*~* A Dream Of Love *~*

[Kristen07]

Hey y'all,
This is a story that Linds (Crazy4DrewLachey), Kay (Gidget) myself and Erica (I don't think she's on this board) Just thought i'd repost this since it's saved in my computer. Enjoy :)

"Drew, can you get Brenna out of her crib?" Lauren Lachey asked her husband as she was getting their 3 year old son Jordan changed.

"Yeah, sure thing honey." Drew said as he went and got his little girl out of her crib. "Wow, you’re getting heavy!" Brenna looked at him.

"Daddy, why is she looking at you strangely?" Jordan asked as he climbed into Drew's lap.

"I don't know. She's a girl." Drew said.

"Drew, don't teach him those things at such a young age!" Lauren said.

Drew laughed and said, "Well he's going to learn it sooner or later."

"Whatever. It kicked in for me when boys were icky when I was 10. I'm sure you've got 7 years yet." Lauren said as she changed Brenna into her clothes.

"Yeah, I guess that's when it hit for me also. I guess. Maybe Nick would know." Drew said.

"Like your brother would know when you thought girls were icky." Lauren said.

"Ha ha, very funny." Drew said as he picked up Brenna so they could go meet the guys at the zoo.

.:.:.:At the zoo:.:.:.

"Hello Lauren." Grace said as she looked at Lauren.

"Well hello Grace, how are you feeling?" Lauren asked.

"Tired and sore. You?" Grace asked.

"Eh, could be better. I don't want to be pregnant anymore." Lauren said as she sat down on the bench.

"Who does?" Grace asked.

"I just want a healthy baby after Brenna was born 2 months prematurely." Lauren said.

"That was a scary thing that happened." Grace said as Kristin came and sat by them.

"What was scary?" Kristin asked.

"Brenna being born 2 months prematurely." Lauren said.

"That was really scary." Kristin said.

"Mommy, come on!" Jordan said as he pulled Lauren's arm.

"I'm coming sweetie." Lauren said as she stood up. There were 10 of them that were at the zoo. Drew was pushing the stroller and Olivia and Jordan were running ahead a little bit.

"They're holding hands up there, aren't they?" Nick asked.

"I think that you are right on that one bro." Drew said.

"Well it looks like their in love so young!" Jeff said as they laughed.

"Thats so cute!" Grace said as she pulled out her camera.

"It is, isn't it?" Lauren said as she held Drew's hand. They stopped to look at the elephants first.

[Kristen07]

After looking at the elephants, lions, cheetahs, and zebras, everyone sat down at a few benches to catch a breath.

Lauren looked over at Jordan and Olivia. She noticed they are playfully teasing and playing with each other, but she could still tell they loved each other.

“Look at Jordan and Olivia” she told Grace. “Don’t they look so cute?”

Grace nodded. “I know.” She paused. “Wouldn’t that be funny if they got married when they’re older?”

They both laughed, along with Kristin, who had been admiring the puppy love too.

“So Kristin” Lauren asked. “What do you think of having kids?”

Kristin shrugged. “I don’t know. If they are as wonderful as Jordan, Breanna, and Olivia, I want to have them, but I can’t picture myself as a mom.”

“Why not?” asked Grace.

“I dunno. I guess it’s because I’m young and I can’t picture myself with having kids of my own. Maybe after Nick and I get married and stuff, it’ll hit me.”

“Trust me though, Kris Kris” Grace told her “motherhood is really rewarding.”

Kristin nodded and everyone else was ready to go look at some other animals.

[Kristen07]

Running over to Jeff, Olivia shouted excitedly "Daddy, Daddy! I wanna see the monkeys now!" "Okay, baby girl." Jeff

replied, patting his daughter on the head. Observing this, Grace commented to Kristin and Lauren "Olivia is such a

daddy's girl, I am not sure how she is going to handle it when this little one comes." "Oh, I think she will love being a

big sister" Lauren re[arse]ured her. As they came up to the monkeys, Jeff picked Olivia up so she could see them better

. "Daddy, do you think monkeys talk to each other?" she asked, her eyes full of curiosity. "Sure they do," he replied,

"After all, don't Nick and Drew talk to each other?" Everyone broke into laughter except for Nick and Drew. "Dude that

was so not funny." Nick said, turning to Kristin to sulk. "Yeah, you'll pay for that later." Drew added. Rolling her eyes,

Lauren took Jordan by the hand and said, "Come on sweetie, we will let the children stay here and argue." Grace,

Olivia and Kristin followed, laughing at Lauren's comment. "The only one that is a child is Jeff, for making that

remark." Drew griped. Turning around, Olivia put her hands on her little hips and said "Momma, I think Daddy, Drew,

and Nick need a time out." Everyone laughed at Olivia, for such a little thing, she sure had a lot of spunk.

