11

What seemed like an eternity, only a few weeks, they were allowed to take Addison Marley Scott home. Marley could not have been happier. She spent most of those weeks at the hospital. Jordan couldn't have been more thrilled, sarcastically that is. He had gone six years of having all the attention, so one would be able to see where some jealousy could arise from. Jordan locked himself in his room and would only come out if any meal was to be eaten, other than that he would refuse to come out.

"Hey bud, do you wanna go play catch in the yard?" asked Brian.

"NO!" Jordan shouted.

"Come on its what we always do on Sundays. We never miss a Sunday catch day."replied Brian

The door slowly opened. "We can't miss OUR Sunday football right?" 

"Fine!" Jordan pouted. He stomped all the way down the stairs and out the front door then stood at the other end of the yard with his arms folded. "Are you going to throw me the ball or do I need to throw it to myself?"

"Well I can't throw you the ball and expect you to catch it with your arms folded. There's no way that you can unfold your arms in time to catch the ball before it hits you." Brian joked.

Jordan stood there with no response but a raise eyebrow. So, Brian tossed him the ball. Jordan caught the ball. "you didn't think I could, did you?" A sassy Jordan asked.

"Nope, but you sure proved me wrong." Brian said with a smile. "Now how about you ditch the attitude because your baby sister can't catch a football yet and I need a partner."

10

As tough as it was to leave her family back in Seattle, Marley couldn't be happier to finally sleep in her own bed, but not as excites as Jordan. As soon as Brian put the car into park, Jordan whipped off his seat belt and ran into his bedroom and pulled his covers over him to go to bed. "Looks like someone could not wait to get home." Brian chuckles.

Marley walked into the living room to lie down on the couch. She had been feeling extra sick today. It wasn't like an actual sickness, it just felt sick to her stomach. She had figured it was motion sickness or something else, nothing big. Brian walked in, "whats wrong?" he asked.

"Something doesn't feel right. I've just had this sickening feeling that something is wrong." Marley held her belly. "I think I'm just wore out."

"Get back in the car, I've driven for basically a full week, what's a few more miles to the hospital. You can never be too sure." Brian reached over to help Marley off the couch. Brian put Marley back into the car, ran upstairs to get Jordan and heard Marley yell from the garage.

"Brian HURRY!"

Brian ran down the stairs holding Jordan, "Marley what happening?!" She was passed out in the front seat. Brian broke several laws driving to the hospital, but was cautious as ever. He figured that by the time an ambulance arrived it would be quicker to just drive to the ER himself.

"What's wrong with mommy?" Jordan asked from the back.

"Put your seat belt on and don't worry." Brian said with a scared look on his face.

They pulled up to the hospital and yelled for help. He explained that she wasn't feeling okay and just thought that she had motion sickness from all the driving. He said she passed out when they were getting ready to head to the hospital. Brian worried, more than ever, held Jordan's hand and walked to the waiting room.

Brian sat there watching Jordan play on his tablet for what felt like hours upon hours. He called his parents and brother, all of which were on their way. He left messages for Marley's parents and siblings and said that once he hears something he will call back. Finally someone walked out to him. "Whats going on no one will tell me anything!"

"Mr. Scott, your wife she went into preterm labor. She had severe bleeding..." The doctor explained.

"Is, is she ok!? Is the baby?" Brian questioned

"Your wife, she is fine. And you're the father of a baby girl. Do you want to see them?" Brian hugged the doctor. He didn't even know who he was, he wasn't the one they had been seeing, but was extremely grateful.
Brian backed up, "Oh sorry, its just no one would tell me anything and I was starting to get worried."

"I'll take you to your wife's room, and when you're ready I can have a nurse show you to where your daughter is, seeing as how she's a premature we're keeping a very close eye on her." They walked up to where Marley was sleeping. The doctor explained what happened and how they proceeded. He told Brian to just keep an eye on his wife and make sure she takes it easy when she leaves, but she is going to be at the hospital for a while. He explained that the baby would definitely be staying longer because she's a premature and there are all sorts of problems that may arise.

"Thank you, I'm not sure exactly what you said and you're going to need to explain it later to me but I just want to be with my wife right now." Brian walked over to Marley's bedside. Brian holding Jordan in his arms, walks over and places him on the couch by the window and asked a nurse for an extra blanket. He grabbed Marley's hand and sat next to her.

Brian's parents walk in, "Brian, how is she?" asks his mother.

"She's fine, I can't leave her side. I haven't even seen the baby yet. I can't leave her alone and Jordan asleep on the couch." Brian walks over and hugs his mom.

"Go, we're here now, go see her. We have things handled here. And your brother is on his way." Brian's dad said reassuringly. Brian leaves the room and asks the nurse to take him to his daughter.
They reach the NICU and the female nurse explains that the baby is going to be smaller than normal, and that he needs to be extra careful, but not to worry she hasn't had any problems since arriving at the NICU. Brian puts on this blue paper like robe over the front of him.

He walks over to the incubator and he's just overwhelmed with joy and happiness. Brian, a man who has refused to cry over his best friend's death or anything else, let a tear roll down his face. "When can I hold her?"

"You can't right now but you can put your hands through these holes and touch her." the nurse replied. Brian put his hand inside the incubator and was shocked that something so small was doing so well. She was about the size of his entire hand. Its a miracle that she's even alive. Marley was only 25 weeks along.

"How is it possible?" Brian asked.

"What?" replied the nurse.

"That a baby this small is perfectly fine. She is breathing on her own, no problems no ANYTHING?"

"Its amazing the things that happen. I and the doctors have no idea. I guess you can say that miracles do happen. Sometimes its nice knowing that there is something to believe in other than science." The nurse smiled.

"Addison," whispered Brian, "you're already a handful and I haven't even picked you up."

"That's a beautiful name." Brian's mother said as she put her hand on his shoulder. "Beautiful just like her mother. Oh and if you're wondering, shes awake, but has no idea what has happened. I thought I'd leave that to you and the doctors. Go, I'll stay here."
Brian kisses his mother on her cheek then leaves.

"Brian! What's going on, why am I here? What happened?" Marley weakly asks.

"Its okay, you're fine. We had a little bit of a scare but its okay and we're golden." Brian says as he sits beside Marley. "Oh and you are the mother of a beautiful baby girl."

"Well of course she's beautiful have you seen me?" Marley says as she falls back asleep.

9

She sits there, beside his bed. Tubes coming out of his body, machines beep, oxygen is being pumped. For a moment she couldn't hear any of that. She grabbed his hand, its warm but she doesn't feel him. He's not there, it just doesn't feel right at all. She doesn't feel like she's even in her own body. Its as though she is watching herself beside her husband. "It must be a dream. There's no way this is even real." Marley thinks to herself. "I would totally believe it if I wasn't trying to wake up from this nightmare for the last two hours."

