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Realistic or Modern Anchored for Love

Isabel was the first to land in Virginia. When the press release was given out, Isabel had been looking through every possible lens she could grasp. Thanks to her colleagues in Virginia, the moment she was given word of Amelia she got on the fastest plane possible. She was shaking continuously at the thought of losing her niece before she was even able to experience the world. Today was going to be an unforgettable one. It was either going to be one filled with happiness or sadness and anger. Isabel had to make it to the hospital for Amelia. Isabel knew her best friend couldn't be left alone at a time like this. Anthony was going to pay for what he did and that was a promise the journalist sitting in the plane promised herself.

The minute everyone was allowed to leave the plane, Isabel grabbed her bag, running through the airport as time seemed to slow down. It was a terrible feeling, knowing every moment counted but Isabel had to make it. She just had to make it to Amelia before anyone else did. She needed to know Amelia was going to be okay. Running out of the airport, Isabel was thankful a taxi was parked, waiting for their next customer. Getting the driver's attention, she was quick to putting her bags inside and getting in, telling the driver which hospital to go to. The entire ride was hell. Everything seemed to go by in slow motion and Isabel felt like she would never make it to Amelia fast enough.

Arriving at the hospital, Isabel tried her hardest to pin point where exactly the now expecting mother was. She needed to see Amelia in the flesh and when she watched security escort Anthony away, Isabel was enraged. "Where's Amelia?!" She asked one of the officers, knowing Anthony had no clue who the black-haired woman was. She needed to see Amelia. She needed to now. It seemed unreal that Anthony managed to get out of the local authority's grip. Watching him make a run for it, the photojournalist followed. Her heels making that click-click sound against the floor but at a much more rapid pace. When she realized he ran back to where Amelia was, Isabel noticed the nurse become on edged. The phone she held ringing to make a call, only for the monotoned female robotic voice to say the number dialed was not in reach. Watching Anthony get closer to the room the nurse and Amelia were in, Isabel did what she only knew she could. She jumped on his back, digging her heel into his shoulder and watched it pierce his skin. Falling to the ground with him, Isabel groaned from the pain, grabbing her concealed gun and aiming it at the man twice her size. "Stay. Away. From. Her." The Texan hissed, her accent known. She was irritated with this man and Alyssa. They would pay for this. She needed to know why the officers were taking so long to get back here. This wasn't right.

"Look at you, princess. Coming to save your friend? You'll regret it." Anthony said with a wicked grin, kicking Isabel down to the ground. Watching the gun skid across the floor, Isabel crawled to reach for it but gasped when she felt his arms wrap around her, the handcuffs he was still in cutting off her circulation. Fighting to get out of his grip, Isabel bit his hand, taking in a deep breath when he let go of her. Coughing, she felt pain strike her face and soon blood trailed down her cheeks from her nose. The bastard kicked her face. Grabbing the gun once more, she shot him in the leg, watching him fall to the ground in pain.

"I won't regret nothing. You'll regret messing with Amelia not knowing her best friend's a Texan." Dabbing her nose with the back of her hand, Isabel was thankful when security and the officers showed up to drag Anthony away. Standing up too fast, the room began to spin and Isabel was quick to grab onto one of the officers, spitting out blood from her mouth that left a metallic taste. Lettting nurses tend to her, Isabel smiled when Jayden and Nick showed up. "Get in there." Isabel said quickly, flinching in pain as the nurses wiped away the dry blood. She wasn't injured too bad but she was bruised around the neck from the handcuffs. Smiling as Jayden ran in to be with Amelia, Isabel looked at Nick who was shaking his head. "I don't want to hear it." Isabel said with a laugh.

"Amelia, I'm here!" Jayden said quickly, thanking Sandy for being with his wife before he sat next to her and took her hand, brushing the hair out of her face before he kissed her forehead gently. "I'm here love. I'm here. I'm sorry. Nothing will happen to anymore. He's not going to hurt you or our daughter. We can do this, Amelia. You're not alone anymore my love. I'm here and so is Nick and Isabel. Dawson's on his way. We're all here." Smiling at the journalist, he kissed her hand multiple times as she squeezed it from pain. "Shh, relax. You're safe."
 
"I'm sorry." Was the first thing Amelia whispered at Jayden trying to comfort her while the nurses stepped away to give the couple their moment after what Amelia endured today. She just kept saying she was sorry through her shallow breaths. She still felt as though she did this to herself, her pain not easing up at all while she kept a grip on Jayden's hand. Groaning in pain, she heaved a breath in relief that Jayden was here. All you have to do is get through this. Use the last of your strength to get through this. Leaning into Jayden, Amelia buried her head into his chest, too distracted by her own overwhelming pain to remember his, and right now she was the most vulnerable he had ever seen her. While he continued to offer her words of encouragement, she just started to cry again, shaking her head. "I can't." She was so distraught now, her body shaking. She wasn't sure how much more of this she could take. It felt like days when in reality it was hours and it was only getting worse.

Laughing Nick shook his head. "You don't want to hear how proud I am of you! I think maybe you picked the wrong career, Anes. You saved her and Jayden I'm sure it's eternally greatful for your efforts." He didn't want to mention the possibility of the baby not making it after what occurred but the tension that filled the air made both of their concerns obvious. As the two took a seat in the waiting room and waited impaitently to hear any news.

It wasn't until the early hours of the next morning as the sun began to peak through the clouds Nick watched a team of medics run into Amelia's room, nudging Isabel awake before they both ran to the door where they anxiously hoped to hear a cry or even a slight mummer but the silence was making Nick's throat drop to his knees. "C'mon, c'mon c'mon," he pleaded in whispers still hearing nothing.
 