[Kristen07]

~*~*

After the zoo, everyone went back to Drew and Lauren's for a BBQ. "The house looks better than ever." Kristin said.

"Yeah, we'll Drew decided that he needed to paint the nursery before he left for the tour." Lauren said.

"What theme are you going with?" Grace asked.

"Either Care Bears or Whinnie the Pooh." Lauren said.

"That's cute." Kristin said.

"I like it." Grace said.

Jordan came running into the room and said, "Mommy, Brenna is being a pain!"

"Just leave her alone and she'll be fine." Lauren said.

"We tried to but she won't leave us alone!" Olivia said.

"Knock it off you two!! She only wants to play with you two!" Grace said.

"But mommy!!" Jordan said.

"No, I'm afraid she's right." Lauren said.

"I HATE YOU MOMMY!" Jordan said as he ran off.

"Oh the joys of parenting." Grace said as she rubbed her belly.

"So, Lauren, what are you having?" Kristin asked.

"A little girl." Lauren said.

"What are you naming her?" Grace asked.

"I think we've got it narrowed down to Allison Maria and Justine Nikkole." Lauren said.

"I love them both." Drew said as he came into the room where the girls were sitting.

"That's the hard part, picking the name with two names that you like." Jeff said.

"Yes, it is." Drew said.

"It's very hard." Lauren said as they smiled at each other

[Kristen07]

~*~*~
Justin and Angel Jeffre were running late. They had, had a doctor's appointment that morning and were on their way to Drew and Lauren's for the BBQ that they had promised to attend.

"Ang, what's taking you so long? Let's go. We're late as it is!" Justin shouted to his wife of just 2 years.
"I'm coming. Pregnant women can only move so fast you know." She smiled, blowing her black hair out of her face. Justin smiled and kissed her forehead.
"You ready?"
"As I'll ever be" She smiled. Justin bent down to be eye level with her tummy.
"You ready princess?" That morning, they had found out, after waiting and deliberating, that the baby Angel was carrying was a girl.
"She says yes daddy. Let's go so I can eat" Angel laughed. And with that, Angel and Justin jumped in their car and headed to Drew and Lauren's.

They showed up within a matter of minutes and heard everyone in the back yard.
"Hey everyone" Justin smiled, wrapping a protective arm around Angel.

"Hey!" Lauren smiled. Angel walked over and sat with the women while Justin went to talk with the guys.
"Sorry we couldn't make it to the zoo this morning." Angel apologized.
"It's alright" Kristen smiled. "You didn't miss much,” Everyone laughed.
"Except that we think there's something goin' on between Olivia and Jordan" Grace added.
"Really" Angel laughed. She looked out onto the gr[arse], where the two were playing.
"They sure do look...comfortable with each other" She laughed. "But remember they are three. At three you love everyone" The girls laughed. Supper was ready soon and the guys, who had been busy cooking, called everyone to the picnic table. Drew and Jeff went to get Olivia and Jordan and everyone sat around eating and just enjoying each other's company.
"We found on what we're having today" Justin smiled, looking at Angel.
"And?" Jeff asked, helping Oliva with her hot dog.
"A baby girl" Angel added. Everyone smiled.
"Another girl" Nick smiled. "We better be havin' some boys eh baby?" He smiled at Kristen.
"Oh ya Nick. We wouldn't want the group to be over populated with girls now would we?" Everyone laughed, including the kids who had no idea what was going on
~*~

[Lindsey Lou]

~*~

"Hey baby," Jeff said to Grace "maybe this one will be a

boy." Grace smiled sweetly. When the time had come to

find out the sex of the baby, they had decided to wait, so

it would be a surprise. What Jeff didn’t know is that the

suspense was just too much for her. She had called Dr.

Stevens and found out. Jeff looked at her, "What's with

that smile?" he asked. Trying to look away, Grace

replied, "What smile?" "The one that you always get

when you are keeping something to yourself." he

answered. "I'm not keeping anything to myself", she said

nervously. Kristin looked over at her and remarked, "Oh

yes you are, spill girl, spill." "Yeah!" everyone agreed.

About to break, Grace leaned over and whispered into

Jeff's ear. Instantly, he began to grin. After sharing a very

p[arse]ionate kiss with his wife, he announced, "Everyone,

we're having a boy!"

[Lindsey Lou]

After the news of Jeff and Grace having a boy, Kristin looked wistfully at the little kids as she watched them run around. It seemed like she was the only one of all her friends who wasn’t a mother. (Her best friend from college has a kid of her own) “But, you know, it’s your choice that you aren’t ready” she reminded herself.

She couldn’t help what she felt though.

Nick noticed his fiancée’s demeanor, and walked over to her. “What’s wrong, baby?”

