“The rest of the family can come see Amy and the baby now,” a nurse said from the doorway.
“I can’t wait to see my new nephew,” Mark replied, before being the first one through the doorway.
The rest of the family followed. “He’s so beautiful Amy,” Jessica said.
“You may get a chance to hold him if his grandpa ever lets him go,” she teased.
“I have to make sure the little tyke is doing okay,” Joseph said, not even bothering to look up from his grandson.
“What are you going to name him?” Alex asked.
“We decided on Isaiah Allen after my grandfather,” Lucas said.
“That’s a real fine name son,” Joseph said, with some tears of his own in his eyes. He then quickly turned away while he tried to control his emotions.
“Ah Dad, we all know you’re a big softie. You don’t have to pretend to be some tough old guy,” Alex said.
“Now boy, you’re not too old for me to take you out behind the woodshed,” Joseph said but there was obviously no oomph behind his words.
“Hey now, there’s no bickering in my recovery room,” Amy said. She really was happy to have her family there to share in their joy.
The baby started to fuss and Joseph handed him over to his mother with much reluctance.
“Amy needs to feed him now. Why don’t you all go home and get some rest and then come over tomorrow for Isaiah’s homecoming,” Lucas asked.
Everyone said their goodbye’s and headed out. Jessica was filled with many different emotions. She was truly happy for her sister-in-law but envious as well. She wanted a big family so badly. She’d been raised as an only child and even though her parents were phenomenal, she got very lonely at times. She didn’t want her son to grow up without siblings. Maybe Alex wouldn’t mind having another child. Even if their marriage wasn’t one about love, they would stay together for the sake of Jacob, so why not have a sibling for him?
Alex took her hand as they walked towards their vehicle. “He sure was cute. I wish so much I would’ve been there for Jacob when he was born,” he said.
Jessica automatically tensed up, thinking they were going to have another fight and really too tired for it. “I’m really sorry about that. I thought I was doing the right thing,” she said.
“I know,” he said. She was so surprised; she didn’t know what else to say. He didn’t sound angry, or even hurt. He just sounded a little bit down. “I hadn’t exactly led a life that would’ve made you believe I would be ready or willing to settle down. I understand now that I know you better. You thought you were doing the right thing in not telling me. I hope you realize I would’ve been there for you the moment you found out. I don’t shrink from my responsibilities,” he finished.
Even though Alex was saying he would’ve been there for her, Jessica’s heart was feeling like it would break in two. He thought of her as just another one of his responsibilities and not his wife. He was doing the right thing as he’d been taught to do. She wanted him to be with her because he loved her, not because he’d messed up and now had to pay the price.
“I know you would’ve done the right thing from the beginning,” she said in what she hoped was a normal tone of voice.
Jessica pulled her hand from his as they approached their vehicle. She couldn’t maintain the contact any longer. It was killing her slowly. Suddenly he pushed her up against the car and kissed her deeply. All heartbreak washed away as his hands rubbed down her sides, then reached up to hold her head as he deepened the kiss.
He was making her insides melt and she was forgetting about everything around her when he finally broke away. “Let’s go on vacation. We didn’t get a honeymoon and I have a trip over to the Virgin Islands this week. Come with me. Jacob will be fine for a few days. I will hurry to get you home, I promise,” he finished.
He was looking deep into her eyes and she found she couldn’t say no. She couldn’t even find her voice. She finally nodded her head yes.
He lifted her up into his arms, gave her another quick kiss and then helped her into the car. “We’ll have a great time. I have meetings in the mornings but then we’ll have all day to play on the water and dance all night,” he said, sounding like an excited teenager getting ready for summer.
“It sounds like a very nice time,” she finally managed to say.
Jessica was nervous. She’d never liked large crowds and prayed his dancing wasn’t going to be in the middle of a crowded club.
“Pack up tomorrow. We leave in two days. We can let Julia know tonight and you can get all your time in with Jacob so you won’t feel guilty.”
She looked ahead at the road. She hated he knew her so well. She did feel guilty about leaving their son at home but at the same time if she ever hoped to make her marriage a real one, this was the time to do it. They were going to be in a romantic hotel completely alone. She had a few days to let her defenses down and see if it made a difference.
“It sounds great. I know Jacob will be fine but I’m glad I’ll have tomorrow.” she admitted.
They rode in a comfortable silence the rest of the way home. She was planning what needed to get done before they left. There was much to do.
Alex was extremely happy Jessica was going with him. He wanted to be with her. He felt better when she was near. He didn’t want to even admit to himself how much she mattered to him but it was impossible to push away all his feelings. He told himself he would simply take it one day at a time.
“We have to leave, Jessica,” Alex said for the tenth time.
“I know, I know, it’s just so hard,” Jessica said as she kissed Jacob for about the hundredth time. “I love you sweetie. Mama will be home in a few days. Julia is going to take really good care of you, I promise,” she said.
They headed to the awaiting limo and Jessica smiled as she climbed inside. He had champagne chilling, a vase with two dozen roses, chocolates and a wrapped package all sitting there.
“What is this?” she asked.
“I didn’t give you a honeymoon, so even though this is a business trip, I plan on doing minimal business and giving you a romantic honeymoon the rest of the time. I wanted to start things out right,” he said with a little shrug.
Jessica was so choked up at his thoughtfulness she couldn’t speak for several moments. “Thank you,” she finally managed to get out.