Standing next to the officer, Isabel tried her hardest to hear some form of noise echo out the door. The baby had to make it. She couldn't bear the thought of her niece not getting the chance to live because of a psychopath. "Please, please, please," she pleaded along with Nick, gripping his shoulders tightly as she became worried the day was going to be one full of sadness. Hearing the loudest cry possible, Isabel felt her worry and nervousness leave her body, sighing out of relief with tears of joy in her eyes. "She's alright." She whispered softly to Nick, smiling when Jayden walked out of the room and smiled at two people who meant the world to the couple. "She's here." He said happily, hugging Nick before he hugged Isabel tightly. "Thank you, Bel. You saved them." He whispered softly to which Isabel shook her head, hugging the officer tight. "I did what needed to be done. Go back in there. Nick and I will join when we get the okay to." Watching the new father walk back in, Isabel couldn't help but smile. She soon felt that emptiness inside and she quickly turned away as she tried to gain her composure. Dawson probably hated her but she pushed the thought aside, excusing herself. "I'm going to grab some coffee from the cafeteria. Do you want anything, Wells?" She asked him with a smile, walking away to the cafeteria as she fell victim to her thoughts once more. Going through the motions, she got her coffee and sat outside in a small rose garden, the cold brisk air stinging the bruise on her face. Leaning against her knees as she let out a deep sigh, smiling at some of the child hospital patients that enjoyed the scenery while they could.

Jayden was thankful everything turned out for the better and after their daughter was cleaned, he looked at Amelia and kissed her forehead, rubbing his hand over their daughter's head carefully. "You did amazing, my love. She's here. Did you decide on a name?" He whispered softly to the woman he would always love and cherish, never wanting any harm to come to her again. "I think we should name her after her aunt. It is because of that crazy Texan we were able to find you. She solved the unsolvable puzzle and I think Nick is trying to get her to switch career paths because of it." Laughing softly at the thought, the officer happily took the now sleeping child from Amelia's arms, kissing the little girls head softly. "Hi there, princess. Welcome to the world. Daddy promises no harm will ever come to you." He whispered gently, taking the small and fragile hand of his daughter in his own, admiring the three months early child. She was tiny but her father just knew she was going to be a strong woman like her mother. Smiling when Nick was let in, he wondered where Isabel had run off to. Handing off baby Bel to her uncle, Jayden looked at Amelia who seemed to be rather exhausted. "Where's Isabel? Did she run off for some coffee?" Jayden asked gently, holding Amelia's hand in his own before kissing it. "Get some rest, love. You deserve and need it."
 
When the time had come to discover if her daughter was going to make it Amelia was insistent on avoiding it. She was devasted and truly convinced she had lost her child because only she knew everything they went through today but everyone else in the room kept pushing her, telling her the baby would be okay. That's a lie. She thought, but gave into Jayden's pleas when he asked her to do it for him. By now she was beyond exhausted, she could feel herself getting light headed and sick to her stomach and she assumed that her pain couldn't get any worse because she was nearing the end. As a team of do fits and nurses rushed into the room he tried not to pay them as much attention as she wanted to. Just focus on Jayden. You're in this together. As the team stood and waited for a baby to finally appear they all stood in anxious silence, but in some paradox they realized this scene between Jayden and Amelia to be a beautiful one. Jayden held onto her tightly and together they shared an expression of hope and terror but the way they looked at each was like it was just them against the world. It was a breathtaking sight to see how strong this woman was and how much this man loved her, but their shock soon escalated once the baby was delivered and quickly handed off to the team. She was tiny, not even three pounds yet but to everyone's amazement she did release a cry that brought her mother to tears. She was here. She would have to fight to make it, but all Amelia cared about for now was that she was breathing. She wasn't expecting to get to hold her so soon because of her delicate state but when the nurse passed the baby off to her mother, Amelia started to cry again before she handed their daughter off to Jayden, hugging him when he leaned over to kiss her. "Thank you," she whispered softly, smiling at the mention of Isabel. Amelia wasn't surprised she has something to do with this but when she didn't see her walk in with Nick she became concerned. Amelia wanted to see Isabel after everything that happen, and even despite her immense exhaustion that's all Amelia could think about. "Can you go find Isabel for me, Nick, please. Just tell her I said anchor," she hisperes letting the nurses still tend to her in the aftermath. Once Nick walked away, the nurses took back the delicate newborn, seeing she was struggling to breath but told Jayden to worry about Amelia for now. Watching their daughter get wheeled away Amelia hid her face in Jayden's shoulder. She felt like a failure for letting this happen. "I'm sorry," she whispered again, still feeling guilty.
 
Sighing softly, Jayden looked down at Amelia and held her closely, sitting on the bed beside her. You have nothing to be sorry about, Amelia. Our daughter will fight hard. She'll make it. None of this is your fault. Kissing the top of Amelia's head, Jayden stayed silent for a moment as he took everything that happened in. Amelia was safe and their daughter let out a massive cry. Things were going to be difficult but okay and worth it in the end. "Stop apologizing, my love. None of this is or was your fault. He was the psycho path and he forced you into labor. You're okay. I'm here for you and we'll get through this together. I promise." He whispered faintly, looking at the woman he would always admire, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I love you, Amelia. I'm going to marry you. That's a promise I intend on keeping."

Sighing softly when she was fetched by Nick, Isabel stood up with a faint smile, walking with him to Amelia's room, knocking before she entered. "Someone called anchor?" She asked with a giggle before she walked in, smiling as always. She knew Amelia would see through her façade. She, Liz, and now Dawson were the only ones that could. "I'm glad you're safe now and the cry my niece let out was a massive one." Isabel said faintly, leaning down to kiss Amelia's forehead before she held her hand and gave it a squeeze. Her neck was still bruised and the bruise on her cheek seemed to turn a darker purple than before. "I'm here." She reassured her best friend, sitting down in a chair next to her bed. Hearing another knock on the door, Isabel refused to look up. She knew who it was. It had to be Dawson considering Jayden and Nick were here. Jayden must've told Dawson where they were.