“Nothing” she said, looking at her feet.

“Come on, I know there is something.” Nick told her.

Kristin sighed. “I just… feel a little bit left out because I’m the only one of the people I know who doesn’t have a baby.”

“I know” Nick said. “I do too, but just think. When you and I get married, we can start trying.”

Kristin smiled. “You bad boy, you” She slapped him playfully.

“I try” said Nick.

Just then, Olivia asked them “What are you two talking about.”

Nick smiled. “Nothing, Olivia.”

[Lindsey Lou]

As the night wore on, the gang moved inside as a chilly night air began to set in. Jordan and Olivia went off to play in Jordan's room, while the girls sat in the kitchen and chit chatted while the guys watched a football game on the tube.

"So Kristen, how long do you think you and Nick will wait before you have kids?" Lauren asked, placing a bowl of popcorn in the middle of the table.

"I don't know,” She said, looking down at her engagement ring.

"What's wrong girl?" Angel asked, taking some popcorn.

"You guys have your own problems. I..."

"Spill it..." Grace said.

Kristen sighed. "I feel left out. You know, all of you either have kids already or are having kids...and I'm just me...I only have Nick"

"Nick's a kid himself." Angel laughed.

"And trust us...labor is no picnic" Grace laughed. Angel got a frightened look on her face.

"I think someone thought it was going to be easy..." Lauren laughed.

"No. I just panic..." She sighed. "You know me"

The girls continued to talk about who would be the God Parents for the kids.

"I don't want y'all to be mad..." Angel started. "Me and Justin picked the God Parents."

"Is it one of us?" Lauren gestured to the table of girls.

"Yes." Angel smiled. "Justin is probably out there telling the God-Father now." She smiled.

"Well..."

"We chose Kristen and Nick"




"That's so great!! For this one, we chose Jeff and my sister Sierra." Lauren said as they were all talking around the table.

"You sure that those two can get along? After what happened and all?" Angel asked.

"Yeah, I think so!" Lauren said.

"I sure hope so and all! I mean, look at what happened with Nick and your other sister Kaela. They're never speaking to each other again." Kristen said.

"God, that one still makes me mad. And Drew still blames me for that one." Lauren said.

"But Nick started the whole fight." Angel said.

"True, but then my sister was being an [arse] the whole time." Lauren said.

"Let me write this down, don't ask Lauren's sister Kaela to be godmother. There. How's that?" Kristen asked. They all laughed.

"What are you all laughing at in here?" Drew asked as he came into the kitchen.

"Oh, nothing." Lauren said as Drew gave her a dirty look.

"Oh man, what are you going to do if you go into labor while he's gone?" Kristen asked.

"Shoot him. It's his fault." Lauren said as they all started to laugh

[Lindsey Lou]

It got late before anyone knew it and Justin and Angel headed out.

They got in, and plopped down on the couch.
"You makin' the popcorn?" Justin asked as Angel walked into the living room. Tonight they were going to sit and watch a movie before they went to bed, an attempt to spend more time together before he left for the tour tomorrow.
"Uh huh." She smiled. They had rented White Oleander and 8 Mile.
Justin walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, or as best as he could.
"I love you." He smiled.
"I love you too." She laughed, kissing his cheek. She placed her hands over his, where they rested on her tummy.
"We need to name her before I go."
"I know" Angel sighed. She didn't want him to go. He had promised to be home for her birth but that wasn't concrete.

"Well, what names do you like??" Justin asked, sitting down on the couch with the converter in hand.
She thought there for a minute. "Laurel"
"Laurel?" He asked, making sure he heard her right.
"Yea."
"Cute" He smiled. " I like it. Laurel Jeffre."
"Laurel Mackenna Jeffre"
"I like it even more." He smiled. They started the movie.
"Hey J?" She asked as the movie began.
"What?"
"We're having a baby" She laughed. Justin looked at her and smiled.
"That, my love, we are."

[Lindsey Lou]

The next day~

Everyone was at the site were the tour buses were to pull out and go on the tour.

“Do you have to go, Daddy?” Jordan was asking Drew.

“Yep, I do buddy. Don’t worry, you guys will be able to come visit in a couple weeks.” Drew said to the little boy.

That made Jordan smile. “OK, daddy”

He then went to find Olivia.

Drew turned to Lauren. “You think you’ll be able to keep with these kids, even though you’re 7 months pregnant?”

Lauren nodded. “I will, don’t worry about me, Drewbie.”

Drew rolled his eyes, but then kissed his wife.


Angel and Justin were standing together and Angel was saying, “Why do you have to go?”

“This is part of my job, babe.” Justin said. “Don’t freak out about me not being there for our child’s birth. I will be there, so stop worrying.”