"Mrs. Scott, whenever you're ready." The nurse whispers.

"NOT YET!" Marley barks back. Shes not ready for this. No one is ever ready to pull the plug on anyone, especially her husband. No one should ever have to do this. There's so much to live for. The children are both under 10. There's so much living and growing left for all of them. "There's no way that I can do this." Marley thinks.

"Brian," She whispers, "Its me, you probably already know that," Marley continues, "If there's any way you could just wake up, right now, move, flinch, anything, just do it. Do it now!"

*Nothing*

"I hate you for making me do this, but..... you, I love you." Marley looks up as to try to hold back the flood gates from her eyes to burst. She has always been great with holding back all those tears. "I never had the way with words that you had. I never could sweep you off your feet with the flow of words pouring out of my mouth, that was you. Brian, I love you," She squeezed his hand, "I know you can hear me, you've never left me, but you need to go. You go." Marley leaned over and kissed his head. Tear streaks down her face, one lands on Brian's face. She can't hold it back any longer. She wants to look away but can't. She can't take her eyes off Brian. Marley takes a deep sigh and closes her eyes, to pretend she's not in that room, or situation. "Okay, I'm ready."




Seattle held so much more than what they anticipated. Passive aggressive comments, dagger stares, and more eye rolls than one pair of eyes can ever preform, or watch. But all of that was the opposite of what actually happened. The only tears that were shed were one from laughing too much, and from Jordan stubbing his toe on grandma's coffee table. Conversations were never dull, there was always something to reminisced about or even laughed at. Marley could not remember when she had laughed this much with her parents and family. She leaned over to Brian, "I can't think of a time besides one Thanksgiving, where my whole family sat down at a table and ate a meal where no one was upset."

"It's nice isn't it." Brian smiled and put his arm around Marley.

Marley began to cry.

"What's wrong?!" Brian asked

"Its my emotions that are flying all around. I'm not sad, it really is nice." Marley laughed. They spent more time in that house than they did touring Seattle like they had planned. The whole itinerary was thrown out as soon as Marley sat down at that dining table when they first arrived. Which Brian was completely alright with.

Brian grew up with always having his family close. There was rarely a time when all of his family was not seated at the dinner table for dinner. He spent a great majority of his youth being around all of his siblings and parents. He did understand how Marley has handled not being so close with her family. He wasn't about to push her into something she didn't want to do, but knew eventually things would fall into place.

The final day of their stay arrived, and Brian, Marley, and Jordan drove up into the mountains, to a spot that over looked the city. "One of my boyfriends in high school used to take me up here." Marley chuckled.

"ONE!!!" Brian gasped. "You must have been quite the popular girl. I mean look at ya, I can't be totally mad." He laughed, "I mean, I ultimately won because you married ME and decided that I was a good enough choice to have a couple of kids with."

"Listen here bud, I was the one who lucked out and landed the hottie." She replied.

"Um, okay this is kinda gross, mom!" Jordan said disgusted. Marley and Brian laugh then smile at each other. It was cute the way that they looked at each other. It was almost as though they had feel in love all over again. But that feeling has never left them. It just was one thing that seemed too good to be real. But when you live in something that seems too good to be real, it is real, its no different than anything else.

Brian pulls the car over, "Your mom wasn't joking when she was telling us how pretty it was up here was she bud?" He asks Jordan.

"Its just Seattle dad, whats the big deal?" Jordan said without looking up from his tablet. Brian and Marley weren't too concerned, he didn't really understand the beauty. They stood over by the edge of the cliff, Brian holding Jordan and Marley with her arm around Brian.

"Its not a big deal, but it sure is nice." Brian exhaled, "Kind of like us."

Marley looked up into his eyes, smiled and kissed him. "Lets go home."

8

Well, the drive to Seattle was probably worse than flying with a newborn. Every so many miles they were reminded what it was like to take this trip without hearing "when are we going to get there, who is this, who is that, why are we going, why haven't I ever met grandma and grandpa?" All were good questions but there was only a few times that backseat was silent. Finally when they arrived to Seattle it was about noon, and Marley became super nervous. "Could you pull over for a second?" Marley quietly asked.

"Uh, yeah sure whats going on?" Brian confused pulled the car to the side of the road. Just in time for Marley to open the door and nearly miss the car barfing. "I'm smart enough to know that you're too far along for morning sickness, whats wrong?"

"I don't think this was a good idea. We should just turn around and leave. They haven't even seen us since our wedding. It's not ok! Its all going to go to badly." Marley frantically exclaimed. "Brian, they never tried to visit and neither did I."

Brian grabbed Marley's hand, "Its ok, life happens. The point is that we're here now and I'm not about to turn around because I'm too tired to drive anymore and quite frankly I have some questions to ask and Jordan NEEDS to meet his family! So saddle up and lets do this!" Marley smiled, he always has questions, hes a lawyer, and he always has a point. No wonder he is so good at his job.

They turn up a driveway to a gate. "I think we're lost." Brian said looking at his navigation as though it was broken.

"Nope, just reach out and press 44382." Marley instructed. Brian reached out and punched in 44382 and the big white gate began to open. They drove up a small road to see horses on both sides of the road and a big brick house at the end of the driveway. "Welcome to my parent's house."

"Ok, What the heck is this?! You always told me that your family couldn't afford to even fly to our wedding. You had me believe that you grew up in a 'humble home'." Brian exclaimed.

"I did, this isn't the home I grew up in. My father is a very well known doctor. My mother, she works for the government. This is NOT what I grew up in. They decided that after I moved out and across the country to buy this house. I do not know what its like to have both parents home and not always at a hospital or at some meeting or ceremony. I practically raised myself. My parents did end up paying for their own flight out to our wedding, your parents probably never told you, its ok." Marley explained.

They hop out of the car and the front door opens, "There's my grandson!" hollers Dr. Samuel Avery.

"He's gotten so much bigger since the last picture you sent me." Said Sen Hailey Avery.

"Mom, I sent you a picture yesterday of him trying to shove two twix bars up his nose at the same time. There's no way he's gotten any bigger." Marley said condescendingly.

"And there's the happy couple that never even tries to visit." Sam said.

"And there's the grandparents who so willingly visit their grandson so often." Marley mumbled under her breath.
Brian grabbed Marley by the arm, "Don't, that's not a fight you want do you?" Marley shook her head and put on a forced smile. If she was going to spend 3 days she had better make the first one at least pleasant.

Marley grabbed the bags, only to have them taken from her hands by Brian immediately. Marley's parents looked confused then when she walked out from behind the car they noticed her large belly. "Um, what is this?" Hailey asked in wonder

"Well it looks like I'm pregnant again. Surprise!" Hollered Marley I figured I'd just surprise you. Since that's how all my news gets to you." Marley's mom rushed over to give her a hug. "This is definitely not how I expected her to react." she thought.

