eyes.

She has dozed off for a couple minutes before her phone pinged.

Jessica looked down and read the message.

"What?!  He can't!"

"What's wrong?"

"This message from Danny!"

"What did he say?"

"He said,
"Just so you know, you can't keep my kids away from me.  I'm taking you to court for custody of all three.  I'm moving closer within the next month."
Sam!  He can't do this!  He said he didn't want them, now he wants to take them away from me?!  What am I gonna do?!" Jessica cries.

"It's okay, Jessie, calm down.  He can't do that.
First of all he abandoned you and the kids!  They might not even grant him visitation.  Don't worry, honey."

"Sam, how do you know?  What if they do?!"

"We'll get the best lawyer in Minnesota.. No.  I'll search the best lawyer in the US. and we'll hire them!
There's no way he's taking these kids from you, babe."

"Oh Sam, I'm still scared!" Jessica cries.
"I love them so much and I Hate him! He won't treat them right! Especially Theo! And the baby! She's not even born yet and he's trying to take her away!"

"He's not going to. Don't stress. Please don't stress.
I want you and this baby girl to be okay." Sam places his hand on her belly.

Jessica takes a deep breath and says, "I'll try.."
**

Soon Theodore's surgery was over, and Sam and Jessica went back to see him.

"Hi baby!" Jessica signed.
It would still be a couple weeks before his implants would be shut on.

"Aw look how little he looks, Sam!" Jessica pouts.

"He looks tiny!  Poor little dude."

"Mama?" Theodore squints.

"Yeah baby!" Jessica sits beside him and places her hand on his stomach.

"Mama.." Theodore whines.

"I know, baby.." Jessica softly runs her hand through his blonde hair.

"Gasses, mama! Peeees?"

"Oh your glasses! Of course baby boy! Here you go, handsome."

"Ta yew, mama!"
Theodore looks at Jessica and signs, Thank you.

Jessica signs You're Welcome, then continues holding him in her arms.

***

February 16th.
Theodore's 2nd. Birthday.

"Happy Birthday, my handsome boy!" Jessica signs.

Theodore signs Momma and lifts his hands.

"You're two!  How is that possible?!  You're such a big boy now!"

Theodore hugs around Jessica's neck and gives her a big slobbery kiss.

"Oh that is the sweetest kiss I have ever ever gotten!"

"Mamaaaaa!"

Jessica giggles and kisses his cheek.

**

"Is your breakfast good, baby?  You seem happy!" Jessica chuckles.

"Look at those little Teefies!" Jessica smiles.

Just then Autumn interrupts.
"Momma, I have a big surprise for Theo!"

"What is it, baby?"

"I'll show you!" Autumn smiles and stands up.

Autumn stands in front of Theodore and begins to sign the happy birthday song just for him.

Theodore smiles as he watches his sister's hands move around.  He kicked his legs with excitement and banged his hands on the table.

Jessica tears up at the sight.
"Oh Auttie, That was beautiful!! You're such a sweet sister!"

Autumn giggles. "Thanks! I tried really hard to learn it perfectly for him! Since he can't hear us sing happy birthday, why not show him?"

"I feel so horrible for not thinking of that! We'll all do it when it's cake time later!"

"Okay! I'll help you guys if you need it!"

"Thank you, baby girl." Jessica smiles.

Later that day they did just as planned.
Theodore loved seeing his family sign to him.
He kicked his little legs and giggled with excitement.
It was a great 2nd. Birthday!

***

February 27th.
31 weeks pregnant.

Sam, Jessica and all of the kids sat in the doctors office waiting for Theodore's implants to be shut on.

"Remember kids, just like last time we're going to let mommy speak to him first." Sam says.

"Got it!" Julia smiles and gives him a thumbs up.

The doctor flips the switch on and places them on his head. She then signals Jessica to begin speaking.

Theodore was looking down, playing, and really concentrating on his hands when Jessica spoke.

"Hi baby boy!"

Theodore looks up to Jessica and his jaw drops.

"Theodore! Can you hear me, baby?" Jessica giggles softly.

Theodore immediately tears up and pouts his lips.
"Aw honey! Is this making you emotional? You can hear again, huh?"

"Mama.." Theodore speaks softly.

"Yeah, it's mama!"

"Mama!" He wraps his arms around his mother as he cries softly.

"Oh my gosh.. wow.." Jessica looks over to Sam with tears slowly rolling down her cheeks.
"You were right. This was so worth it.. thank you."

Sam smiles and kisses the top of her head.
"I love you."

"I love you too."

***

Two days later.

Danny is currently at his parents' house and wants to have the kids over.
After going back and forth, Jessica has decided to let them go over. Jessica spoke to Danny's mother and she promised her she wouldn't leave their sight.