"Dawson, I'm glad you could make it." Nick said with a smile, hugging the pilot before he watched him hug Jayden and Amelia. Isabel was throwing several cuss words directed towards Nick. Nick somehow knew she and Dawson had a fall out and invited him here. Isabel was certain Dawson wanted nothing to do with her. Releasing that fake smile in the direction of the pilot, she acted unphased by him sitting beside her. "Hey, Six." Isabel said softly, refusing to look at him any further. She didn't want him to focus on her bruises.
 
From the moment Amelia rested her tired eyes on Isabel, she could tell something was off but she didn't want to push it right now, too exhausted to even think straight. She just wanted to see her, since yesterdsy she doubted if she ever would again. "Thank you," she whispered, heaving a breath, laying her head back against Jayden. When Dawson walked into the room she just ioffered a smile before she felt herself dosing off, her pain bearable enough to do so.

"Hi, Bel," Dawson replied softly, not wanting to draw tension in the room, not going back to the scene the couple had before they both ended up. He just wanted to be with her right now, already feeling the guilt from his selfishness consume him. Isabel was the only reason Amelia was alive. But he only wanted her to be safe because he loved her and couldn't stand the thought of losing her. In his own strange way, he thought he had the best intentions but it just blew up in his face.
 
Smiling, Isabel watched Amelia fall asleep. She deserved the rest considering everything she was put through. After chatting some with Nick and Jayden, Isabel was able to take her mind off of what happened between her and Dawson before she left. She knew he only wanted her to be safe and out of harms grasp but she was the only one who put the pieces together when it came to Amelia and finding her. Standing up, Isabel excused herself, walking to the gift store where she looked at the different bouquet options she could choose from. She wanted something to brighten up the room for Amelia and get a small bear for her niece. Isabel was rather sad she didn't get to see her before they took her away but with time she would be able to. After buying the flowers and bear, Isabel noticed Dawson watching from afar. Sighing softly, she motioned him to follow her back out to the rose garden where she set the vibrant gift next to her. Leaning against her knees again, she flinched at the harsh air hitting her bruises. "I'm sorry." She said softly before looking at the pilot sitting beside her, not caring about the bruises right now. "But I knew I would be the only one to find her."
 
"It's not your place to apologize, I was being selfish and I realize now how close you are. I'm sorry. My intention wasn't to make myself a priority, it was to keep you safe. I know you can handle yourself but I still worry, for obvious reasons. You scared me." Stepping closer, Dawson sat beside Isabel, taking her hand, noticing her bruises but tried not think about how the discoloration made him cringe thinking someone else put a hand on her. He had no right to complain though, not after what Jayden had to accept Amelia was put through. "She's a strong woman, love. I don't think your niece is going to be too far off from her mother. Did you get to see her? Is she okay?
 
Feeling the warmth of his hand was something she would always enjoy. She was showered in a sense of security whenever he was with her. Resting her head against his shoulder as best as she could, she sighed softly as she closed her eyes and shook her head. "I have no doubt she is going to be just like her mother. I know she'll be alright. I didn't get to see her, but Nick said she's really tiny. Not even three pounds but she let out a good cry when she came out." Isabel whispered softly to the pilot, rubbing her thumb against the back of his hand. She didn't pay mind to the brisk air that danced through. The thick cold air bothering her bruises but she refused to go back inside. "I'm really sorry I left the way I did. I could've handled the situation much better than what I did." She explained softly, kissing his cheek but flinching when he tried to touch hers. "It's still fresh so it kind of hurts. We should get inside soon unless you want to freeze and get frost bite."
 
"Yeah, we should," Dawson agreed, standing up, pulling Isabel to her feet before he cradled a protective arm around her as they walked side by side together back into Amelia's hospital room.

Four months later...
Even in the worst disasters, things reform with time. For Amelia and Jayden, a couple once faced with one devasting setback after another, with Jayden's strenuous recovery and Amelia's traumatizing experience falling victim to her career, patience, and perseverance proved to be rewarding.

The weather in Chicago was tolerable in May. The heat was nothing compared to the thick humidity that filled the air in Florida like Amelia was used to. It was a busy city, much like D.C., not as quite as fast pace but still bustling. It was a place Amelia was growing comfortable in. The people were friendly and most importantly, Amelia felt safe bringing her daughter here. Little Bel was far from the tiny, fragile infant she was when she was born. Miraculously, she was happy and healthy and had been home with her parents for nearly three months now. She was a bubbly baby who loved to laugh and favored both of her parents, though she took after her mother in her looks. She had soft green eyes that glistened a light hue of blue in the sunlight and had curls coming in at the ends of her brunette hair, one of the few things she got from her father.

Jayden's recovery continued to roll smoothly, nearly fully recovered now, he took a job at the local police department in Chicago doing office work until he could return to his well-deserved title of lieutenant when he got medically cleared.

With little objection, Amelia listened to her loved ones and decided after the dramatic delivery of her daughter to put her time as a crime reporter behind her. It wasn't worth it to her anymore to make herself a living target for criminals. While Jayden worked in the office, Amelia decided to take things slow as well, she took a job at the local Times as an editor, her time at The Post giving her the boost she needed to gain a respectable position in this new city. For now, her priority continued to be what she could do for her family, putting her career slightly on the back burner.

The couple and their daughter lived in a prosperous suburb on the eye-turning side of town, right across the street from Jayden's brother, Chris. Amelia fell in love with the home from the first time she stepped inside. The house had just been remodeled, with an all new open floor plan and the modernized look, Amelia was pleased with the first home the couple bought together.