Brian nudged Marley and smiled. "See, so far so good, if not better than you thought. You chat it up with your parents and I'm gonna take a nap. Shouldn't be too hard to find an empty room in this big ol house."

Marley and her mom sat down in the living room and talked about school, Brian's work, Jordan, and especially about the little girl they were expecting. They just could not stop talking. They had so much to catch up on. It wasn't like they never talked to each other, they talked almost every day. Its just nice to talk face to face sometimes. Sam got called into the hospital for an emergency so he left a few hours after their arrival.

"So, how are YOU doing, you know with a 7 year old, a lawyer husband and school?" Hailey asked.

"School is out for summer, Brian is home every night, and Jordan, oh Lord that kid has me going everywhere and always keeps me on my toes. But I LOVE it/them. They just keep me going."

"Hows the pregnancy going? Any troubles?"

"Its much easier now that I know what to expect and no! Its perfect. Other than I didn't tell Brian for over a month and he flipped out because I knew and I didn't tell him."

"I would have flipped out too! But its okay, you told him and he's happy?"

"Of course he's happy, I was the nervous one. I wasn't sure I was ready for another kid I guess. I wasn't EXPECTING another kid at all. It was 7 years since my last one. Just kinda jumped out and surprised me."

"Have you thought of any names and are we sure its a girl?" Hailey said pulling out a tray of cookies from the oven.

"I want to name her Addison. It just has always been a name I've loved. I wanted to name her after my best friend in college. Not the prettiest but one hell of a friend. And YES its a girl. Its just perfect a boy and a girl!" Marley said then thought twice about licking the spoon covered in cake batter. "You know how hard it is to not eat this. The last thing I need is salmonella."

"That's not even a thing, its just what people say to keep you from being happy." Hailey said as she took the spoon from Marley's hand and licked it.

Brian walked into the kitchen right to Marley and kissed her on the cheek. "Glad to see you awake."

"How can anyone sleep when you can smell chocolate chip cookies being cooked." He replied

The three of them walked into the living room to where Jordan was asleep on the floor with the ESPN-his favorite show- playing. Brian picked up Jordan, "Looks like we aren't going on any sight seeing tonight." He took Jordan to his room and tucked him in goodnight.

Hailey grasped Marley's hands, "I've never really got to tell you how much you hit the jackpot with Brian. He just seems.."

"Perfect," Marley finished.

7

So there she sat, wondering how to tell her husband. She was skeptical to tell him about their first child, she knew he didn't necessarily want kids, but he didn't ever say he did not want kids either. They just never really talked about it. They didn't really ever talk about the future ever, other than that they wanted to spend it together and to be happy.

Sitting on the couch she twirled her phone in her hands. Fiddling with it, occasionally dropping it because she lost focus. Nervous on how to even bring up the conversation. "What would be a great conversation to even bring up a baby?" she questioned. From the back she could hear Jordan playing with his toys. He never could play quietly, as most kids do. That was o k, it drew her attention from where she wanted it to be. "Mommy," Jordan bellowed from five feet away, "can I have some ice cream?"

"We haven't had lunch yet."

"Well duh, after lunch." Jordan sassed. Marley wasn't a very big fan that he being 6 was the sassiest kid she had ever met. And she has been around children, that of elementary ages, since college some 9 years ago.

"If I didn't know that you got your sass from your father I would be worried."

"Mom, I don't even know what sass means. So don't use words I don't know."
Rolling her eyes she walked to the kitchen to make some lunch. Marley wasn't much of a cook. She could make the basics, but rarely would go all out and make meals from scratch. She just wasn't that kind of person, and Brian knew that. When they met her specialty was cold cereal, Ramen, and the Drive-Thru. So they normally had a sandwich for lunch everyday and no one ever complained.

Just as she was sitting down with Jordan to eat lunch, Brian comes through the garage. "What are you doing home?!" She asked

"I just need to talk to you." Brian said worriedly. "I... I just need to talk to you face to face."

"What's going on!"

"Nothing.. well er, I don't know. You tell me, I can't focus on work, or sleep knowing something is up and you won't talk to me."
Marley sat there in silence, "how in the hell does he know? Does he know? Is he mad?" she asked herself.

"What do you know? What do you know and why is it so big of a deal that you cant 'focus' on your work."

"What I got on my brain is that I know you're pregnant and WON'T tell me?! WHY what did I do? Why are you so worried to tell me? I'm your husband, you should tell me first!" Brian progressively got louder.

"Woah, slow down and probably lower your voice." Marley walked up to Brian and grabbed his hand. "I didn't know how to tell you. We never really talked about having kids or how many. Jordan kinda just happened, and well its not like we're trying. I'm happy I didn't know if you were or weren't. I was just worried at how to even bring it up."

"YOU JUST SAY I'm pregnant and its yours." Brian exclaimed.

"Ok, that makes it seem like I was sleeping around, why should I have to tell you that its yours. Lately, you've not been super approachable. I, I just wanted to get you in a good mood and probably tell you after our trip." Marley said softly.

Brian hugged Marley, "Sorry, I know work has taken over, it shouldn't. I should be able to leave it at the office or door, you and Jordan shouldn't have to feel like you can't talk to me. YOU should never have to hesitate to talk to me, especially about things like this. OF COURSE I'm happy! Why wouldn't I be? We never talked about it because I didn't think you EVER wanted kids. You've always joked about not wanting kids, I never thought you were serious but I never knew fully if it was an actual joke. Mar, I love you, I love Jordan, and I will love this one just as much if not more when it gets here. I'm sorry that you felt like you couldn't talk to me. Please, please never let that ever cross your mind. I'm your husband and am always here for you." He bent over, grabbed her face and kissed her passionately.

Marley pulled back, "how did you know? Its not like you're home when I have morning sickness."

"Oh hun, you left the pregnancy test on the sink for like a week straight. Seems like you already had pregnancy brain." Brian laughed. He hugged Marley then turned to look at Jordan with peanut butter on his white shirt, "ahh your mother's famous PB&J, that was the first thing she ever made for me, it won me over and I just simply couldn't stay away after then."

"Its not that good but I was really hungry so I'll eat just about anything." Jordan said licking the peanut butter from his fingers.

"Since I had to miss my lunch, get behind that counter and make me a sandwich woman!" Brian chuckled. Marley walked behind the counter took out two slices of bread and tossed them at Brian.

"Go ahead and make your sexist joke and while you're at it make yourself a sandwich. My show is on TV." She said slyly with half a grin and a raised eyebrow. Brian chased after her and they both fell on the couch laughing, only to have Jordan join in on the laughter and fun.

6

After returning back to work Marley learned that she was pregnant with another child. Mixed emotions flew around. How was she supposed to feel, They didn't really talk about how many kids they wanted in the first place. They never said that they didn't want to have kids, but definitely didn't talk about having a family. They were perfectly content with their lives then Jordan came along, which wasn't a bad thing, but it happened and they just went with it. Marley, confused with her situation, decided that she was overthinking it and may just let it go for a little while then tell Brian.