"I'm still nervous, Sam. What if he decides to just take them?"

"His parents will be there, Jess. They'll make sure nothing happens."

"I don't know.. my poor babies don't even want to visit his sorry ass!"

"I know.. I'm sorry, Jessie."

"I guess there's nothing we can do.."

Sam rubs her arm and says, "We're going to drop them off, take Autumn out for lunch, maybe run to the mall and grab something for a few of my favorite girls! You, Auttie and Eva. But you know I can't forget my other favorite girl and my guys, Landon and Theo!"

"Why do you like spending so much money?" Jessica laughs.

"It's fun." Sam shrugs.

"You're a mess!"

**

"You two look so cute!" Jessica smiled at the two you her ones.

"Where we goin, mama?" Julia asks.

"You are going to see daddy, remember?"

"I no want to go." Julia nods.

"Baby.. he really wants to see you. Plus, grandma and grandpa will be there the entire time!"

"No want to see him!" She nods.

"Honey.."

"He hit my fwiend! My Sammy!"

"Well you know what? Why don't you take this time with him to tell him how upset that made you?"

"Tell him he a bad boy?"

"Yeah! He should know how you feel."

"Okay, I tell him he a bad bad boy, mommy!"

"You do that, princess." Jessica smiles.

"And what about you Theo?"

Theodore sighs making Jessica laugh.
"You're just over it, huh baba?"

"Milk!"

"You want milk?"

"Ya!" Theodore says in a slightly annoyed tone.

"Your little attitude, mister!" Jessica laughs.
"I'll get you some milk, will you say Please?"

"Peees!"

"Good boy!" Jessica smiles.

**

When they arrived at Danny's parents house, Sam and Autumn stayed in the car while Jessica got out with the babies.

"Good luck." Sam gives her a smile.

"Thanks.. lets go, babes."

Jessica rang the doorbell and Zoe quickly let her in.

"Hello!  Oh Jessie, look at you!  You look beautiful, honey!"

"Thank you!"

"You guys come in!  Danny is in the living room with John."

Jessica takes a deep breath, holding the kids hands as she walks towards the living room.

"Hey you two!" Danny turns to the kids.

Jessica felt a pain in her stomach just seeing him.
Danny looked different.  He has a tan, his hair was cut differently, and he was dressed like a college kid.

"Daddy?"

"Yeah Juju!  Come give me hug!"

"I want mommy." Julia pouts and holds onto Jessica's leg.

Instead, Theodore runs to him and lifts his arms.

"Hey bud.." Danny lifts him up.

"What the hell is this?  My son has a fucking magnet in his head?" Danny pulls on the magnetic clip.

"Don't pull on it!" Jessica panics.

"Daniel." Zoe gives him a look.

"He's now completely deaf so he wears cochlear implants instead of hearing aids.
He just had surgery two weeks ago, and they were turned on only two days ago."

"Well thanks for telling me." Danny scoffs.

Jessica ignores him and says, "He can't get them wet.  Also, make sure there isn't any rough housing.
If he falls that really bad so.. just make sure he doesn't."

"Jess, kids fall.  Why would you do this?  He's deaf, let him be deaf!  Now he can't even play?"

"Daniel, maybe you should look into it before you judge." Zoe cuts in. "Jessica did what's best for your son."

Danny rolls his eyes and says, "Okay, we only have a few hours so will you let us have our time, please?"

Zoe sighs and says, "I'm so sorry, Jessica."

"Don't worry about it, Zoe.  Thank you though.
Let me know if you need anything."

"We will.  See you later." She smiles sweetly.

**

Jessica sat down in the car and gave Sam a soft smile.

"Everything okay?" He asks.

"Yeah." Jessica whispers as she nods her head.

Both Sam and Autumn could tell Jessica was on the verge of tears.

"Sweetheart, what happened?"

"Nothing.  Everything's fine."

"Momma, what's wrong? We know it's something."

"He just.. He makes me sound like I made a horrible decision with Theo."

"Jessie, you didn't!  Because of you Theo can hear, honey!  You saw it in his face, just hearing makes him so happy!  Don't doubt your decision, Jess."

"I know I shouldn't but.. he's just such a downer!"

"Don't pay him any attention.  He's not worth it."

"I know.."

**

Sam took the girls out to lunch after dropping the younger ones off.

"Just got a call from Megan's mom.  Landon is having a ball with his cousins!"

"Aw Sam, that's great!" Jessica smiles.

"Yeah.. I'm glad he's getting to spend some time with her family."

"Me too.."

Just then both Sam and Jessica noticed Autumn staring at them with a smile across her face.