With their daughter strapped to her chest, Amelia kept a close eye on the sleeping baby girl while she happily strolled down the sidewalk in the park, hand-in-hand with Jayden who kept a hold of Chloe with his free hand. It was a beautiful day, the sky bright blue, the air holding a naturally freshly sweet scent from the freshly blooming flowers that were just planted in the park. Looking over to Jayden, Amelia laughed when she spotted his gaze stuck on her while they strolled. The couple had the day off today and they decided to spend it together since it had been awhile since they didn't confine their family to the walls of their home, too exhausted to do anything. "Where are we getting food? I don't see anything," Amelia observed impatiently. Jayden promised to take her to a place in the park for food that he frequented as a child but she didn't see any food in sight and she was starving, staying up all night to finish final edits for the morning's issue release. "Is there coffee at this place?"
 
Jayden was grateful everything turned out how it should have. The family was now happy in Chicago as they should have been from the start. Jayden's recovery was going well, although he did miss being out on a beat. He knew his rightful position would be his the moment he was released by his doctor, but it felt as though that day wouldn't come fast enough. Smiling as his eyes never left his wife, he laughed softly at her asking where the place he was taking her for food was. "We're almost there. I promise." He said with a gentle smile, kissing her hand before he chuckled again. "They may or may not have coffee. Either way you'll love the place. It's very homey." As the couple continued to walk, the officer enjoyed their stroll before pulling her into a small diner in the corner. It still looked the same from when he was a child. It was a 50's themed diner, with vibrant cherry red in every possible place I could be. Placing his hand on the jukebox as they waited to be seated, he smiled as memories flooded his head. "This was my spot growing up. I loved it here and I still do." He said softly, going to sit with his wife in their booth before he took their daughter from her chest, holding her against his own. "I'm glad all she's done today is sleep."
 
"You know what makes a place homey? Coffee," Amelia replied with a gentle laugh, careful not to wake her sleeping daughter while she walked, Chloe still striding in front of her excitedly, huffing in the morning breeze. Walking inside, Amelia admired the authenticity of Jayden's adolescent hangout. It was an adorable place. The place was nearly empty since it was it was still early in the morning. The diner smelled like Manoel syrup, home fries and bacon, a slight haze present in the air from the soon to be overworked grill but it all brought Amelia a familiar sense of nostaligic confort. It reminded her of home in the south. Now without her daughter on her chest, she understapped the carrier from her chest, setting it aside with her purse while Chloe laid content under the wooden table. Locking gazes with Jayden, Amelia smiled seeing Jayden, s bulky man of high stature cradle his infant daughter gently in his arms. It seemed like an amusing paradox but Amelia couldn't help but admire it every time, laughing at his comment while she watched his thick fingers run delicately through their daughter's small head of hair. "She's asleep because it's day time and she's a night owl, and you sleep right through it," she teased with wink, wiping the nonexistent sleep from her eyes before eagerly ordering the coffee she was dying for. She prayed it was fresh and not stale after her sleepless night tending to the baby with Chloe jumping up protectively at every wailed mummer, it was a long night. "We shouldn't let her sleep for too long, she needs to be on some sort of schedule. I'll go crazy if she's not. You know when Isabel and Dawson come this weekend they'll want to take her since they haven't seen her since we brought her home."
 
"Dawson and Isabel can fight me for my daughter." Jayden said with a laugh, smiling down at the sleeping baby in his arms. Jayden was a father now and he loved his daughter with his entire being. He wasn't going to let any harm come to his family. Looking up at Amelia, he reached over and took her hand, kissing it gently before setting his daughter in hid lap, looking down when he heard giggles. Isabel's soft hazel met her mother's with a bubbly smile and a giggle before the four month old baby curiously reached for the table. "Well look at that. She woke up all by herself." Jayden said with a gentle smiled, ordering a coffee for himself and Amelia, taking a sip of his black coffee contently. "Mm, I love this coffee." Releasing a content sigh, he waited for Amelia's verdict on the freshly brewed coffee.
 
"You have some low standards for your coffee then," Amelia whispered in a delusional laugh. She was past exhausted, but on the bright side, the paper that was released this morning was finished. The coffee here was like it was in most diners, too weak and tasted more like water than coffee bur she drank it anyway because it was better than nothing. "If you want to fight the Texans, go for it but I'm not sticking up for you," she teased again before she heard their daughter's joyful giggle. Somehow, through her exhausted expression, the glow returned to her face when Bel laughed. Their daughter was worth the worst case of sleep depervation. "Good morning, sunshine," her mother said happily, laughing as she watched the baby's grin go from cheek to cheek. Pulling out her phone, Amelia snapped a quick picture and saved it with the hundreds she already had saved. "You're getting so big, you need to slow down."

Just then, the waitress came over and asked for the couple's order before she marveled at the baby herself. "She's so precious! She looks just like you!" The woman exclaimed turning to Amelia who smiled proudly in response.

"Don't say it too loudly or her daddy might get jealous." Winking at Jayden, Amelia winked playfully before she ordered something small, she wasn't too hungry, she never was in the morning but knew it was better to eat. Ordering a bowl of oatmeal and a side of fruit.
 
Rolling his eyes, Jayden smiled at the waitress before ordering himself some pancakes with hashbrowns and eggs. Looking down at Isabel, Jayden kissed the top of her head gently and chuckled at the giggles she released once more. "Please stop growing, little one. You're growing too fast and it's making daddy sad." He said brightly, holding her hands in his own before he looked up at Amelia. She was so beautiful and he couldn't wait until his plan to marry her would become a reality. Thanks to the help he received from Isabel and Nick, he found the perfect ring for Amelia. She was going to love it. He just knew she would. "I'm so happy we get to spend time together today. Is there anything we need to do besides you catching up on sleep while I'm around to watch Bel?" He asked his girlfriend softly, holding her hand and planting a gentle kiss on it before he set it down and watched Bel grasp the side of the table. "She's already such a smart little girl." He whispered softly, smiling at Amelia. "I'm proud of you, love." He told Amelia softly. He was never going to let an event like what occurred happen again. He was going to keep his loved ones safe.
 