See Brian was up for a promotion at work and was focused on just that, and his family. But he let his work overshadow just about everything else. He would spend all day and many nights at his office to impress the big boss. Marley completely understood. She didn't hold that over him and never did, but she did feel pretty lonely many of those nights. She wasn't alone, she had Jordan, and another one on its way. But that didn't stop her from putting on a smile and not skipping a beat. School began to get more and more stressful, and being pregnant and not telling her husband didn't help any either. She wanted to tell someone. But decided that maybe after Brian gets the promotion, after school is let out on summer break, she would tell Brian and then let her family know. 

Now see Marley was the kind of person who liked to keep things to herself. If there was a problem she would find a way to get through it, or would just throw it into a, theoretical, hole and just move on. She figured that if she could throw enough things into that hole no one would know and she wouldn't have to bring them up ever. It was perfect, she could go on living her perfect happy life and no one would know. Marley hadn't talked to her parents or siblings since moving to Chicago for school some years ago. She didn't hate them or anything, but liked keeping her life to herself. None of her family bothered to ever visit her. She was lucky enough that Brian's parents offered to pay for her 3 brothers and 1 sister and her parents plane tickets to fly to the wedding. But only her parents came. They were very prideful about taking this handout and did make a big deal about it several times. Marley hated that every time she tried to talk to her family they threw her "perfect life" in her face. She figured that if some emergency came up she would be on the next flight home in a heartbeat. What was so bad about her and her life that her family hated?

School finally ended and Brian had finally gotten that promotion and was more than excited to hit up Seattle, where he had never been. "Now how wet is it there? Is it going to completely ruin my hair? Should I just plan on always wearing a hat?" he joked. 

"Ha ha very funny. Its not that bad, we'll buy you some really good hair products so that my family hates us even more." 

"Woah, whats wrong? Aren't you happy to be going home? You were the one who wanted to go visit your family for our summer vaca."

"Well, they haven't talked to me much since the marriage. None of these people have even met Jordan in person. None of them ask how we are. And all I get from them is what I see on their social media pages. They don't even bother to send wedding invites or baby announcements. It sucks.What did I do to be excluded from this family?"

"Babe, nothing. You have done nothing wrong. Your family can't afford to fly out here to Chicago, they hate handouts, and quite honestly they are the ones with the problem. See I hated that only your parents showed up to the wedding and I hated it even more that NONE of your family came to meet Jordan when he was born. But did I let that bother me, NO. I have the best wife, the raddest 4 year old, the best job, and to top it all off I hear that I'm up for 'Father of the Year' again this year. How about that?" 

Brian walked over and hugged Marley as hard as he could then kissed her almost as hard. "You are what wakes me up in the morning, Jordan is what wakes me up at night, and that my dear is all we need."

Marley wrapped her arms around his neck and laid her head on his shoulder. There is nothing more that they needed. Other than for her to tell him that shes pregnant again... 

5

Marley enjoyed going to work everyday, but she couldn't help but worry about her son every waking moment of the day. She wanted to stay home and just be with him. She would worry that she would miss something important, or wouldn't be there when he was crying and needed his mother. The thought that Marley had to take her baby to her Sister-in-law's for 8 hours of the day just made Marley feel depressed. This feeling eventually led to Marley asking to take an extended leave from her teaching. If there was no better moment for an "I told you so" than when Marley told Brian her decision to stay home with Jordan. But Brian being the humble man he was didn't say that, but instead hugged them both and decided that they needed a vacation of their own. 

Now taking any baby on a vacation isn't idea, but with Marley finally taking a leave from her job, and Brian's work slowing down for a moment, there was no time like the present. That night they loaded into the truck and drove several hours to Brian's ranch. The ranch wasn't as big as he remembered it growing up, as for his parents had decided to sell the majority of the cattle, horses, and other livestock. There just was no one anymore to take care of the ranch so keeping it as low maintenance as possible was the best thing for his parents who just simply couldn't do it all.

This just tore Brian up inside, he wanted to but the ranch from his parents and hire people to run it for him when he had to be at work. But his father, Stan, couldn't see that ever happening. There was no way that Stan would let that happen, its been a family owned and run ranch. Marley always loved "visiting" the ranch but didn't ever want to make it a lifestyle. She enjoyed their home just outside of the city, she liked having neighbors that came over to check and make sure she or Brian didn't need anything. Brian was the same, as much as he wanted to move back home he too loved the suburb lifestyle, well he mostly loved the block parties so he could show off his BBQ skills, which always left people speechless, because the neighborhood didn't understand that because something is charred it isn't burnt. 

The best part about the ranch was that there were always horses and places to ride to, As soon as they arrived Brian unloaded Jordan and their bags and Marley fetched the horses, That was always their first thing to do. Brian took Jordan to his mother, Linda and she could not have been more excited to see her grandson. Jordan was Linda's third grandson, she had yet to have any granddaughters. But that didn't stop her from getting all the loving on Jordan she could. Brian's parents weren't anti city life but they didn't enjoy spending longer than a few hours in the city, and that usually included them passing through. They were simple folk. But in their old age Brian felt that they needed to find somewhere to retire and relax. He hated the thought that one or both would pass and no one would know until the next person visited the ranch.

Off they rode towards the treeline. Marley and Brian hadn't visited the ranch for almost a year, they really enjoyed staying home and being with Jordan. While out riding Marley quietly said, "you were right."

"Woaaaahh." Brian shocked pulled on the reigns. "What did you say, and why?"

"You know damn well what I said. You were right on the whole me staying home with Jordan." Marley rolled her eyes

"Don't get me wrong I love that you ended up quitting to stay home. And I know how hard that was for you. I never want you to do anything you don't want to do." 

"I'm happy you were right. I'm happy I get to spend all this time with my son, and with you. I see you when you leave then I see you when you get home. I hate to see you leave each day, but I love to watch you go...you know because your butt, yeah it looks good." Marley chuckled

"We never can have a decent conversation without you trying to be funny." Brian said. And before he could start another sentence Marley kicked her horse and ran off. 

"Feel free to try to keep up." She hollered from up a ways.

The two rode for a few hours before they got to their spot. Brian called it "Our Spot" because it was the spot he knew without a doubt in his mind that Marley was the one person who was going to make the rest of his life the happiest he had ever hoped it would be. She didn't know it but Brian sure did. It was all perfect, the way she just sat there and didn't say a word, looking off into the sunset, taking in all the beauty of the mountains. From this spot they could see the ranch, the small down way down in the valley, and the river that ran through the valley. It was a picture perfect spot. 

Marley sat there just as she did 4 years ago, quiet and in awe. "This place hasn't changed and its why I love it. Its just a simple life." Brian hopped off his horse and helped Marley off hers and they say down over by the tree they carved their names into.