Angel smiled faintly. “I guess I won’t, Jus.” They kissed.


Grace and Jeff were hugging each other and she told Jeff “Have fun, ok?”

“Will” Jeff said. “Aren’t you gonna miss me though?”

Grace nodded. “I will, but I won’t like think about it for every second of the day. Besides, we’ll see each other in a few weeks, anyway.”

Jeff smiled. “You’re right” They kissed.


Meanwhile, Nick was looking all over for his fiancée. He hadn’t seen Kristin all morning, and he was getting concerned. “Why isn’t she here?” He thought. He knew Kristin had been upset last night, but wouldn’t she have at least come to say good-bye to him?

He saw Drew, who was raising his eyebrow. “I’m surprised Kristin isn’t with you.”

“I’m haven’t seen her” Nick said, “Have either of you?”

Lauren nodded. “She was on the other side of the bus, last time I saw her and that was about 5 minutes ago.”

Nick went to Lauren told him to go, and sure enough, there Kristin was, leaning against the side of the bus, looking at her feet.

“What’s wrong, babe?” Nick asked her.

“Nothing” Kristin said “I’m just gonna miss you, that’s all.”

Nick knew something else had to be bothering her but he didn’t say anything. “Don’t worry about it. You’ll see me in a few weeks.”

Kristin smiled at him. “I know, Nick” They hugged, and Nick kissed her cheek.

Finally, it was time for the buses to pull out. Everyone said their final goodbyes and the buses pulled out.

“This will be an adventure” Grace said as she watched them pull away.

“What are you talking about?” Kristin asked.

“Me and Lauren won’t have our husbands to help us take care of our kids.” Grace said.

They all laughed and Lauren pointed out, “We’ll survive. It’ll be more fun, anyway.”

Kristin looked down at her feet. “There they go talking about kids again,” She thought.

“You ok, Kris Kris?” Angel asked her.

“Yeah” She said curtly. She then walked back to her car.

Grace, Lauren, and Angel looked at each other blankly and decided to go round up their kids.

~*~

[Lindsey Lou]

Angel went home after she watched the bus pull away. She didn't feel like being social tonight and she just wanted to be alone. She missed him already and everything around her reminded her of him and she liked that. It made her feel like he was with her.

She went to bed that night feeling alone. As soon as she shut her eyes, the phone rang.

"hello?"
"baby?" It was Justin.
"Hey" She said tiredly.
"Aww, are you in bed already?"
"It's late" She sighed.
"It's 10"
"For pregnant women that's late J" She laughed.
They talked about how the rest of their day went then finally hung up and Angel dreamt about the day she would be able to see the precious baby she was carrying.

[Lindsey Lou]

Grace tucked Olivia into bed. It had been a long day,

made even longer by the fact that Jeff had

left. "Momma, whose gonna sing to me now?" Olivia

asked sleepily. Jeff had made it a point to sing to Olivia

every night at bedtime, a tradition he began the first

night they brought her home from the hospital. A smile

appeared on Grace's face as she answered "Well baby,

Daddy left something special for you, let me go get it."

Returning to her room, Grace placed a tape in the

Olivia's little pink boom box and pushed play.

Immediately, Jeff's voice filled the room, singing the

lullaby he had written for Olivia. When the song was

over, he said, "Goodnight baby girl, give Momma a kiss

for me." Giving her mother a kiss on the cheek, she

giggled, "That's from Daddy". When Grace made it back

to her and Jeff's room, she was crying. She knew Jeff

was doing what he loved, but she missed him more than

words could express.

[Lindsey Lou]

Lauren got home, and got Jordan and Brenna into the house and up to bed, she took out their wedding album to look at how they had a wonderful day. It had been a nice, warm day. She started crying because she missed him too much already. As she started to cry, the baby inside her started to kick. She then stopped crying and realized that they made beautiful children together. How she had that pregnancy scare at 19, and it was nothing. Then at 21 they got married. At 22 Jordan was born. At 24 Brenna was born, prematurely. And now she was pregnant with their third child, a baby girl. Drew and Lauren were going to name her Justine Nikkole. Hopefully she wouldn't be born 2 months sickly.

Just then the phone rang. "Hello?" She asked as she answered it.

"Hey baby. How're you?" Drew asked.

"I miss you!" Lauren said as she started to cry.

"Oh Lauren, don't cry! This isn't easy on me either." Drew said.

"I can't help it. Brenna cried herself to sleep in my arms tonight, and Jordan finally fell asleep in my lap 15-20 minutes ago." Lauren said.

"My little girl cried herself to sleep?" Drew asked.

"She sure did. She kept looking at the door and going 'dada?' I said, 'no, he's not coming home.'" Lauren said.

