"From This Day Forward (Part 3 to One Night Stand)"

"Jack"

Brian appreciated the talk he had with nurse Dana. He needed the encouragement. Brian poked around the short aisles in the gift shop & was taking too long to figure out what he should get for Serena & Miranda. He really just wanted to get out of there so that he could see they were both doing. His hand reached out for a few items that he ended up just placing back. "I'm overthinking this...", he thought to himself. He decided to go for a bouquet of fresh flowers & a small stuffed animal. Yeah, it was a pretty generic gift, but it was the thought that counts. Just as Brian was walking out of the gift shop, he heard someone call out his name. He turned around back towards the store & he saw Grandma, but she wasn't alone. A tall older gentleman with salt & pepper hair, wearing a members only jacket was standing next to her. Who was a he? Was he a friend or a stranger who was standing too close?

Grandma: I knew that was you. I'm so embarrassed to ask, but do you happen to have a $20 we can borrow. We didn't realize the gift shop only accepts cash.
Brian: We?
Grandma: Oh this is Jack. Jack, this is Brian, the young man I was telling you about.
Jack: Hey, Brian. Nice to meet you. Yeah, I apologize. We both thought we had cash on us.
Brian: Nice...meeting you, let me check my wallet.

Brian didn't have extra cash in his wallet, but he noticed that Grandma & Jack were going to purchase the same gift ensemble that he had just bought so he decided to just give his gifts for Serena to them.

Jack: Are you sure about this? We can't do that.
Grandma: Brian, you really don't have to. We can just pick something up another time.
Jack: Yeah.
Brian: It's fine. I insist.

Brian handed over the flowers & gift to Grandma.

Grandma: Thank you, Brian.
Brian: Hey, why don't we go check on Serena & the baby?
Grandma: The baby... Yes, let's go. Come on, Jack.

Grandma & Jack walked behind Brian who lead the way to Serena's floor. Brian looked back to see if they were keeping up with his pace. He looked down to see that they were hand in hand. "Who was this guy?", Brian thought. They took the elevator up, walked down a few halls & eventually reached Serena's door. Just before they walked in, Brian leaned against the door keeping Grandma & Jack from entering.

Grandma: Brian?
Brian: Are you sure this is the best time for Serena to meet Jack? I think we should be sensitive to how she'd feel. No offense, Jack. This is just kind of out of the blue.
Jack: None taken.
Grandma: It's as good a time as any.
Jack: No, he's right, darling.
Grandma: No, Jack. You're a part of my life & Serena is a part of my life. I want the two of you to meet today.

Jack shrugged. Grandma looked at Brian with eyes that could've shot darts through them.

Grandma: Brian, please let us in.

Brian sighed & then pushed the door open to let Grandma & Jack inside. The lights were off, but the shades were tilted to allow some sunlight in. The tv was on, but the volume low. Jack went off to the desk in the corner to remove his hat & coat. Grandma went straight to Serena's bed side. She was awake, but groggy & tired. Grandma placed the flowers & bear on the nightstand by Serena. Grandma pushed back Serena's hair from her face & kissed her forehead.

Grandma: Oh Serena... We rushed here as soon as we could. I wanted to grab some things from the house before we got here. I have toiletries for you, makeup, extra clothes for you & Miranda. I brought your favorite robe & house slippers.

Grandma showed Serena the hospital bag she brought with her.

Serena: You're so sweet, Grandma.
Grandma: Sweetheart, you're a mother now. Congratulations, honey. I'm so proud of you. And I have to apologize. I'm sorry I wasn't there.

Serena reached for Grandma's hand.

Serena: Grandma, it's ok. Brian took care of me.

Grandma looked at Brian & smiled. He was seated on the couch next to the window.

Grandma: Serena, there's someone I'd like for you to meet.

Grandma held her hand out to signal for Jack to come closer. Jack left his comfort zone at the desk & walked over to Grandma. He held her waist.

Grandma: Serena, this is my boyfriend, Jack.
Jack: Sorry your baby's birthday turned into meet grandma's boyfriend day. I'm also the reason why your Grandma didn't make it to your delivery.

Serena's first instinct was one of selfishness. She would be lying if she said she wasn't upset. But in that moment, she looked up at Grandma who looked her happiest. Jack was responsible for Grandma's smile & for that, she was grateful. She couldn't stay upset with them.

Serena: It's so nice to meet you, Jack.
Jack: Likewise.
Grandma: Now, where's my great grand baby?
Serena: She's in the nicu nursery.
Grandma: May we go & see her?
Serena: Of course.
Grandma: We'll find our way. Come on, Jack. We'll be back.
Serena: Take your time.

Grandma & Jack left the room. Brian stood up from the couch, pushed his hair back & pulled up a chair next to Serena's bedside & sat down. Serena laid back down. She was still so tired. She looked over at Brian.

Brian: How are you feeling?
Serena: A little tired, but better now.
Brian: Congratulations, mommy.

Serena smiled.

Brian: I'm glad you're ok.
Serena: Me too.
Brian: You kinda had me worried.
Serena: I know.
Brian: Miranda is...
Serena: Perfect.
Brian: Yeah.
Serena: Brian?
Brian: Yeah?
Serena: I just wanted to say...

Just then, a nurse knocked on the door & opened it up.

Nurse: Excuse me, Miss Langston?
Serena: Hi, yes.
Nurse: Just wanted to remind you about feeding time for Miranda. We'll be bringing Miranda in about 5 minutes.
Serena: Thank you.

The door closed.

Serena: Where was I? Oh, I'm just grateful for you, Brian.
She reached over to hold his hand.
Serena: You stayed with me. You made me feel safe & strong.
Brian: You did all this on your own.

Serena shook her head.

Serena: No, I couldn't have done it without you.
Brian: Serena, there's actually something I wanted to tell you.
Serena: What's that?
Brian: I... I still have feelings for you. And I don't think I can ever get over you or ever stop caring for you, Serena.
Serena: Brian, I...
Brian: Please don't say anything. I just wanted to let you know.