"What are you doing, goofy?" Sam asks.

"I just like this!  I don't remember ever living with both of you in the same house.  It's nice!  I've really enjoyed it these past few months."

"Aw, aren't you cute?" Jessica giggles.
"I'm very blessed for your daddy's friendship, Autumn.  I've really enjoyed these last few months as well."

"Me too!" Sam smiles.

**

Danny's POV.

"I want my mommy!" Julia sobbed.

"Juju, what's wrong?  You've never done this before!  Don't you love daddy?"

"You hit Sammy!"

Zoe gave Danny a look and said, "Kids never forget, son.  That is why you must think before you act."

"Julia, he had it coming!"

"Daniel!" Zoe slightly raises her voice.

Danny sighs and rolls his eyes.
"I'm sorry.  I shouldn't have hit him."

"You're a bad bad boy, daddy!  That's a no no!"

"I know, baby.  I'm sorry."

"You tell Sam Sowy!"

"Uh.. Yeah we'll see."

"And you no call me on cwismas!  Das a mean daddy!" Julia shouts in his face.

"Did mommy tell you I was mean?"

Julia nods. "No, Juju say it!  Juju tell Juju!  You mean!"

Zoe chuckled and Danny gave her a look.

"Mama home?" Theodore suddenly asks, lifting his little hands.

"You'll go home with mommy in just a little while, cutie." Zoe smiles.

"You're with dad right now, buddy!  The fun one!"

"Mama fun!" Julia gives her father a mean look.

Zoe couldn't help but laugh at how cute and protective she was over her mother.

***

Time went on and Danny disappeared yet again.
Of course Julia and Theodore didn't really mention it.
They'd rather spend their time with their mother anyway.

It is now April 20th.  Jessica's 31st birthday.

"Happy Birthday, BUTTOOOOON!" Sam walks in with a tray full of food.

"Sammy!" She smiles and sits up.

"I have some breakfast for you!"

"Yummy!  We're ready!" Jessica giggles.

"Well there's plenty!"

"Yay!  Sit with me!" Jessica pats the side of her bed.

"Okay!" Sam says cutely making her giggle.

"How are you and baby girl this morning?"

"Well, I'm hurting just a bit!  I've actually been up for an hour and have had two contractions so far."

"Ooh!  Could she be a birthday baby?"

"I don't know, maybe!" Jessica giggles and shrugs her shoulders. "Today's my due date!"

"I know!! How exciting!"

"I know!  I have to push another baby out of my little area." Jessica pouts.

"But you're so good and you're so strong!  You've got this!"

"Thank you!" Jessica smiles.
"Here!  Have some of my food!" She says in a cute voice.

"Okay!"

Jessica laughs and feeds him some of her food.
Just then they hear a little hand on the door.

"It's Juju, open the door!" She shouts.

Autumn and the rest of the kids were following behind.  Autumn opened the door and all of the kids ran in.

"Oh no, Go Away!" Sam covers his head with Jessica's blanket.

Jessica laughs as the kids run over.
Autumn helps the little ones onto the bed and then climbs up as well.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOMMYYYYY!"

"OUCH!" Theodore rips his headpiece of his implants off.

"Theo don't!" Jessica laughs.

"Too.. Loooouuud!" He hands it to Jessica.

"Here, put them back on.  We're sorry, baby."

"Mama no loud.. Kay?" Theodore gives her a serious look.

"I promise, baby!" Jessica laughs.

"BABY SISTERRRRR!" Julia suddenly shouts.

"NO!" Theodore hits her arm.

"Theo no sir!" Jessica says.

"Mama he bad boy!"

"Everyone just stop, please!"

"I wanna say hi to my baby sister!"

"Well go ahead, she's right here!" Jessica laughs.

Julia kisses her belly and places her hands on each side. "It's Juju!  How's my baby doing?"

"Good!  She's dropped so she's getting ready to come out!"

"WHAT?!  We need to get her out now!"

"Juju!" Theodore narrows his brows.

"Your brother is not very happy with you today." Jessica laughs.

"Theo just stop!  I'm talking to the baby!" Julia speaks with her hands.

"It's okay, Juls." Sam lightly pats her leg.

"Sammy!" Julia smiles just before Jessica interrupts her.

"Ooh Ow, Ow, Ow, Ow.."

"What's wrong, Jessie?!" Landon asks in a panic.

"The baby is hurting me." She pouts.

"What's wrong?" Sam places his hand on the front of her stomach.

"Well I had a little contraction, but that was mostly just tightening around my belly. But while that was happening she pushed her foot into my ribs!"

"Oh no, that doesn't sound good!" Landon makes a face.