"I'm so sorry I can't be there for the rest of the pregnancy sweetie. But you know I've got to do this, right?" Drew said.

"Yeah, I guess." Lauren said.

"Cheer up sweetie, I'll be there for the birth, trust me." Drew said.

"Oh, all right." Lauren said. They talked for a little bit more and then she let him go. She forgot what being tired was like when she was pregnant.

[Lindsey Lou]

Grace mumbled as the phone began to ring and glanced

at the clock. 6 am, who would call at 6 am? Picking up

the phone she said hello sleepily. "Hey hun," Jeff

greeted. Instantly awake, Grace replied, "Jeff? What are

you doing calling this early?" "Just woke up and wanted

to talk to my girl." he answered. "I miss you." she

said. "I miss you and Olivia too. Did she hear my

recording?" he asked. "Oh honey, you should have seen

it, her eyes just lit up when she heard your voice! It was

adorable!" Grace said with a smile. "Just like you." he

remarked. "Oh, am I adorable?" she giggled. "Oh yes,

very adorable." he replied. They talked for a while and

then it was time to say good-bye. "I love you." he said. "I

love you too." she replied. Hanging up, Jeff had to fight

the urge to catch the first flight home, take her in his

arms, and kiss her.

[Lindsey Lou]

The next morning Lauren had a doctors appointment. So she went and dropped Jordan and Brenna off at Kristen's. She then went and did her appointment. She learned that the baby was really healthy, unlike Brenna was at this time.

"Hello?" Drew asked as he answered his phone.

"Hey baby." Lauren said as she started up the car to go get her children.

"Hey, how did the appointment go?" Drew asked.

"Well, she's healthier than what Brenna was at this time." Lauren said.

"That's so wonderful!! I bet you've got a smile at least a mile long right now." Drew said.

"Oh you bet I do." Lauren said.

"So where are you?" Drew asked.

"Highway 74 and Green Bay Road." Lauren said.

"Okay. We're in Florida right now." Drew said.

"Oh your lucky!" Lauren said.

"Yeah, but I miss you." Drew said.

"I miss you too." Lauren said.

"I want to be there to hold you right now, but I can't." Drew said.

"Well, when you get a break, like you guys planned on, you can hold me all you want." Lauren said hinting around.

"That's what I miss. Your sick sense of humor." Drew said laughing.

"Yeah, I know you do." Lauren said.

"I've got to go now. I'll talk to you a little later. Bye sweetie." Drew said.

"Bye Honey. I'll talk to you later." Lauren said as she pulled up to Kristen's house.

*~*

[Lindsey Lou]

About 30 minutes later, Kristin came over and joined Grace and Lauren.

“Hey

That afternoon, Grace took Olivia to Lauren and Drew's

to play with Jordan and Brenna. She also wanted to

spend some time with Lauren. She needed to talk, and

since Lauren was going through the same thing, she

knew she would understand. The girls sat on the back

patio as the kids played in the yard. "So, how are you

doing?" Grace asked Lauren. "Oh, I'm ok; much better

now that I know this baby is healthier than Brenna

was." she replied. "That is such great news! I just hope

the guys will be here for the births. I have 2 more

months to go. It's scary not having Jeff here with

me." "Oh, honey, I know it is, but we are all here for one

another. We girls gotta stick together." Lauren said,

trying to comfort her. A few tears fell from Grace's eyes

as she replied "Thanks sweetie, I do not know what I

would do without such great friends."

[Lindsey Lou]

Kris, how you doing?” Lauren asked.

“OK” She said. “I’m keeping myself occupied, so I won’t miss Nick so much.”

“Don’t you like, ever think about him?” Grace asked her.

Kristin nodded. “I just don’t really want to miss him every second of the day.” Kristin had a sorta dreamy look in her blue eyes.

“What ‘s that look for?” asked Lauren.

Kristin smiled. “I just can’t help but fantasize about married life and what it’ll be like. I’ve always dreamed of a really romantic wedding.”

“You and Nick have been planning, haven’t you?” Lauren asked.

“Yep” Kristin said. “We both make decisions and he said he wants us to write our own vows for the wedding.,”

“How romantic” Grace said. “Have you started on yours?”

Kristin nodded. “I’m not very far, though.” She looked at the engagement ring on her finger.

Just then, Jordan came in, and told them he was hungry for dinner. The three girls stood up and headed to the kitchen, trying figure out what to fix

[Lindsey Lou]

After they ate, everyone left. Lauren gave Jordan and Brenna a bath, and then put in a movie for them. They wanted to watch Lilo and Stitch, so she put it into the DVD player. Lauren remembered how scary it was when she and Drew learned that Brenna was going to be sick.

"Are you Mr. and Mrs. Lachey?" Dr. Taylor asked.