"So, we've been at this a while." Brian said

"Uh yeah.." Marley replied confused.

"What I mean is I'm not perfect and on occasion you drive me bonkers. BUT I wouldn't change anything about us for anything. I met you my second, your first, year of college. You had a great head on your shoulders, and I kinda was head over heels for some girl that had this thing for chicken nuggets and milkshakes. I didn't know I would spend the next two years falling more and more in love with you. I did know I wanted you to be mine forever. I didn't know you were so patient when I said I didn't wanna get married until after I finished law school. I didn't know you planned our entire wedding and included EVERYTHING I wanted. I didn't know I would give up my simple life to move to work in the city, and you be totally fine with it." Brian explained

"I didn't have much of a choice.... I kinda liked you." Marley laughed

"Woman, focus." Brian laughed. "I'm trying to be serious. You went on some crazy trip to Italy with some talk drink of water. You worked to fulfill your dream, and you did. You brought this perfect bundle of joy into our lives. And you then, after us getting into an argument, realized I was right and realized how much you wanted to stay home with our son. You have given up everything so that I can work day in and day out so you don't have to. All I want to know is what do you want? You never complain or ask for things, but I want to know what you want. Where you wanna go from here."

"I can't ask for things that I already have." Marley quickly responded.

"After 5 years of marriage what has changed. What do you want to change?" Brian asked

"So much has happened in those five years. We moved to the city. You and I both landed our dream jobs. You and I both are home at night and in the mornings. I quit my job so I could be with Jordan. But to be honest I wish I didn't. I love being home but I want to go back to teaching. AND I want us to visit my family this summer." Marley slugged Brian. See, Marley's parents live in Seattle. And its not a short drive from Chicago like Brian's parents are. 

"I think I can get on board with both of those. Just as long as we don't stay more than a week at your parents." Brian laughed and then Marley punched him so hard he fell off the log they were sitting on. They both sat there watching the sun set over the valley, Marley leaning on Brian. Brian kissed Marley's head, "I don't think my life could get any better but you always find a way." And just like that Brian started to sing, "You're more than a lover. There could never be another. To make me feel the way you do. Oh we just get closer. I fall in love all over. Every time I look at you I don't know where I'd be without you here with me. Life with you makes perfect sense. Oh Marley, YOU'RE MY BEST FRIEND."

"And you can't carry a tune if your life depended upon it." Marley laughed. "Let get back." She leaned over and kissed Brian and then said, "Race you back?"

4

And just like that, what they thought was perfect was nothing compared to what they were about to have in their lives. Brian persisted that Marley stay home and be a full time mom, but Marley wanted to be a teacher, she felt that she was changing lives everyday. Marley applauded those who were full time moms, but it just wasn't for Marley. This slightly upset Brian. He had hoped she would stay home, he made more than enough money to support him and his family. But that wasn't it, Marley didn't want to be cooped up in the hose. She felt that her dreams were of being a teacher were reached then only a year later she had to give that all up.

Brian loved Marley with all his heart and was hoping that she would see that staying home was the best option for their situation. No matter how much he tried to convince Marley to become a stay at home mom, she ignored him. Every time the conversation was brought up Marley avoided it like the plague. Brian was starting to catch on, this only made him more angry.

"Why won't you talk to me about this!" He yelled from the kitchen.

"Because you're telling me that I have to give up my dreams of being a teacher to stay at home with our baby. There's nothing wrong with both of us working. Just because I want to work does not mean that I'm a bad mother. I still get to come home each night and see my child and husband. And for crying out loud, I have every weekend, holiday, AND summer off."

"That's not what I'm saying. I'm saying I'd like if you stay home, you are fee to choose whatever you want.I don't want you to be mad at me. You got mad at me before we could even discuss this. I wouldn't ask you to do anything that made you unhappy. Whatever you decide I will stand by and support you. You just have to talk to me and let me know, quit bottling up your emotions, because quite frankly you're not very good at hiding them."

Brian walked over to his wife, sitting on the couch, leaned over placed one arm around Marley and put his other hand on her belly and said, "I wouldn't want anything less than happiness for either one of you."

Marley knew that already, she just felt as though she was eventually going to end up as a stay at home mom, her worse nightmare. Marley wasn't cut out for the cooking and cleaning, the running kids to school, grocery shopping, shoot she and Brian ate out four times a week. Marley wasn't much of a cook, she could whip you up an amazing box cake or top ramen, those were just her specialties. As for cleaning, she tied to clean up after herself so that she didn't have to dedicate several hours or even worse, a whole day, to cleaning. It just wasn't Marley's dream to become a "stay at home" mom. 

They prepared for months and when the time came they still didn't feel like they were ready to have a baby boy. No parents are really ready for kids. They're the biggest plot twist in any life. On March 13, weighing 6 lb 7 oz Jordan Brian Scott was born. Marley and Brian once thought that they had the perfect life, but that all changed when they held their son for the first time. 

At one point in Brian's life he had dreamed of having a son to grow up on the ranch ride horses from the day he was born, to moving cattle, to wearing boots and a cowboy hat. That all changed when he moved to the city, had to wear a suit everyday for work, and rarely visited the ranch on holidays. Now Brian saw a star athlete, one who would never ride any bucking anything, a boy who would drive all the girls wild, a gentleman, a son who would throw the pig skin on Sundays, a son who would follow in his old man's footsteps and find someone as amazing as his mother to marry and have a few kids of his own. Brian was so overcome with emotion he couldn't help but let out a few tears. 

Brian had only cried two other times until today. Brian covered his face with his hand while holding Jordan with the other. Marley watched and said, "I always thought I was a happy person, but there are no words to describe the joy I have right now for my perfect son."

Perfect is the accurate word to describe Jordan. Two weeks after he was born he had not cried even once. Marley was certain there was something wrong, but there wasn't. Jordan was all smiles, but always aware of his surroundings. Though he hardly slept, that didn't stop him from being perfect. Marley was always concerned there was something wrong, no newborn was ever like this. But doctors assured her that there wasn't. Healthy and happy were the response. The only things that Jordan didn't like, his daddy's singing and his mommy's "funny" faces. 

Every person that held Jordan said the same thing, "Boy isn't he just perfect."

And every time Marley would respond, "He sure is, he sure is."

3

The aisle was covered with white flower petals. The sun shone through the cracks through the barn walls. The guests carrying on with quiet chatter. Suddenly it stops, finally the moment they all had been waiting for. Brian standing tall and not in a typical cowboy look, but a tux, which was his soon to be wife's request. Anxiously waiting all day for this moment, he finally didn't have to wait any more. Dressed in a white lace dress, hair accented with wild flowers that matched her boquet. To Brian, she couldn't have looked more perfect.

