Left Behind

A Long Road

Jessica's twenty-sixth Birthday-

Before both Zoe and Dorthy left to go back to Minnesota, they wanted to treat her to a nice day for her birthday. Zoe and Dorthy took Jessica out for the day. Jessica didn't want to do anything too crazy for her birthday. She wanted a relaxing day.

They started off with breakfast.

"My little girl is twenty six. It's crazy to think!" Dorthy says

Jessica giggles "I feel old. Pretty close to thirty." Jessica says

"Just wait until you're our age. Then you'll really feel old." Zoe says

Dorthy nods in agreement and they all laugh.

"Crazy to think that just yesterday the kids were getting their license and driving around." Dorthy shakes her head

"You're right. Take advantage of every moment with your little girl, Jessie. She'll grow up before your eyes." Zoe says to her

//-//

After breakfast they went shopping for a little bit. As they were shopping Jessica got a FaceTime call from her sister, Ann. She stopped and found a place to sit so she could answer.

"Happy birthday!!" Jane, Ann, Sarah, Quinn, Paige, and Kali all yell into the phone.

Jessica quickly turns down her volume and smiles. "Thank you!" She says

"I miss you aunt Jessie! Mommy said your having a baby, I want to see the baby!" Paige says

"She's not here yet, but she will be soon."

Everyone stops for a moment.

"Did you just say, she?" Sarah widens her eyes

"Oops, Yeah! She! It's a She!" Jessica giggles

They all start to scream and cheer "Come on, I'm gonna be the only dude forever?" Quinn says in a joking way

"Don't worry, Jane may pop out some more." Sarah whispers

"Jessica, have a great day! We will see you soon! Take care of that little girl!" Ann says

"I will, thank you for the birthday wishes!" She says bowing them a kiss.

//-//

After a long fun filled day Jessica had quickly become exhausted. She usually didn't get this tired, but she was today. Before Dorthy and Zoe got ready and packed up to leave the next morning they all sat in the kitchen eating little deserts and talking.

Jessica and Zoe caught up a lot. Their conversation quickly changed to Danny.

"We all miss him back home. It's weird not having him call every Sunday." Zoe says with tears

Jessica listens as she talks. She felt this pain in her throat, it hurt to swallow. This is what happened when she became emotional.

"Everyone misses you too, Jessica. They are all so excited to meet the baby." Zoe adds

"This baby is quite the blessing." Dorthy says

"It is... I'm sorry Danny can't be here for this. But I believe that even though he isn't physically here, he is in a way here." She smiles

"I hope... it's going to be a long road without him here when the baby comes. It's been long enough already."

"I'm glad you and the baby are healthy. Danny always wanted a little baby. This little girl will always have to know what an amazing father she had... and of course what an amazing and strong mother she has."