"Yes we are. What's up?" Drew asked.

"I'm very afraid that your daughter is going to be born soon. She's very sickly right now." Taylor said.

"Oh no." Lauren said. "What have I done wrong?"

"You've done nothing wrong. I'm sorry that this had to happen." Taylor said. Lauren started crying. "For now, I want you to be on complete bed rest."

"Come on sweetie, lets go home." Drew said as he saw his wife crying.

Just thinking about that made Lauren start to cry. Brenna had climbed into her lap and said, "everything will be otay momma!"

That made Lauren cheer up much. Brenna had some problems, and she was often made fun of because she was different. But Uncle Nick knew how to cheer her up. He'd often take her places just to keep her occupied after doctors appointments. Jordan was a normal child, so Nick knew how to make her day. Jordan wanted Brenna to be happy, so he often did things for her. And with Drew gone right now, Drew left Jordan in charge of being the man of the house.

[Lindsey Lou]

Angel had spent the day with her mom and Justin's, wandering through baby shops, looking for cute little outfits for the baby.

As soon as she sat on the couch, the phone rang.

"Hello?" She sighed, resting her feet.

"How's my princess?" She heard.

"Hey baby" She smiled. "How's my singing superstar?" She heard him laugh on the other end of the line.

"I'm good." He smiled. "How are my girls"

"We're fine. We miss you though" She sighed. "More then ever"

"I miss you too" He felt tears come to his eyes.

"Listen, I better go. I need to get some sleep. I'll talk to you tomorrow ok?"

:Sure. Just promise me one thing."

"Anything"

"That you'll be social. Don't lock yourself in the house. Spend time with the girls. Your mom. Your sister. Someone. Just don't be alone"

"Ok." She sighed, feeling the tears slide down her cheek. "I promise."

"I love you"

"I love you too." And with that, they hung up.

[Lindsey Lou]

Lauren decided to give Angel a call the next morning to see how things were going over there.

"Hello?" Angel asked as she answered the phone.

"Hey, Jeffre, what's up?" Lauren asked.

"Hey Lachey, not much. I was just about to call you to see if you wanted to go shopping with Kristin, Grace, and I." Angel said.

"Hmm. I'll have to leave the kids with Drew's parents." Lauren said.

"That's fine. Grace said that she was leaving Olivia with her parents." Angel said.

"Ok. Let me call my in-laws and I'll call you right back." Lauren said as they hung up. She quickly dialed the Lachey's.

"Hello?" John asked as he answered the phone.

"Hey, I was just wondering if you would like to watch Jordan and Brenna for a for awhile?" Lauren asked.

"Anytime. Yeah, sure. Drop them off." John said.

"That's not a problem?" Lauren asked.

"Nah, it's kind of lonely with no kids around." John said.

"All righty then. Well, I'll drop them off soon." Lauren said as she hung up and called Angel right back. They'd okay a spot to meet.

When Lauren was on her way to the mall, her phone began to ring. She looked at who it was. Drew. She smiled.

"Hey baby." She said as she picked up the phone.

"Hey honey. Just called the house. Where ya at?" Drew asked.

"Kristin, Angel, Grace and I are going baby-shopping." Lauren said.

"Ah, I see." Drew said.

"Yeah. So what’s up with you?" Lauren asked.

"Not much. Just call and say hi." Drew said. They talked all the way to the mall and then she let him go so she could go inside.

[Lindsey Lou]

As the girls did some window-shopping, they visited. "So

Grace, now that Jeff knows you are having a boy have

you two decided on a name?" Lauren asked. Grace

sighed, "No, we just can't seem to come up with

something we both like. I liked Landon, but Jeff didn’t.

He liked Christian, but I didn’t." Angel laughed "Well you

better come up with something soon, that baby is not

going to stay in your stomach forever." Grace

smiled "Believe me I know, and am grateful. I am ready

to see my baby boy. I'd like to see my big boy too" she

said with a laugh. Kristin patted her on the back "Trust

me Grace, we all would like to see our boys."

*~*~*~*



Angel smiled at Kristen and they continued into the store.

"Guys, this is too cute" She said picking up a cute little sundress. "I think I'm gonna get this for her to come home in"

"When is she due again?"

"August 16th" She said, running her hands over her stomach. *A/N: I'm [arse]uming its June, if not I can change it*

"Awww...just a few more weeks." Lauren smiled.

"7 1/2" Angel added. The girls continued walking through the store, paid for the stuff they had chosen, and then left.

"Who's hungry?" Grace asked, once they were out into the mall again.

"I am" Lauren and Angel added. Kristen looked at her watch. It was 11:30.

"You guys, I will never understand" She shook her head. "You only ate 2 hours ago,” Everyone laughed.

