World War One

Family

THIRTY TWO - FAMILY

Jack and Rose were in the kitchen when there was a knock at the door. Both their hearts sank, thinking it might be Lucy. Jack went and opened the door before Grace got there. He opened and sighed with relief as he saw the police officer, rather than Lucy "hi officer, come in..." he said and stepped aside "thank you" he responded "come on through" Jack said and walked through to the kitchen.

"Do you have an update?" Jack asked anxiously after Rose had said hello "yes" the officer nodded "their Mother has reported them missing. Due to the abuse reported and the obvious evidence, the children can't return to her and it's up to Grace whether she presses charges-" "what about where they live?" Jack asked "well... that's up to you... we know yourself and Rose are a safe option, but equally if you would prefer them not to stay here, we will be able find them a foster family in New York" "No. no" rose answered quickly "we'll keep them" she continued "what do we need to do to make it official?" "We'll have papers written up and sent to you within the next week or so, they just need signing and then it's done" he nodded "thank you" she smiled gently "Lucy... is she allowed near the children?" Jack said, worried "no, she's allowed no contact with them at all. You don't need to worry about her" the officer said "thank you so much" he smiled "you're welcome. Let me know if there's anything else we can do, but in the meantime, take care" he smiled and walked to the door, Jack showing him out before walking back to the kitchen where Rose was.

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"I can't believe it" she laughed happily in disbelief "me either" he grinned and wrapped his arms around her "should we go and tell them?" Jack asked to which Rose nodded. He took her hand and led her into the living room where they 3 of them were sat on the floor, Grace helping them build a tower.

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"Hey you 3, can you come and sit on the sofa please?" Jack asked as he and Rose sat down. Grace sat in between them as Poppy sat on Rose's knee and Harry sat on Jack's. "How would you like to stay here, with us?" Rose asked "what?" Grace said, too scared to believe what she was hearing "forever? Live here forever?" Harry asked to which Rose nodded "would that mean you'd be our real mummy and daddy then?" he replied "if you wanted us to be" she answered "YES!" He and Poppy said in unison. Jack and Rose laughed then looked at Grace "Grace?" She smiled and nodded "yes please..." "that's settled then!" Jack grinned and pulled them all in to a hug. As they all pulled away from the hug, Poppy noticed Grace crying a little "Grace? Are you OK?" She asked concerned. Grace nodded and laughed softly, wiping her eyes "I'm just happy, that's all" Rose and Jack looked at one another, finding it difficult to believe that this was really happening... that the children really would be staying this time.

"I think this calls for pizza... what do you say?" Jack asked "YAY!" Harry replied, making the 4 of them laugh. "Come on, let's get your coats on and we'll head out" Jack said, lifting Poppy off his knee as Harry climbed off Rose, the two of them running out the room to the closet under the stairs, Jack following behind them. Grace and Rose stood up and faced one another "thank you so much..." Grace said "no need to thank us... we've wanted the 3 of you since the day we met you" she nodded and hugged her "I know the twins call you Mummy and Daddy... but I get that they're 7, so it's cute, and I don't mind if you say no, I'll get it, after the way I treated you and Jack when I first arrived, but Jack said I can call him Dad... can I call you Mum?" Grace asked awkwardly "I'd love you too" Rose smiled and hugged her again, Grace smiled in response "come on, let's get our coats" she smiled and gestured for Grace to leave the living room and head to the closet.

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After the 5 of them ate dinner, they started the walk back to the house. Poppy held Rose and Grace's hands as Jack gave Harry a piggy back "do we really get to stay forever?" Poppy said, looking up between Jack and Rose "yes sweetheart" Jack laughed and nodded, knowing the question would come up a lot, but he didn't mind, knowing the answer would always reassure her. "We love you, and you're not going anywhere, understand?" Rose said, squeezing her hand gently, Poppy nodded followed by a yawn "bedtime when we get home I think" Rose chuckled, seeing Harry also becoming tired.

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there's only eight more parts and then the story will be done!