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

"Jack & the Box"

Jack stayed later than usual at Grandma's & the two were acting like a couple of teenagers in love. They had been on the couch getting cozy when Grandma realized it was getting late & Serena wasn't home yet. She glanced at the giant clock hanging on the dining room wall. It was midnight.

Jack: Nora... What's going on in that beautiful head of yours?
Nora: Oh nothing.
Jack: No, not nothing. I know when something is bothering you... And something is bothering you. Come on. Spill it.

Jack's arm was leaning across the top of the couch & he was focused on Nora. Nora was sitting back into the couch & was worried about Serena.

Nora: It's Serena.
Jack: I knew it.
Nora: I'm just worried that's all. Aren't I allowed to worry?
Jack: Oh of course. But Serena's a big girl now. You have to let her make her own decisions. Look at Summer. She's off in Virginia & living her own life with Jay. She's doing well & thriving all because you let those strings turn to wings. You need to do the same for Serena.
Nora: You're right... for once!
Jack: Ok, well. I guess I better get going.

Jack stood up & grabbed his wine glass from the coffee table. Nora remained on the couch & looked up at him. He winked at her & walked over to put his glass in the kitchen sink. He walked back to find Nora still on the couch. She had this puppy dog face expression going on.

Jack: Ok, what's that face for?
Nora: Maybe you should stay the night.
Jack: Is that a request or a demand?
Nora: You've had a few too many.
Jack: And?

Jack got closer to her & held her hands in his.

Nora: And... I'm not going to let you drive in this condition.
Jack: Oh...How are you planning on keeping me here?
Nora: With more wine. And maybe some loving.
Jack: Ooh... Tempting.
Nora: Well, what do you say?
Jack: I say you're a hard woman to turn down, Miss Nora Harper.
Nora: You got that right.

Nora held Jack's hand & grabbed the unfinished, open bottle wine from the coffee table & walked Jack over to her room.

Serena, Antonio & Manny all headed to the hospital to visit Miranda. Serena was hopeful & was looking forward to it all day. She had a feeling Miranda would be coming home soon since she was able to breathe on her own without the aid of any machines. They walked in the nicu wing & headed into Miranda's room. They spent a few moments together until Dr. Welling knocked on the door.

Dr. Welling: Hi everyone. Serena, I'm glad I caught you today. Do you have a few minutes?
Serena: Of course.

Serena looked at Antonio. Antonio picked up his stuff & rolled Manny & his stroller out.

Antonio: We'll be right outside.
Serena: Ok, thanks.

Antonio gave Serena a peck on the cheek & then waved to Dr. Welling. Dr. Welling smiled & waved back.

Dr. Welling: So, how have you been?
Serena: I've actually been doing really well.
Dr. Welling: That's good to hear. You look great & you seem happy.
Serena: I am happy. I've been relieved to find someone who understands me & what I'm going through.
Dr. Welling: That's really great. As a first time parent, it can be really daunting to develop a sense of community. Actually many first time parents lose friends & find it hard to make new ones. Especially for single parents & single teen parents.
Serena: Yeah, Antonio just gets me.
Dr.Welling: I remember Antonio & Manny. Did I tell you I was the one who delivered Manny?
Serena: No, you didn't.
Dr. Welling: Yeah. Hey, anyways, I have good news for you. Miranda has been doing such a good job catching up to her milestones & is breathing on her own & we think she's ready to go home tomorrow.
Serena: Tomorrow?! Really?!

Serena was so excited she stood from her seat to hug Dr. Welling.

Dr. Welling: Tomorrow morning at 8:00.
Serena: Oh I can't wait!

Serena grabbed her bag, kissed Miranda one last time & laid Miranda back in her crib.

Dr. Welling: We'll see your tomorrow.
Serena: Thanks, Dr...

Dr. Welling looked at her.

Serena: I mean, Tom. Thanks, Tom.
Dr. Welling: Oh & one more thing.
Serena: What is it?
Dr. Welling: I'm happy for you & Antonio, but please be careful. There's something about him you may not know.

Serena nodded & was a bit confused by his concern. She quickly brushed it off though from the thought & excitement that she would be bringing home her baby girl tomorrow.

Grandma & Jack had a slow start to their morning. Usually Grandma was the first one up in all the house. This morning was different. Jack was up first & turned to look at Nora. She was still out cold. It may have had something to do with the amount of wine she had the night before. He let her sleep while he tiptoed away to prepare breakfast for her. He tried his best to rummage through the cabinets & pantry to find some food to cook & to do it quietly.
He finished just as she started to wake up. She sat up as she saw him coming through her bedroom door with a tray of food in his hands.

Grandma: What's all this?
Jack: Just a little bit of this & a little bit of that.
Grandma: Were you cooking in my kitchen?
Jack: Maybe...

Nora raised her head slowly & kept her hand over her forehead. She was still a bit hungover.

Jack: Here, drink some coffee. I also brought a nice tall glass of ice water for you. Drink up, then eat up.
Grandma: Wow, you seem pretty chipper this morning.
Jack: Well, that's because I didn't drink as much as you did missy...

Jack brought over the tray of food to where Grandma was on her bed. She looked down & on the tray was a small box. Grandma picked it up & with enlarged eyes looked over at Jack. He was smiling from ear to ear.

Grandma: Jack, what's this?
Jack: Well, open it up & see. It's not gonna open itself up.
Grandma slowly opened the box. One hand was over her chest & one hand holding it up. She couldn't take her eyes off of the piece of jewelry inside.