She walked down the aisle, but it wasn't a walk, her walk so graceful it was like she was floating. Brian waited with tears in his eyes and hand over his mouth, she could't have looked more perfect. "How is she keeping her composure" Brian thought. He just wanted to run to her scoop her up and run away. He reached down, took her hand and with tears in his eyes he said, "gosh I love you."

The "I dos" came, the big ol' kiss, and finally the announcing of Mr. and Mrs. Scott, followed by cheers and clapping. This day couldn't have been more perfect. Marley, skeptical of having a wedding in a barn out in the boondocks had the wedding of her dreams. All of their families were in attendance along with their friends, there was a dance floor, food, drinks, and even a firework farewell. Instead of driving away in Brian's ol' hunk of junk they rode down the road on horseback, yeah that was Brian's idea since he couldn't wear boots and jeans to his own wedding.

They drove straight from the reception to the airport where they boarded a plane to Italy. Marley always dreamed of a wedding in Italy, but since she wasn't rich and famous, she settled for a honeymoon there instead. They visited Rome, Milan, Pompeii, Venice, and everywhere in between. It isn't every day that you visit Italy. Brian's parents decided that after he graduated from Law School they would buy him a graduation present and instead they sent him and Marley to Italy. This was a big celebration for both of them. Married, Brian had landed his dream job of being a lawyer at the firm he had interned for while in law school.

This didn't overshadow Marley and her determination to pursue her dreams. While she was planning the wedding she was also finishing up her finals within the education program. She had been working for years to become a high school English teacher. She loved kids and had a passion for writing and teaching. It just made sense for her to become an educator. Unfortunately she had to travel for work. Brian worked in the city and her school was about 1/2 hour away from their new home. This was not a big deal for either of them. As long as they both got to come home at night and saw each other for breakfast in the morning they could manage.

As newlyweds it was a little bit of a struggle. Its new, you're married, you're living with this new person, you're never home, it just adds up. But that didn't stop Brian from being the optimistic person he was. He had to be. See, Brian was a defense lawyer. He defended all sorts of people, so when he came home he just wanted to hug and kiss his wife each day and hear about her and the kids she teaches. Each day Marley would have all sorts of stories to tell Brian. Marley knew not to ask about Brian's work, no matter how much he tried to cover it up she could tell that there was something that happened or something that is bugging him. Brian would persist that nothing is wrong or that it wasn't anything to worry about. He was good about taking the attention away from his bad day and focus it on her.

On one of the hardest of days, Brian wanted to break down and explain how he lost a case that led to a son being taken away from his parents because they didn't love him and had him fend for himself. Brian came home, threw his bags on the floor, and plopped on the couch. Tears filled his eyes, he knew what he did was for the boy's better interest, but it just hurts knowing how long the boy had to be on his own and felt disregarded for most of his life. But he didn't want to bombard his wife with this sad story. Instead he just sat there on the couch with his hands on his face. Marley walked over and hugged him. They sat there in silence, Brian finally looked into Marley's eyes and asked her why she was crying. "Am I crying too much? Does she think I ran over our dog?" Brian thought.

Marley grabbed his hands, "Brian, I'm pregnant."

2

Loneliness was the last thing Marley expected when she left for college. Yeah sure, you're moving out on your own but you're getting roommates, friends, classmates, coworkers, there's nowhere to be alone. But It didn't matter how many people she had by her side, she still felt all alone in this big world. 7.2 billion and somehow she never felt more alone. Sure she was the happy go lucky person in public, not afraid to be outgoing and different, but something was missing. Day in and day out was the same thing; go to school, come home change, go to work, go to the gym, talk to the roommates then off to bed. Marley loved structure and routines.

The girl was a walking contradiction. Around others she loved to be loud and obnoxious, but alone she loved the quiet and peace. Marley could see both sides to most situation, and if not she was definitively open to other options, no matter how bias she could be. In the comfort of family and friends she would voice her opinions and quirky comments, but at school and work she was the person to sit in the back and keep to herself. Being musically inclined was one of her best traits, but if you ask her she would meekly tell you yes but would refuse to demonstrate her skills.

You could probably say that she chose to feel alone all the time. She chose to stay home and be alone instead of going out to the movies, or to parties. She would on the rare occasion attend various parties and events after the long pleading and pressuring from her roommates. "Give me one solid reason to go," was the usual response from Marley. The reasons varied but she was only interested if there was food present.

Exhausted from work, Marley walked through the door, tossed her bags on the floor, then fell onto the couch. "Hey, party out at the dunes, wanna go?" One roommate hollered from the bathroom.

"I'm good, thanks though." Marley sighed.
Trying to sneak back to her room before her roommate came into the living room to plead her case, she was too slow. "You're going. We're leaving in 20. You're GOING."
Too tired to fight she agreed.

She wasn't one to get out and socialize at the parties. Marley would sit on the couches and maybe carry on a small conversation with whoever would sit next to her. It would eventually end either with the other person passing out, or them getting tired of trying to keep the conversation going.

As soon as they arrived Marley split up with her roommates and picked the farthest tailgate away from the fire and sat down.

"You know what they say about Fords," a voice said walking over.

Marley couldn't make out who it was but she responded, "that the tailgates are the most comfortable seat because they need somewhere to sit after it breaks down on the side of the road."

"Exactly," the voice chuckles. His face finally lit up from the fire, "Howdy there, I'm Brian, you are...?"

"Marley, I wasn't trying to make fun of your truck, sorry," She says shyly.

"Oh heavens no, I wouldn't drive one of these by choice. Its just the one I've had since high school. I'm not gonna complain too bad, my pops gave it to me when I turned 17." He said proudly.

Condescendingly to which Marley replied, "Wow, I can't tell if you hate it or really proud of the fact that your parents GAVE you a truck, whereas other people bust their ass to buy their own vehicle."

"No, its just that I'm not going to complain that my parents gave me a vehicle, but I did however bust my ass day in and day out since I was a kid working on our farm. So yeah, I guess you could say I'm PROUD. Didn't mean to offend you but just because I didn't hand money to someone doesn't mean I earned this."

"You're right, haha, I literally had my parents do the same thing. I was just giving you a hard time. At least you could have had some input on what kind of vehicle you wanted." she chuckled.

That half smile, and the way they she looked at him while talking, instead of through him, made Brian feel like he was being heard. Brian now, he has seen his fare share of girls who only want to talk to him because he has a country accent, tall, built just like a tough cowboy, well they only talked to him because he WAS a cowboy. You could probably say that was the new thing, dating a cowboy. Its hard when you're one of a few that go to a big city college instead of some rural one. Brian never had a girl he immediately liked. They usually took several encounters as well as a few drinks.

What wasn't to like about Marley? She was tall, pretty, maybe not super girly, smart, and had a sense of humor. Every girl was the same, they want you to make them laugh. Brian had a sense of humor but it wasn't the funniest. They're never the funny one. But it was Brian's fault he always dated the same type of girl, short, super girly, clingy, and always looking to go partying. Hoping he wasn't wrong about Marley, he asked to get her digits, and then bid her a good night.

