His Forever Flame

67. Unforeseen Problems

The next week the family returns to the city. Jay had his physical and needed to talk to Antonio about his move. The whole last week at the cabin, Jayson was constantly fussy and wanting to nurse. Lauren hoped returning to their home would help him settle.

On Tuesday, Jay went for his check up. He'd healed rather nicely and while his ribs were still slightly tender they were healed. He was medically cleared for duty.

Wednesday, he went to talk to Antonio. He explained the situation and their desires to move. While disappointed to be losing one of his best detectives, Tony definitely understood wanting to be around for the kids. They worked on the paper work, figuring out how much leave he was still owed, retirement, etc.

While Jay was at the station, Lauren asked Kelly and Shay to keep the twins. Jayson was still constantly fussy and hungry and she was worried something was wrong. She took him in to see Nat.

"Hey cutie, what's the matter?" Nat cooed taking him from Lauren.

Lauren let out a soft sigh as Jayson grinned at his aunt.  "I don't know Nat. I swear he wants to eat more than the twins ever did and it always seems like it's not enough."

"Well let's just check him out and see. How have you been feeling?"

"Good, besides tired from the constant feeding. It makes me sore."

Natalie nodded as she took Jayson's vitals and weighed him. She gave him a full check up while Lauren watched.

"Well he hasn't gained any weight since his last check up which is unusual so I would say he's not getting enough from you," Nat said gently. "It could be any number of reasons."

Lauren nodded and let out a sigh holding in her tears. "So what do I need to do?" she asked taking Jayson from Nat.

"Let's try him on formula. I know it's not ideal but we need to get him gaining and full when he eats. And since Jayden was allergic to formula we're going put Jayson on sensitive formula so hopefully it doesn't mess his stomach up."

Lauren nodded and kissed his forehead. "Thanks Nat," she said strapping him into his carrier.

"Of course sweetie. Call me if you have any problems," Nat said giving her a hug before handing her a list of some formula brands to try.

Lauren took Jayson back to Kelly and Shay's. The twins were having a blast with their aunt and uncle. Lauren got Jayson out and laid him on the floor near Kelly. "Can y'all watch him too? I need to run to the store," Lauren said.

"Of course Sis. Everything ok?" Kelly asked.

"Yea I just need to grab some things," she said with a smile not wanting to worry him. She kissed her babies and headed out.

She went through the store picking up the different brands of formula Nat had suggested to try as well as more bottles. Jayson was particular about his bottles so she made sure she got the ones like they already had at home.

Before she checked out, Jay called. "Hey babe," she answered making sure she had everything.

"Hey where are yall?" he asked looking around their apartment.

"I'm at the store and Kelly and Shay have the kids."

"Everything ok?" he asked hearing the tears in her voice.

"Yea, yea I'm ok. I'm fixing to check out and then get the kids and I'll be home. Everything go ok?" she asked holding it together because she didn't want to have a break down in the store.

"Yea. Everything is good to go. I'll cook lunch so it's ready when you get here and then we can get the kids down."

"Sounds good. I'll see you soon," she said as they hung up.

After getting out of the store, she got the kids loaded up and headed home. They'd had a full eventful morning with Kelly and Shay, but it was good for them because they hadn't seen them in a month.

Lauren managed to get all three kids and the bags from the store and get up to the apartment. It was eventful but at least the twins somewhat cooperated.

"Go find daddy," she said out of breath  once she had the door unlocked.

Jayla and Jayden both took off yelling for daddy. Jay came out of the kitchen with a smile to catch them both making them giggle. Lauren smiled as she sat Jayson's carrier down to get him out before unloading the bags.

"You could've called beautiful and I would've helped," he smiled coming over to kiss her.

"It's ok, I got it," she smiled returning his kiss. She put Jayson in his swing and carried the bags to the kitchen.

"What's all this?" Jay asked seeing the different bags she had.

Lauren let out a sigh pushing them back from the edge of the counter. "I'll explain later. Can we just feed the kids?" she asked holding back the tears.

Her breasts were starting to ache, she was tired, and she felt like a total failure.

"Of course love," he said giving her a gentle kiss brushing her hair back.
He called the twins to them while she checked on Jayson who was napping. They got the twins fed and down for their afternoon naps.

Lauren curled up on the couch as Jay joined her. He gently pulled her into his lap. "Wanna talk?" he asked gently rubbing her back.

Lauren sniffed as she nuzzled his neck. "I.... I took Jayson to see Nat today because I was worried."

"And?" he asked softly.

"He hasn't gained weight and she doesn't think he's getting enough from nursing so she wants to try him on formula," she said her tears finally falling.

"Oh baby," Jay whispered holding her tight as she finally let the tears fall. "It's gonna be ok love. It will," he whispered.

"I just feel like a failure," she cried clinging to him.

"You're not Lauren. You're an amazing mother. You are," he said cradling her face between his hands wiping her tears.

"I dunno," she whispered closing her eyes.

"I know. I've watched you with our babies for the last year and a few months and you are amazing. You juggle so much but still manage to give them equal attention and love. They love you so much and you are an amazing mother."

"I love you," she whispered softly kissing him.

"And I love you Lauren. So much. You're an amazing mother and wife."

"Because of you," she finally smiled kissing him again.

"No. Because of you," he smiled.

They snuggled on the couch while the kids napped. Once the twins were up, they let them play while Lauren cooked. Jay gave Jayson his first bottle and while he wasn't sure about it at first he took it without problem.

That night after dinner and bath time and getting the kids down, Lauren asked Jay about moving.

"We're all set. My two week notice is in effect and I'm using my last two weeks of vacation for it. Then they'll pay me my sick leave and retirement."

"Oh good," she smiled tiredly. "So now we just need to tell everyone and start packing."

"Yea but we can worry with that tomorrow," Jay smiled softly kissing her neck.

"I need a shower," Lauren whimpered softly.

"You're hurting," he said as more of a statement then question but Lauren nodded anyways.

Jay laid her on the bed instead of taking her to the shower. "Trust me. I googled it," he said getting her pump. "We have to pump just enough so you don't hurt and it will dry up."

Lauren leaned over and softly kissed him. "My hero," she whispered.

"Anything for my princess," he smiled kissing her back.

After pumping just enough, they took a relaxing shower before bed. Tomorrow they would tell their family about their move.