"Proud of what?" Amelia asked perplexed at Jayden's compliment. Gazing out the window, she smiled at how gorgeous the day was. The sky was an electric blue, pairing well with the dark hues of green scattered in the park. Despite her exhaustion, the sight brought Amelia a sense of tranquil serenity. But of course being the productive persona she was, her thoughts of responsibility flooded back to her before she could enjoy the peace that overcame her. "We have to go to the store and I told your sister I would watch Noella for her." Fidgeting with her silverware, Amelia placed the plain paper napkin n her lap and pulled her phone out of her purse to answer Isabel's usual good morning text. "Is it really a good morning if I didn\'t sleep at all? Just asking. Appreciate today's work. I EDITED THAT SHIT WITH A SCREAMING INFANT AT MY SIDE AND THEN JAYDEN BROUGHT ME TO A PLACE WITH WEAK ASS COFFEE. WHAT DO I LOOK LIKE? SEND HELP. (Can you come early for my sanity? I love you.)
 
"You want to watch Noella when you got absolutely no sleep thanks to Bel?" Jayden as his girlfriend rather perplexed but shook it off. He decided he would watch the two girls while Amelia tried to get some rest because she deserved it. Jayden needed to help with their daughter when he could since he felt bad he hadn't been. "I'm proud of you because of you stepping up as a mother. I love you and love how well you are with our daughter. I'm going to start helping you as much as I can." He knew that wouldn't be easy once he was fully released and able to take his rightful position as lieutenant back. He couldn't wait for that day. He missed being able to fully do what he loved. Being in the office was not for him.

Laughing softly when Isabel read Amelia's text, she shook her head as she walked out of hers and Dawson's room, wearing one of his white dress shirts with her hair flowing naturally. Replying to her best friend quickly, Isabel smiled. "Yes, even though you have struggled. Tell Jayden to help you out. You know he'll feel bad that he hasn't. I'm already one step ahead of you and have my copy. I'm impressed as always. I'll send you a Starbucks gift card so get some stronger coffee. I wish I could be there earlier but I have a small local assignment and a wedding to do before I leave. Love you." Still into her phone, Isabel looked up quickly when she heard someone clear their throat, smiling at the sigh of Dawson. "Hi there. I thought you weren't coming back home until tomorrow?" She asked him softly, walking to the kitchen and wrapped her arms around his waist as she watched him make breakfast. "I'm not complaining though." She added, kissing her pilot gently.
 
"I promised your sister a week ago I would watch her, I didn't know I would be this drained but I don't break promises." Yawning, Amelia kept her fatigued expression on Jayden while he showered her in his praises. "You're sweet, my love. I'm just tired," she whispered apologetically in a dramatic over-sized groan just when their breakfast was delivered to their table. Reading Isabel's text, Amelia opted not to answer for now, turning her attention back to her daughter who was whining for her attention. Reaching for her from across the table, Amelia sighed when Jayden rejected her. She knew he just wanted to help so she nodded, reaching into the bag, Amelia pulled out the bottle and handed it to Jayden, before she nick picked at her fruit, not really interested now, but now that she ordered it she didn't want to waste it.

"If you're not complaining then don't question it," Dawson taunted with a playful smirk, turning towards her to greet her in hello, kissing her forehead tenderly. "I was trying to surprise you but it looks like your phone stole my thunder. Amelia?" He asked knowingly. "How is she? Surviving I hope. I read the front story on her paper, it was well written, I haven't read the rest but it's defiantly Amelia perfected. Your coffee's on the table. Did you have plans today? I wanted to take you somewhere but if you can't we can do it another time. No worries."
 
Jayden sighed softly as he listened to Amelia and nodded. He didn't want her to overwork herself but now that their food was in front of them, he knew she didn't want it anymore. "Don't eat if you don't want to. We can always take it home with us." He said softly, smiling at her before he looked down at their daughter who was happily drinking her bottle. She was hungry just like they were and Jayden loved to feed her. Smiling as little Bel finished her bottle, he set her against his shoulder and lightly patted her back, waiting for her to burp. When she let out the smallest one, he smiled then continued to hold her in his lap as he ate, the little girl's eyes wandering around the entire diner. "What is it Bel? Do you like it here?" He asked her softly, chuckling as she tried to reach for some of his eyes. "No no. You can't have these yet." He said softly, looking at Amelia with a gentle smile. "We'll go to the store after this." He told her softly, sipping his coffee.

Smiling at Dawson, Isabel nodded. "She's surviving although today has been rough. She barley got any sleep and Jayden took her to breakfast and where they're at has weak coffee." Giggling excitedly when Dawson said her coffee was on the table, she gave his cheek a kiss before walking to the table, sitting in her usual spot as she sipped her coffee gracefully. "Mm, perfect." She said softly, taking a few more sips before she set it down and got up to get her iPad, sitting back down as she looked through the calendar and her times. "I'm good with doing something today. I don't have anything to do but I do want to buy an outfit for the wedding I'm taking photographing this weekend. Can we do that at some point today?" She asked him softly, putting her hair up in a bun and putting in her glasses.
 
Amelia nodded, not really paying attention to the contents of the words that Jayden was telling her, only getting the just by putting every few words together. Her over-exhausted brain was shutting down now that it was well past over-drive. Stay Awake! Stay Awake! Stay Awake! Stay--- Who is she? Watching a woman walk towards them and stop at the end of their table, Amelia looked up to her with a blank expression. It took too much energy at this point to force her muscles into a smile. She did notice, however, the gleam in the woman's eyes, the kind that made Amelia's soul turn sour, the slender woman with the overly dyed platinum blonde hair and dark blue eyes, like they were icy from her almost sinister gaze.

