"Hey you guys, Danny and I are gonna head out.  Y'all going out after this?"

Sarah smiles and takes Sam's hand. "Nah, I think we'll head home too."

"Really?" Jessica asked surprised.

"Yeah.  Plus we need to go home so mom can take dorky pictures of us like she took of you and Danny."

Jessica laughs. "Okay well we'll see you at home."

**

"Okay now one of all four of you, then one of the three sisters.  I put Holly in her brand new dress just for this picture!" Catherine smiles. "It's her church dress!"

Jessica giggles. "She looks so cute!"

"She does!  After that I want one more of Jess and Isla."

"Gaga, we took those already!  We took one with mommy and Danny too.  What more do you want from me?"

"Get with your aunt then."

"Uggghh!  I hate prom!" Isla groans.

***

Two days later.

Danny's POV.

"I don't want to leave Jess. ." Danny says to his mother.

"I know you don't, but it's only a two and a half hour drive.  You can come home on the weekends and she can go up and visit you."

"I wish she would go with me."

"I know honey but you have to understand that she wants to be with her parents and sisters."

"I know. . I just can't imagine not seeing her everyday."

Zoe paused and stared at her son for a moment. ". . . You really love this girl."

"I love her more than anything, mom.  I want to marry her and get her pregnant over and over again."

"Okay son." Zoe chuckles. "Maybe get through college first."

"I don't think I can.  God I just love her so much!  Maybe the distance is good for us."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah because I'm about to say screw this waiting til marriage crap."

Zoe smacks his shoulder and shouts, "Daniel!"

**

Jessica's POV.

"How did it go?"

"Daddy said I'm a great driver!  I guess it's time I finally get my license.  I mean Danny is more than likely moving to Austin in August and. . well I have to get around on my own.  Isla and I still have things to do."

"You have us!" Catherine says.

Jessica smiles a soft and sad smile. "I know I do. . it's just different.  I need to do this."

"I know.  You need your independence."

"I do. ."

***

Last day of school.

"Well this is it.  We step out of here and we never have to step foot inside ever again.  Are y'all ready?" Jessica asked, Danny, Sarah, and Sam.

Sarah grabs Sam's hand and drags him out. "Peace out to this hell hole!"

Jessica laughs.  Danny chuckles and takes Jessica's hand. "Let's get out of here beautiful."

Jessica looked into his eyes with a gorgeous smile.  Danny hated leaving that beautiful little smile.  Though it's for the best and it's really not far, Danny never wanted to go a day without seeing her beautiful face.

"Jess, let's go somewhere we can talk."

"Talk?  Will there be food there?"

Danny laughs. "Sure.  We can go wherever you want."

"Thanks. . is something wrong?  Did I do something?" A sad look spreads across her face.

"No!  No baby, you could never do anything wrong." Danny places his hands on her arms.

"You look like you're upset.  Talk to me.  Tell me now.  You're breaking up with me, aren't you?"

"NO!  Oh my gosh, I'd be crazy to break up with you!"

"Then what is it?  Tell me right now, Huston."

Danny sighs. "It's- it's nothing."

"It's something.  I know you and I know something's bothering you.  My anxiety is too bad to wait, I want to know now."

"Alright. . ." Danny takes a deep breath. "Jess. . "

"What?"

"I've decided to go to UT."

"Oh.  Danny, that's great!" Jessica smiles. "That's what I've been telling you to do!  To do what you really really want."

"Jess, this wasn't an easy decision.  What I want is you.  I don't want to leave you but-"

"But-" Jessica places her hand on his cheek and smiles. "You're doing this for us."

"Right.  For all of us.  For you, me, and Isla."

"Aw Danny. ."

"It's gonna be so hard."

"I know. . not seeing you everyday is really gonna suck."

"I'll visit as much as I can.  You'll be sick of me, I promise!"

Jessica laughs and softly caresses his cheek. "That could never happen."

**

"Thanks for picking me up from school, mommy!  I can't wait til tonight.  I'm graduating!  Like You!!"

"I know!  My big girl is graduating preschool and headed for kindergarten!  I'm so proud of you baby girl."

"Thank you, mommy.  I'm so proud of you too!"

"That makes me so so happy to hear, precious."

"Momma?"

"Yes?"

"Are you and Danny gonna get married after your graduation?"

"No honey." Jessica chuckles. "Not for a long time."

"Well I wish you'd hurry up, I want a new dress!" She says making her mother laugh.

**

The evening went on and the whole family attended Isla's preschool graduation program.

"YOU GUYS!  YOU GUYS!  I GRADUATED!" Isla runs to her family.

Danny picks her up and kisses her cheek. "Woohoo!  Everyone is so proud of you, Poopy!  Especially mommy and I because we love you the most."

"Daniel!" Jessica laughs and kisses Isla. "I am beyond proud of you Isla Rose.  I love you so much, baby girl."

"Thank you, Momma!  I love you too!  Now take me to the snacks and drinks!"

"That's my girl!" Sarah shouts.

***

Graduation.

"Oh my girls!"

"Oh mom no crying please!" Sarah says.

"Oh shut up!  I'm going to cry the entire day!  Sarah, you were my first little baby. . you've always been my tough girl.  I am so proud of you even though you don't believe I am.  I love you."

Sarah tears up and hugs her mother. "I love you too, mom.  Thank you for everything.  And I'm sorry for giving you so much hell."

"All is forgiven, sweet baby!"

"Thanks." Sarah smiles"

"And Jessica. . my little girl.  Jessie, I may not have birthed you, but you are my baby girl.  At twelve years old you came into our lives and made it so much brighter.  You are an amazing mother, and I am so incredibly proud of you.  I love you, Jessie girl."

"I love you too, momma." Jessica hugs her as tears roll down her cheeks. "I owe you and daddy everything.  You gave me so much and I'm so grateful.  I finally have a family and a home.  I have so many people who love me. . that's all I've ever wanted."

"Aww!" Sarah breaks between and hugs her sister.

Of course Catherine brings out her camera.

**

"We did it!  High school graduates!  Congratulations, baby!"

Jessica giggles and kisses his lips. "Congratulations!"

"I'm so proud of you, little momma.  You busted your ass in school all while raising a pretty wild, beautiful, and amazing daughter.  You're awesome."

"Aww.  I love you!" Jessica cries softly.

"I love you so much more, baby."

"You guys!" Sarah shouts through the cheers. "I wanted to tell you guys first."

"You're pregnant." Danny says.

"No!" Sarah laughs. "I've decided to go with Sam to Oklahoma." She smiles.

"What?  But Sarah, I thought you were gonna stay here with me!" Jessica says.

"Aw sis, that was the plan but. ."

"What are mom and dad gonna say?  They're not gonna let you go, Sarah!"

"Why wouldn't they let me?"

"Well I don't know. . I-I. ."

"I'm excited about this, Jess."

Jessica wanted to cry.  Now Danny And Sarah were leaving her.  Jessica didn't want anything to change.  It took years to find something so amazing.  Now everything is going to be different.  What if Danny meets someone else?  What if Sam and Sarah stay there forever?

Jessica's biggest fear is being alone, and it seems that fear is coming true.