"I think it sounds like she wants to come out." Autumn smiles.

"I think so too!  We're gonna have a baby in this house soon, you guys!" Sam says.

"This is so exciting!" Landon shouts with excitement.

**

Later that day.

"What was that? SAM!"

"I didn't do anything!" Sam lifts his hands.

"You took my picture!" Jessica laughs.

"Fine I did, but look how good it is!"

"I look ginormous!"

"You do not! That belly is gorgeous!"

"Thanks." Jessica smiles shyly.

Sam chuckles and lifts his camera.
"One more!"

"No!" Jessica sits down and lifts her legs up on the small table in front of her.

"Oh my gosh!"

"What?" Jessica asks.

"Mommy model! You are so beautiful!"

"Will you stop it?" Jessica laughs and stands up.

"Sorry! I can't help it." Sam shrugs.

Jessica walks over and smirks. "It's my birthday."

Sam chuckles. "I know that, silly!"

"Do I get a birthday kiss?" Jessica smiles.

Sam chuckles and pecks her lips.
"There's your birthday kiss." He then kisses her again and says, "There's your due date kiss!"
Sam then kisses her again. "And that is your Sam thinks your pretty kiss."

Jessica laughs and wiggles her bottom as she walks away. "Thirty one is pretty great so far!"

**

Sam, Jessica and the kids arrive at the restaurant and all of Jessica's family and their friends shout, "SURPRISE!"

"Ahh! What?!"

"We got you! It's a Birthday/Jessie baby shower! WOO!" Sam shouts.

"SAM! You are too much!" Jessica laughs and wraps her arms around him.

"Thank you all for coming! Oh my gosh, this is so exciting! I have to pee!" Jessica laughs.

**

Everyone ate and celebrated Jessica, as well as the new life growing inside of her. It turned out to be a great party.

After opening all of her gifts, Jessica sat at a table with her sisters and Sarah.

"So Jessica. We need the truth. Be one hundred percent real with us. Right here. Right now." Ann says.

"About what?" Jessica chuckles.

"Are you and Sam together?"

"Heh! Why would you ask that?"

"Oh God, PLEASE!! It's so obvious!"

"Well we're not.. Not together."

"What the hell does that mean?" Jane asks.

"Well like.. I mean we kiss!"

"WHAT?!" They all shout.

"Will y'all shut up?!"

"We flirt and share little pecks every once in a while. No tongues involved."

"Well at my wedding there was some moments between you two." Sarah says.

"Why weren't you paying attention to your husband, bitch?" Jessica chuckles.

"He saw it too!"

At Sarah's wedding Sam and Jessica walked down the aisle together. The entire ceremony they looked across at each other flirting and goofing around.
During the reception, he and Jess danced quite a bit. Jessica was obviously very pregnant, but that was not slowing her down one bit.

"Well.." Jessica shrugs. "I don't know.. I love him and.. after my divorce.. if he would like to try us again, then I'm willing to try it out with him!"

"Ahhhh! TELL HIM!" All three shout.

"Shhh! Oh my gosh, stop it!" Jessica widens her eyes.

"I'm sorry but we all think you two belong together!" Ann says.

"Oh goodness! Hah! Well I don't know.. we shall see." Jessica smiles.

**

"Jess!"

"Yeah, Sam?"

"Can we talk?"

"Sure?"

"You okay?"

"I'm hurting a lot." Jessica says with a look of pain.

"Do you want to go to the hospital?"

"No, not yet. I just ate too much." Jessica whines and lightly presses the top of her belly.

"You sure? You don't look like you feel well at all."

"Yeah, I'm sure. Go on.. what were you going to say?"

"Well I just wanted to say uh.. I love you. I know that you know that, but I just really.. I-"

"Sam."

"No please! Just me finish! I really—"

"Sam!" Jessica raises her voice.

"What?"

"My water just broke."

Sam looks down and sees water trickling out of her.

"Oh look, there it is." He says very calmly.

Jessica looked at Sam with her eyes slightly widened.
"The baby's coming, Sam."

"The baby's coming..
The baby's coming!" He smiles. "She's coming, Jess!" He was beyond excited.

"Sammy, please go with me. Please stay! I want you in there when I give birth, please, please, please! I know she isn't yours, and I wish she were, but I don't have anyone else to—"

"Jess, of course! I want to be in there with you!" Sam grabs her hand.

Jessica smiles with tears in her eyes.
"We're doing this!"

"We're having a baby!" Sam smiles.

Jessica giggles as tears slowly roll down her cheeks.

Sam kisses her forehead and says, "Don't cry, you'll be great! And I'll be by your side the entire time."

"Thank you, Sam." Jessica smiles. Her eyes filled with love.