[Lindsey Lou]

~*~With the guys~*~

"So, we understand that congratulations are in order for all of you. All of you are about to become new fathers?" The dj asked. They were doing a pre-show radio interview.

"All of us but Nick" Drew laughed. "My wife's actually having our third."

"You've been busy Drew." The dj laughed. "What about you Jeff, what number is this? We all know you've said you wanted a big family."

"This will be my second. I have a little girl, Olivia, who actually has a thing for Drew's son Jordan." Everyone laughed.

"And Justin? How about you?"

"This is my first, me and my wife are totally looking forward to it. Love you Ang"

"Awww" The guys all cooe'd.

"Now, all of you are married right?"

"Again, everyone but Nick" Jeff laughed. "But he's getting there. A few months and he's married. He's one of us. Think it over bro...think it over a lot." The dj continued to ask them about the tour and other minor things.

[Lindsey Lou]

~*~Back with the girls.~*~



“I wonder what Drew and the rest of the boys are doing” Lauren wondered aloud.

“Probably giving an interview or something.” Angel replied. “And telling the world about their about to have another child.”

“Laur” Grace asked “You think you and Drew will be able to handle having three little Lacheys running around?”

Lauren smiled. “Drew and I are tough people. We can handle it”

Lauren, Grace, and Angel got their lunches, while Kristin only got a snack since she wasn’t that hungry. “I wonder if I’ll always be hungry when I’m pregnant.” She wondered. One thing was for sure, she couldn’t wait to have kids with Nick because she knew they’d be good-looking ones, and from helping the other three girls with their kids, she already had plenty of experience.

“Off in dreamland again, Kris?” Angel asked.

Kristin nodded, sipping her smoothie. “I can’t help it. I’m wondering what my future with Nick will be like”

“what would be your dream weeding?” Grace asked her.

“Oh gosh” Kristin said. “A small, intimate with only family, friends, beach wedding at sunset. That would be the most romantic thing ever. We would still live in Cincinnati, but I’d think that would be the best wedding.”

“have you talked about location?” angel asked.

Kristin nodded. “Yeah, but we haven’t decided.”

Just then, her cell phone went off. Kristin answered, and it was Nick.

“Hey babe, I have something to tell you.,” Nick said.

“OH yeah, what is it?” Kristin was excited and all the other girls listened in excitement.

“I have decided a perfect location for our wedding.”

“Where?” Kristin could barely stand the excitement.

“It’s a private beach away about 20 minutes form Waikiki resort. Us and our guests will be staying at Waikiki, but the beach our wedding will be at is a private, secluded beach with beautiful scenery. And it’ll be at sunset, just as you told me.”


Oh my gosh!!!!!” Kristin said. “You are the BEST!!!!!”

“Hey, I want this to be a dream wedding for my girl.” Nick replied. There were voices in the background. “And Drew says he sends hugs and kisses to Lauren and the kids.”

“I’ll tell her” Kristin said, “I gotta go, thank you so much, Nick”

Kristin could imagine Nick smiling “You’re welcome babe. Bye”

“What did Nick say?” Angel asked her excitedly.

“Well, we are getting married in Hawaii” Kristin said.

“No way, you are so lucky!” Grace said.

Kristin nodded., “And Drew said he sends hugs and kisses to Lauren and the kids”

Lauren got a little misty eyed. “Jordan will love to hear that.

[Lindsey Lou]

That night

Lauren was getting tired of walking, so she decided that she wanted to go. "Hey girls, I need to get off my feet." Lauren said.

"All right. Want us to come over tonight for awhile to get ready for the baby?" Angel offered.

"Nah, Drew's coming home tomorrow. It's just about ready. Now all we need is the baby to be healthy." Lauren said.

"That's right. Well, I guess I'll see you later." Angel said.

"Bye Laur." Kristin and Grace said.

~*~

"Wow, looks like you four have been busy." The dj said.

"Yes, we sure have." Jeff said.

"Drew, how's Brenna?" The dj asked.

"Couldn't be better. She'll be 2 in 3 weeks, and Jordan was just 4. Jordan has been a big help to us. He's always trying to do things for her." Drew said.

"That's all that you can ask for is a good big brother." The dj said.

"Expecially since Uncle Nick is always taking Brenna everywhere." Jeff said.

"That's not my fault. She got bored to death at Jordan's baseball game the other day." Nick said smacking Jeff.

"Yeah, sure." Justin said.

"I think not." Drew said.

~*~After the interview~*~

"I've got to call Lauren." Drew said.

"Hello?" Lauren asked as she answered the phone.

"Hey baby, just call and let you know that I'll grab a taxi tomorrow." Drew said.

"Drew Lachey taking a taxi? Now I'm going to faint!" Lauren said laughing.

