Discovering Jessica

A Moment.

Chapter Twenty: A Moment.

Jessica's POV: After

After telling our families about our relationship, we all decided to go back to our regular Sunday routine dinner. Daniel stayed quiet for most of the dinner until I caught him smiling down at Elliot in my lap a few times. He even hugged me on his way out of the house. I had just finished doing the dishes when I realized that I hadn't seen Parker since I had given Elliot to him so that I could clean up.

I figured that he was probably in my room which is exactly where I find him. He's standing in front of Elliot's bassinet with one of his fingers resting in Elliot's little hand. Immediately I join Parker by his side and wrap my arms around his broad frame.

"He looks exactly like you." He tells me. "He's perfect."

"I think he looks more like you." I whisper back to Parker as Elliot's eyes slowly drift closed. "Just look at his blue eyes, you can't even deny that those are exactly like yours."

"True but I can already bet that he's going to be just like you." Parker explains.

"Thank you for being here. For coming home and for everything you've done. I couldn't imagine Eli not knowing you are his dad because otherwise, he would miss out on the greatest dad ever." I tell Parker, who turns to smile at me.

"I would have made a pretty cool uncle though if I hadn't clued in about the dates." Parker laughs, a smile taunting my own lips.

"Fair enough. But seriously, I'm so glad that you figured it all out. It was stupid of me to even try to hide it all from you. You gave me the greatest gift of all and I wish that I had told you sooner." I tell Parker, who just kisses my head before he continues to watch Eli sleep.

I realized in that moment that if not for Parker and Elliot that I wouldn't have learned so much about myself. I've learned that I'm going to make mistakes and I am never going to be perfect. I've learned that I can't be in control of everything either and everyday there is always going to be a new challenge for me. I've learned how important my family is to me and how supportive they have been to me my entire life. I've also learned that I can't always just rely myself, I need others even if I don't want to admit it. I would never have discovered my own strength as a person too.

And most importantly, I never would have realized what a big role that I play in so many people's lives. I am a mother, a girlfriend, a daughter, a little sister, and a friend. And all of these things make me who I am and I will continue to grow and learn as I go.

"I love you, Jessica Turner." Parker whispers into the darkness, a look of calmness on his face. Elliot continues to sleep in his bassinet, his chest moving with every breathe.

"I love you too, Parker Grant." I whisper back.