Marley, didn't think anything about it. Just a new friend. She literally gives her number out to everyone who asks, unless they're creeps. She doesn't mind making new friends.

Being a typical guy, Brian didn't wanna rush into anything. "Should I text her and ask her out right now? Should I wait a few days, maybe a week.." All sorts of questions ran through his head on his drive home.

"Who was that you were sitting with, he looked cute."

"I think he said his name was Brian or something. Yeah he was ok."

"For real, he was totally hitting on you."

"Hakuna your TaTas, Sara, I kinda pissed him off. Oh well."

"MARLEY, you gave him your number. He text you yet?"

"I literally give everyone my number."

"Uh no, my brother asked you."

"You're brother is an idiot who wears skinny jeans so tight not even the girl of his dreams could get them off," Marley snapped. They both laughed, Sara turned up the stereo and those two sang their hearts out all the way back home.

*BUZZ BUZZ* Marley's phone vibrated on the table. The professor calmly turned around and asked, "You couldn't have a louder vibrate on your phone, could you."

"Vibration is not a volume, but I'll turn it down." Marley, embarrassed tucked the phone into her backpack. And then started a new page of notes on the lecture.

For the next 10 hours Marley completely forgot about her phone in her backpack. Brian however, thought that he was being annoying and that she was pretending to not see the messages. Finally he called her and left a message, "Hey, you might not recognize my number. I'm Brian Scott from the bonfire at the dunes a week ago. Hopefully you don't think I'm too clingy, I just didn't know if you saved my number. Aaaaannnyways, I guess I'm asking if you want to go to the rodeo on Saturday. Yeah, so, um, if I don't hear from ya I'll get the memo. Uh, yeah, let me know. K, yeah, deuces. Oh man I mean catch ya later. Oh hell, I mean to say is BYE. Not a mean bye just a normal bye. Just let me know if you wanna go. Thanks." He quickly hung up and tossed his phone onto the counter and could't believe the baffoon he sounded like. "Holy cow, talk about embarrassing.

Brian waited all afternoon and most of the evening until about 10 pm he got the message, "I would love to go. You gonna pick me up in your Ford so we can walk most of the way or do you want me to  drive?"
"No, actually the thing starts at 7 but you should definitely show up about later. You could meet me there."

Marley confused says "Ok,,,," Thinking that most dates TAKE their date on a date, not tell them to show up an hour later.

"Trust me, I'm full of surprises, You WON'T be disappointed."

8 pm Saturday night Marley walks through the crowd finds a seat somewhere in the middle mostly away from people. The announcer comes over the PA system saying that the Steer Wrestling is on its way. And the first name read off was Brian Scott. "Yup, he said I would be surprised, and I am." Marley smirks. She watches as he slips off his horse, grabs the steer by his neck, lifts the nose and pulls it to the ground. He looks up to the stands to acknowledge his applaud and locks eyes with Marley, and gives her a wink,

He makes his way back to his trailer to put his horse back up and then makes his way to the stands to get his date. "Good job Brian." "SCOOOOTTT, atta boy!" "Great run you got the fastest time still!" All sorts of comments were made as he walked through the stands to get Marley.

"I didn't know you were a legit cowboy. Hmm its not roping or riding anything that bucks though..." Marley shoots a quirky smile at Brian.

"No, no its not. But I need to keep the money maker semi together."

"Oh my hell." Marley says rolling her eyes.

"Hey lets go, I'm slightly hungry and could use a milk shake." Brian tries to persuade Marley. But shes always down for food, especially if someone else buys it. They drove around until they could find a McDonald's. They pull up to the drive through, "Hi welcome to McDonald's can I take your orda?"

Brian orders a McFlurry and some Chicken Nuggets. "You want anything?"

"Yeah, actually just double that order I guess." She chuckles. That's all she ever orders when she eats out. A Milkshake and chicken nuggets.

"I always play it on the safe side and usually only order nuggets and a milk shake." Brian says embarrassed. "I'm not very adventurous.

Marley bursts out laughing, "I was literally just thinking about how I never get anything besides chicken nuggets and milkshakes when I eat out. I'm way too safe." The two carry on a conversation about chicken nuggets and how you can never go wrong with milkshakes and chicken nuggets/strips.

The two drive back to the rodeo, "Soooo is that your horse you ride or did you just borrow it." Marley asks.

"Yes the horse is MINE I bought her a couple of years ago. Her name is Shooter." Brian explains, "I'l take you to her. We need to take her home I guess. The two go and load her up hook up the trailer.
"Hey hold on for a minute, I'll be right back." Brian quickly runs off and is gone for a little while. Shortly he returns.

"Where did you go?" Marley questions

"You really didn't think I wasn't going to collect my winnings. I'm not the best but I'm pretty darn close."

"Did you win?"

"Sure did. Lets go."

"You're agg-science class is going to explode when you tell em you won."

"Actually Pre-Law. Contrary to the stereo type, I'm going to school to be a lawyer. You could just call me the modern Matlock." Brian corrects.

"You said I was going to be surprised and this whole night has been full of surprises." Marley shakes her head. The two bid each other good night as well as stayed up the rest of the night talking on the phone together. Brian talked until he realized Marley was asleep. When Marley woke up in the morning she couldn't wait to tell Sara all about her date. Even telling Sara the entire conversation about chicken nuggets.

Marley just loved talking about Brian and how he was full of surprises. He made her laugh, even when he wasn't trying. She wasn't laughing at him, but he wasn't saying anything funny. She just felt so happy to be with him, to talk about him. She didn't know what to to, shes never had someone like Brian. "He was so kind, humble, and he wants to be a LAWYER Sara!" Marley exclaimed.

Confused Sara asks,"A what? Isn't he a cowboy or something?"

"Yeah, like I said, surprises! I love it." Marley dazes off.

Many more rodeo dates followed, along with regular movie and dinner dates, those turned into study dates, and those turned into watching Netflix until all hours of the mornings. This is something that Marley could only dream about. She wanted this forever, Nothing to change. She felt like she was always with Brian, and even when they weren't physically together, they were texting, calling each other, they were never apart.

As perfect as it all seemed they did fight, they had those fights over jealousy. There were times where Marley thought something was going on while Brian went to rodeos out of town and she couldn't go. At one time Brian accused Marley only being with him because he and his family "have money." Yeah Brian and his family were well off but so was Marley. She was an independent woman who worked very hard to have the things she has, she didn't need Brian to buy her anything. She LET him buy her things, because she bought him things. "Its what you do in relationships. YOU BUY EACH OTHER THINGS BECAUSE YOU LOVE 'EM." Marley explains.