"Hi Jayden, I thought it was you from the window. I was so flabbergasted by the possibility that I had to come investigate for myself. How are you? How have you been, I haven't seen you in ages." Listening to the mystery woman, Amelia's strong vibe of disdain, the woman's tone was not one of friendliness but one of vengeance. It sounded like she had an agenda from the moment she suspected she saw Jayden and now that she proved to herself it was him, she wasn't going to stop from completing whatever sick plan she conjured up in that artificially colored skull of hers. Not to mention she made eye contact with Amelia first and still completely ignored her like she was nonexistent. Rolling her dry tongue into her cheek to signal her detest to Jayden as they shared a look, Amelia cleared her throat to remind the woman Jayden wasn't alone at this table. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to be rude but I just don't know who you are and I thought I met all of Jayden's old time friends by now. What's your name?"

The woman removed her eye candied gaze from Jayden, rolling her eyes fast enough before she though Amelia would notice but she did. Giving her the fakest smile Amelia ever received the blonde headed ditz laughed that annoying school girl giggle that made women like Amelia want to punch them, perhaps more than once. "Is that what he told you? That we were friends? That's hilarious! We were way more than friends, honey."

Honey? You might want to rethink that, you fake ass. I know where this is going and it's obvious Jayden learned to have a better taste in women and you're probably the reason why.

"Oh, I see, well do you have a name, sweetie?"




"We can go get your dress when we finish eating, today's activity isn't til later on tonight. After sundown, is that okay? Because I know better than to think you had absolutely nothing planned for today before I showed up. I just want to make sure the plans you did have aren't too serious and can be made up at a later date or I can reschedule our outing." Dawson was chipper today. Or well, he didn't become particularly chipper until he came home to find Isabel comfortably asleep in his bed on the side she deemed as her own now that they were comfortably serious. To see her walk out in his own clothing was just an added plus that still made his heart silence in his chest for a few moments while he tried to freshly comprehend that she was his better half. It still didn't feel real, even after a year and Dawson got the feeling it never would. "My clothes look better on you than they fo me. I like it," he admiited sheepishly, looking back over his shoulder towards her, making their eggs how they both liked them. The overused frying pan, Dawson had since he started in the Navy because the pan's bottom was so burned it took forever for anything to cook in it but Dawson. for some bizzarre reason couldn't bring himself to part with this easily replaceable piece of kitchenware. It wasn't anything fancy. Just a $15 pan he bougt at Walmart. He thought abut making up a story about how the pan symbolized his true first months of adult freedom but he knew, no matter hoe elbaorate the story would be, he couldn't bring himself to believe it.
 
When Jayden spotted the blonde woman make way to their table, he cursed internally. He knew who this woman was and what her goal was. He couldn't believe she was here, trying to converse with him when she knew better. He never wanted to see her again, and the taste she left in his mouth was unpleasant. He knew Amelia was unamused by her as well, since he could tell by her facial expressions. Biting his lip as he watched the two converse, wanting all of this to end. Mandy shouldn't be here. She shouldn't even be talking to Amelia. Holding the now sleeping infant in his arms, Jayden looked up to the tacky blonde, sighing in annoyance at her presence. Speak up, Jayden. You can't just let her attack Amelia like she is. That's her goal. Shut her down. Giving the fakest smile possible, which took a lot for Jayden, he shook his head.

"What do you want, Mandy?" He hissed, if words could kill they would kill the woman who had the audacity to come to the table.

"You don't sound too pleased that I'm here. I've missed you, sweetie. Haven't you missed me?" Mandy asked the officer, ignoring Amelia once more. She wasn't here to deal with her. She was just shocked yet thrilled to know Jayden returned back home.

"I'm not pleased to see you. Please stop ignoring my fiance like she isn't here. I told you to never come near me again, so if you don't mind, please leave." He responded curtly, sighing softly when the blonde rolled her eyes and left. Jayden knew this wouldn't be the end of her random appearances and he wished he never saw her again. Taking Amelia's hand in his own, he smiled gently at her before he kissed her hand. "I'm sorry. I'll explain later. We can leave if you want. She ruined my appetite."



Isabel smiled as she sat at the table happily, listening to her boyfriend as she nodded. "After sunset sounds nice and peaceful. You know me well. I just have some pieces to edit up but I can do that easily." She explained softly, sipping on her coffee as she scrolled through the many news sources she was subscribed to on her iPad. She did the usual and when she heard Dawson's comment regarding the photojournalist in his clothes, she blushed softly but her smile never faded. "Do I? I can continued to wear your clothes if that's what you'd like." She said softly, getting up and walking back towards him, wrapping her arms around his waist as she kissed his neck softly. "I think it's time we get a new pan, my love. We can buy a new set today, if you want." She said with a giggle, sitting on the counter next to him as she watched him cook their eggs.
 
As the scene transpired, at first, Amelia felt her blood pressure rise, escalating her body temperature enough for her to feel the heat radiating from her sucked in cheeks but as conflict began to rise she felt herself get so heated she went completely numb. She was not in her usual benefit-of-the-doubt state of mind to handle this today. She became so overwhelmed by the bomb Mandy dropped on her that she tuned herself out before she heard Jayden honorably defend her. Keeping her head down, she focused her attention on the half-empty salt shaker in front of her to keep from crying. Mandy just proved to Amelia just how little she actually knew about Jayden and how little he knew about her. Amelia knew nothing of Jayden's past relationships or much of his life before she entered it besides the parts of his childhood he confessed to her when they first met, but who was Jayden really? What did he like to do in his spare time before she took all of it? How did he survive when he was too old to be in the foster care system anymore? Was pizza really his favorite food or did he just say it was because he loved how she made it? What did he hate? Was Jayden even capable of hating anything? Did he actually want to move back here or did he just agree to it because it was better for the family they were forming too quickly? Amelia's heavy thoughts were enough to make her want to gasp for air but she held it together long enough for Mandy to walk away. She didn't pull herself from her swarm of questions until Jayden suggest leaving. With already sagged shoulders and dim eyes, she just sighed. "It's okay, finish eating," she said not too convincingly. We never got the chance to get to know each other that way, how can we say we love each other? Is this all because of obligation? How could I have been so stupid that night?

Ten Months Earlier....
The living room in Amelia's apartment was dimly lit while she laid her head in Jayden's lap while he ran his fingers gently through her hair while they whispered into the night, both of them accompanied with a glass of red wine. Amelia could feel her thoughts getting hazy, considering they were both on their second glass of the night after the dinner they shared but she was enjoying the night. Jayden took her to his favorite fine dining place in D.C. where they indulged in overly priced sliced bread and savory steaks, cracking jokes at one another through the meal, bickering over who knew more puns than the other and Amelia won by a landslide before Jayden admitted he was impressed by her mediocre sense of humor and Amelia too pleased by the lutentiant's compliments of her, invited him into her apartment for another drink before they were to part for the evening. Except now, while Amelia laid staring at the ceiling and giggling at everything he said, even when it wasn't humorous at all, was exhilarated by his touch. Even with her head just in his lap she was able to pick up on the scent of his tasteful cologne that always drew her towards him but she tried hard not to focus on it too much while she listened to him tell her she was too talented to be working in the crime department. Anyone could report the facts given to them by the police and attorneys but Jayden felt Amelia was meant to bring change to the world in a much bigger way than she was right now. Shrugging her shoulders she attempted to take the last sip of her wine laying down but it ended up missing her mouth completely and staining his tan colored dress pants. Gasping, Amelia shot up, exclaiming an apology while going to the kitchen to wet a dish towel with warm water and soap."I'm so sorry!" unable to keep a straight face when she ran back over and saw the smirk on his face, bursting into a fit of giggles again while she attempted to soak up as much of the stain as she could before it seeped into the fibers of his pants."What?" she asked innocently, bending to the hight of his knee. As he inched closer, Amelia took in a sharp breath, giggling again when she felt his lips on hers, they tasted like wine but were also intriguingly salty. His hot breath now creating goosebumps on her neck, Amelia stood up and wrapped her arms around his, now back in his lap. "What are you trying to do?" she asked in teasing suspicion. The rest of the night was vague, but Amelia remembered the deep moments of intimacy, they were too vivid to forget and by morning, though she knew she shouldn't have let herself go so easily, she regretted nothing from the night before abs age hoped Jayden didn't either, but looking back on it now, she realized she never asked.

Present Day
"Hey now, Isabel, the pan I own is fine. It gives your eggs, character?" Dawson was trying to sound cheesily convincing but by the end of it he turned his statement into a confused question. Chucking at Isabel's I-Can't-Even-With-You-Right-Now glare Dawson gave into her logical request. "We'll had a new set of pans to the list but I'm still keeping this one." Turning off the burner, Dawson watched the red heat glare back into the stove top as he folded their eggs delicately on two plates, placing them evenly in the center. "Not yet," he insisted when Isabel went to take her choice of a plate. Walking to the fridge he pulled out the bowl of assorted fresh fruits he cut and prepared this morning before Isabel sauntered happily into the kitchen. Placing the fruits evenly around the white edges of the plates, Dawson grinned to himself while Isabel stood by and watched him plate her breakfast as if he was a professional chef. When he finished, he stood back proudly to reveal his masterpiece, with no part of the white plate still visible Dawson successfully made Isabel's plate into the shape of a flower. "There's your Instagram picture for the day." Kissing her cheek whille she marveled over what he had just created for her.
 
That day of intimacy was a day Jayden would never forget. Despite having drank three glasses of wine, he knew what he was doing. Thinking back on it now, it seemed to happen like one of those cliché romance movies but he didn't care. It was the only time they were intimate in that sense, the first time Jayden was ever intimate in that way with anyone else. Sighing softly as Amelia unconvincingly told him to finish eating, Jayden shook his head, standing up with Isabel in his arms as he went to the counter and paid for the bill, walking back over to Amelia and watched her for a brief moment. He knew Mandy's appearance screwed up the day they had planned together and now the officer felt horrible for it. It wasn't like he knew she was going to show up, but now he knew Amelia's head was swarming with thoughts. Taking her hand and leaning in to kiss her cheek, Jayden became concerned when the journalist moved away from him. He was puzzled and felt his heart drop down to his stomach. Amelia never acted this way before but he could only assume she did so because she was upset about the incident that occurred. "Come on. We'll head back home." He said softly, defeated as he let her walk in front of him. He wanted to know what she was thinking. What was she saying to herself mentally. As the couple walked through the city and back to their house, Jayden let Amelia have her distance, and when they arrived back home, he set Isabel in her crib before walking back towards the living room where Amelia was. She hadn't spoken a word since they left and he wanted to know what was wrong. Kneeling down in front of the journalist who sat on the couch, he gently took her hands, giving them both a gentle kiss before he held them and looked at Amelia. "Talk to me. What's going through your head? I'm sorry I didn't tell you about Mandy. I truly am." He apologized gently. He realized Amelia didn't know much about his past but he never really wanted to talk about them. His past was, and still is, a touchy subject for him. "What can I do to make things better? Please tell me what's on your mind."

As Isabel watched the pilot continue to prepare their breakfast, she grew rather eager for her plate as he stopped her from grabbing it after he folded the eggs onto it nicely. Smiling brightly at the flower now present on her plate, she giggled rather bubbly, kissing his cheek before she nodded. "This is definitely going on my Instagram." She said with a smile, taking the plate to the table where she sat down and captured her picture, with Dawson in the background. "Perfect." She said softly, typing away on her phone before she posted the picture after tagging the pilot in it.