There were times where the couple would go on breaks and not talk to one another because they just needed time apart. After their final break Brian tells Marley that this is the last time. "Its not worth not bein' without you. All those times we weren't talkin' I was talkin' 'bout you. You're what I want in life. There's nuttin' I want more than to talk to you. I see you and I know that there's nothin' that makes me happier than when I'm with you. Marley, Life just makes sense when you're with me. I'm not a dumb ol' cowboy. My accent and upraising hasn't kept me from breakin' out from the norm. I see something and go after it. I see what makes me happy and I do it. If I wanted easy I would have just been a farmer, I would have not gone to school, I sure as hell wouldn't have dated you. But you're what I want. I want someone who makes me smile even when I'm not next to them. I want someone who makes me laugh so hard I can't see straight. I want someone who loves me for me. I want someone to tell me it's going to be alright when things are rough. I NEED someone to be real with me. I need someone to keep me grounded. I want someone who wants me. I want to come and hold you and never let go. I WANT YOU. I want those kisses you randomly give. I want you kicking open the bathroom door to throw flour on me, no matter how embarrassing that was. I want you next to me under the stars in my 'beater' ford in the mountains. I want the happiness you give me."

*Brian kneels* "Marley Benson.."

Marley interrupts, "This is not how I saw this going at ALL."

"Marley Benson, I'd ask you to make me the happiest man on earth but,"

Interrupting again Marley says, "and that took another turn. I'm on a roller coaster of emotions. What in the hell is going on?"

Brian continues, "I'd ask you to make me the happiest man on earth BUT, you already do that. I want to make you just as happy as you make me feel each and ever second of every day. I'm not going to ask you to marry me, I'm telling you, Marley, marry me."

Confused, "A normal person would say yes. But since you're not asking... how am I supposed to respond?" Marley wraps her arms around Brian and kisses him.

"You didn't need to say anything. I already knew the answer."

1

She waits in the living room, waiting for that call that she knows is coming. Knuckles white, the phone in her shaking hands starts to ring. One ring goes, two, three, "I can't do it. Don't want to," she just can't think of how to answer. Someway she brings herself to press the button, END. Quietly she sits on the couch. She knew what was on the other side, bad news, its always bad news when its this late. Glancing up to the clock on her tan living room wall, no good happens after midnight, 3:33 am. "Is it really that late, or early?" She chuckles, "I guess this is one way to start a day." Legs swung onto the couch, she lies down. Staring at the ceiling fan, she hopes she's just dreaming. Laughing, smiling, and thinking about all that has her life has become, and what its going to be.

Knocks on the door.

Sobs. "This really is it. They don't come to your house unless its bad. He finally did it." Marley sees the red and blue lights in her driveway. Where her husband parks his truck each night, there was a white SUV with two men getting out and walking to her door.

"Are you Mrs. Scott; wife of Brian Scott?

"Yeah, what ha.."

"Ma'am you need to come with me," Officer Dobbs sincerely states, "its Brian, there's been an accident."

"Let me get my kids."

Walking up the stairs she feels like her legs are jello, "I haven't been to the gym in several years, not since the kids. I know I'm not that out of shape." She knew exactly what was going on. Why tonight of all nights? The one night the kids went down with out a hassle. The night they fell asleep from laughing. The night just seemed too perfect. 

Quietly, she opens the door to the kid's room, Jordan sleeping on the bottom of his bed, as normal, and Addison in her crib. How could Marley possibly wake up her kids. Quietly she tells Jordan that they're going for a ride and needs help mommy by getting his clothes on. Marley cradles Addison in her arms and lets a tear roll down her face. "Pull yourself together, they can't see you like this." This was one of those things that you just simply have to push it all down.

"Mamma, can we listen to the radio pleeeeeeaaaseeee?" Jordan begs from the back seat. 

"What do you wanna listen to bub?" Marley stared at the police escort in front of her.

"I dunno, maybe our favorite song?" Jordan asks with those big sappy puppy eyes no one could ever turn down.

"Of course! Start it out, but keep quiet Addie is still sleepy."

"I never had no one I can count on..." out of tune but note for note Jordan sang it. The song Marley and Brain first danced to, danced at their wedding, and just last night.

Marley chimes in, "for the first time I didn't feel alone, you're more than a lover, there could never be another that make me feel the way you do. Oh we just get closer I fall in love all over every time I look at you.." Choking back tears Marley looks into her rear view mirror to see her two perfect kids, one sleeping, and the other smiling ear to ear singing. Its simply perfect.

Walking into the room at the hospital, wires everywhere, machines, monitors, tubes, Marley almost loses her dinner. Quickly Shane, Marley's brother, takes the kids to the waiting room. Shane already knows. Shutting the door behind him Shane hears, "Uncle Shane, whats wrong with daddy?" Marley heard it too. Instead of answering Shane pulls out some M&Ms from his pocket and said lets go eat some candy and not tell mommy. "I never tell mommy when you give me candy after bedtime." 

Staring at what used to look like her husband, Marley tries to piece together what could have possibly ever happened. "Ma'am, you need to ready yourself." A doctor, who easily appears to only be 21, reaches out to console her. Marley steps back. "You'll let me know when you're ready ok?" Barely nodding her head yes, because she couldn't get her lips to stop trembling. 

Grabbing Brian's hand, well where it would be, she grasps the mangled hand bandaged and broken she squeezes. Not even a flinch from him. At this point Marley has no emotions. She doesn't need some fancy doctor to tell her what she already knows. You don't need a medical degree to know that you're husband isn't coming back. "Guess I may need to know the medical terminology for what has happened."

It did't matter what that doctor said Marley wasn't going to remember anyways. She just needed to hear it. She needed to hear that her husband of 5 years, best friend for 10, father of 2 beautiful children who look exactly like him, wasn't going to make it through the night. Inside she was broken, but on the outside she held herself together. "Give me a few minutes with him, then we can do it." Those words echoed inside her, "'do it,' what is wrong with me, he's not an animal to be put down. How insensitive can one person be? He's my husband...." She stood there quiet. "I need to be alone." Marley walks out of the room, past the waiting room-not even looking at her family, down the elevator, out the doors, and to her SUV. 

Keys in hand, "I can just drive away, far from it all." The vehicle unlocks, she climbs in the driver seat, sits in the seat and looks in the mirror. Tears fall down her face, she can't stop them, now the runny nose, "everything hurts. I can't do it." That booster chair and car seat, the only two things in the car that weren't goldfish, cheerios, or juice boxes. Marley blows that runny nose, looks in the mirror, "as if my nose couldn't have gotten any bigger." She tried to laugh but simply just couldn't do it externally. Walking back to the room in which her husband lay in a bed, she got it all together. Her heart stopped hurting, her eyes stopped crying, nose stopped running, and all the aches and shakes stopped. "I can do this, I have to." And just like that, all of those years spent going to the gym made her feel stronger than any person in the world, because she had the weight of her world on her shoulders.