My lovely pilot surprised me with his presence today. I love waking up to a breakfast like this, and my coffee made just how I like it. Te amo, Dawson.

"And finished. Thank you for such a beautiful breakfast but I'm starving and ready to dig in." Happily eating her eggs first, Isabel smiled as she watched Dawson do the same. "You're full of surprises aren't ya? I had no idea you could make a plate this beautiful."
 
In the time it took Amelia to walk back to the house with someone she considered a stranger she thought of at least fifty more questions about Jayden she didn't know the answers to and it continued to make her uneasy to the point where she began to feel nauseous. Wanting to keep her distance from him Amelia kept her stride at a decent pace she knew he wouldn't try to sped up to with both their daughter and Chloe in his hands. She was afraid if he caught up to her and tried to confront her she would break down and lose her composure in the middle of the busy street, drawing the eyes of other strangers who didn't know Amelia. What are his long-term goals? Did he want a family? Did he want a family with me? It was too soon for him to consider having a family with me, it was only seven months. Did he go to college? Where did he go to college? How many women was he with before me? Why is he not still with Mandy? Is there another reason he left here besides to be on the force? Did he always want to be on the force? Why did he decide to be on the force? Why did his mom put him and Chris in foster care? Does he know where his mom is? Does he hate her? Does he want to find her? Why didn't you ask these questions sooner?! Haha, because you had sex with him while you both were drinking. You're an idiot. Mom would be disappointed you ,you're so much like the rest of the family after all. Way to go, Amelia. Making the final stride into the house Amelia sank her petite body into the cool leather cushions still consumed by her thoughts, letting the tears that were so eager to fall flood her cheeks. When she heard Jayden enter their home she wiped them away vigorously with the back of her bony hands. She didn't want to look pathetic, even though she felt like she was being an over
dramatic brat who let her insecurities get the best of her. Ignoring Jayden Amelia looked out onto the backyard but heaved a heavy breath when Jayden made himself unavoidable, her angst becoming unbearable. "I don't know you," she whispered in her own embarrassment, keeping her head down, her stray blonde hairs that fell out of her bun falling from the sides of her head, resting on her sticky cheeks. "I don't know you and you don't know me and I was supposed to be better than this. It wasn't supposed to happen this way." Hyperventilating in defeat she squinched her eyes as her tears continued to trail down her face and drip from her chin onto her jeans. I had a baby with a man I barely know and let him move me here where I know no one. "You don't know me like I wanted someone to know me when we made it to this point and it took one of your exes for me to realize how toxic this could end up being and I've put myself in a place that I would never have put myself in before I met you. It scares me."

"Looks can be deceiving that's for sure." Winking at her, Dawson smiled when she wrinkled her nose playfully. "If I showed you all my tricks this soon you would get bored of me too quickly." Resting a tan arm on the solid white table Dawson bit into a piece of watermelon, laughing in embarrassment when watermelon juice spewed from his fork halfway across the table. "Gross!" he shouted in exaggertion before he wiped it up with his napkin, feeling the sticky resdue on his fingers. "So what kind of dress are we looking for today? I ee need to know how big my thick my wad of cash needs to be so I wear the right shorts with the big enough pockets for the occasion. I learned the hard way it's not good to go into these things blind sided."
 
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"Are you saying you regret this?" Jayden asked her softly, almost hurt because he knew what Amelia was now thinking. She felt like she wasn't good enough and now Jayden felt as though he screwed up. He took it too fast without realizing it. Nick was wrong. They shouldn't have taken it this fast just because of what they had been through in the small amount of time. Sighing softly, Jayden continued to hold her hands before he closed his eyes, trying to process in his mind what he should say but the thing was, he had no idea what to say. He was at a loss for words and this wasn't the time for him to not know what to say. I screwed up. She's right. We know nothing about each other. Did she really want to be with me? It was too soon to have a child but we lost ourselves. No, I lost myself. I'm the reason this happened. Way to fucking go, Acciolli. Losing himself to his thoughts, Jayden slowly let go of Amelia's hands, sitting on the floor in front of her as he rubbed his face in frustration. "Amelia, I'm sorry." He whispered softly. "I took things too fast, I'm sorry. I was afraid this would happen. I want to fix this but I don't know how. There is one thing I need you to realize though. I love you, Amelia. That will never change despite me knowing so little about you. I wanted this with you. I wanted to be your forever and when I found out you were pregnant, I couldn't stop the excitement in me from flowing out. You can ask me any question and I will answer it but I think you should know something else." He said softly in the quiet of the day, cupping her face so he could look at her. "I don't regret anything that has happened and Amelia, I've never been intimate with someone like I have been with you. You were my first real everything. I don't ever want to lose you. Promise me I won't because I have something for you."

Rolling her eyes at the pilot, Isabel shook her head before she looked down at her iPad to find out what the theme of the wedding was again. "I was planning on buying the dress myself, amor. I have the money to do so." She said softly, giggling at the you-know-better glare she received from the man across the table. "Okay okay, the dress shouldn't cost much. I'm just thinking of going to Dress Barn for it so maybe around sixty dollars for it. Unless you want to be the best boyfriend ever and buy me another pair of heels." Winking at him, she laughed when he shook his head. The journalist knew the last thing she needed was a pair of heels but she loved shoes with everything she had. "I'm kidding. Save up the money so you can go halves with me on a new lens for my Nikon, please and thank you." Happily eating the fruit, Isabel savored the sweetness from the variety of melons on her plate. "Oh! Can I take you to Express? While rummaging through your clothes last night, I realized you could use some new ties and a better pair of cufflinks that I am more than willing to buy for my dashing pilot." With a bright smile, the photojournalist stood up and took her plate to clean it, along with the pan she wanted to replace but knew it wouldn't happen.
 

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