"I don't want to bother you." Drew said.

"That's all right. If this kid isn't here by then." Lauren said.

"What are you talking about?" Drew asked.

"The contractions are now about an hour apart from each other." Lauren said.

"Ugh, all right. Well tell the baby not to come." Drew said as he laughed.

"I will. I'll tell her soon." Lauren said.

"All right. Night sweetie." Drew said.

"Night Drew." Lauren said as she hung up the phone.

"So what's up with Lauren?" Nick asked.

"She's having contractions." Drew said.

"That ain't good bro." Nick said.

"No, its not. Since I'm here, and she's there." Drew said.

"But you'll see her tomorrow." Nick said as they went to sleep.

[Lindsey Lou]

ht Grace was feeling a little under the weather,

so she ordered a pizza and put Sponge-Bob on for

Olivia. With her daughter occupied, she took some time

to rest. Just as she sat down on the couch, the phone

rang. "Of course they would wait until I sat down" she

mumbled, getting up to answer. "Hello?" she said with

little enthusiasm. "Hey baby!" Jeff replied. "Are you

okay? You sound tired." Grace smiled to herself, it was

so nice to hear his voice. "Hi Jeffie. I'm okay, a little

tired, but fine. How are you?" "I'm doing good,

considering I miss my girls. How's Olivia?" he

asked. "Oh, she is in heaven. We got pizza for

dinner and now she’s watching Sponge-Bob. Hold on, I'll

get her on the phone." Grace answered. Seconds later,

Olivia got on. "Daddy! Where are you? When are you

coming home? What is Drew doing?" Jeff laughed. "Hey

princess. Right now I am on the bus. I will be coming

home soon and I think Drew is asleep. You take care of

Mommy for me, okay?" "Okay." Olivia answered. "Daddy,

I'm gonna go watch Sponge-Bob now. I wuv you." "I love

you too princess." Jeff replied, missing he daughter

more than ever. Grace got back on the phone and they

talked for about thirty minutes. Finally, they said their

good-byes. "Jeff, I love so much." Grace said, wiping

away a tear. "Gracie, you know I love you." Jeff replied,

his heart breaking because he knew his wife was crying

[Lindsey Lou]

Lauren was sitting at home snuggling with Drew when she felt her water break. Right along with it, she had a contraction. They knew that it was coming. "Drew. My water just broke!" Lauren said.

"Oh, all right!! I'll go call ma and pa and we'll drop the kids off there." Drew said.

"All right. But I need you to hang on to." Lauren said as Drew let her lean on him while the contraction came.

"Breath sweetie. You can get through it." Drew said as he rubbed her back. She breathed.

"Thanks honey." Lauren said as Drew went and put Jordan and Brenna in the car. Then he called from there.

~*~AT THE HOSPITAL~*~

"Mrs. Lachey, we need to see how far along you are." The nurse said.

"Okay." Lauren said.

"Well, you are 3 centimeters dilated." The nurse said.

"Man, not far enough." Lauren said as Drew laughed

[Lindsey Lou]

Angel sat at home watching the American Idol Reunion Special when it happened. She tried to stand but the pain was too intense. She looked at her watch and documented the time. 6:53pm. 10 minutes later another hit, and so on. She picked up the phone and dialed Lauren and Drew's, thinking they would know what to do. No answer. She tried Grace and Jeff's...busy. Nick and Kristen's, busy. When she hung up the phone, the phone rang.

"Grace? Lauren?" She answered between breaths.

"Hi?" Justin asked. "Hunny, are you ok?"

Angel's eyes bugged out. The reality had sunk in. It was obvious she was going into labor, Justin was god knows where, and she was two months early.

"Justin...hi"

"Hunny, are you ok? Something isn't right, I can tell." She gave up trying to be brave.

"J, the baby's coming"

"WHAT?" He screamed. "Your 7 months...the baby can not be coming. Not now not while I'm not there."

"I can't stop it J. The contractions are ten minutes apart." She cried. "She's coming. We don't have a stable name, the nursery's not finished...owwwwww.... and your not here...and there's no answer at Drew's and Grace's is busy and there's no answer at Kristen's...J I want you to come home"

"I want to home too babydoll. I do. Just breath in and out for me ok" He listened as she did so. "Ok, your going to get off the phone and your gonna call your sister. While you do that I'm going to talk to Scott and try to get out of here to be with you ok? Everything is going to be ok"

"Ok" She said in a small voice. "I love you so much J"

"I love you to Angel. More then anything in this world. Your my girl ok? You always will be" Angel cried harder as the pressure of another contraction came on. She phoned her sister and got her to come and get her.

~*~ With J~*~

"What do you mean I can't leave? My wife is not only going into labor, but PREMATURE LABOR. I need to leave. This isn't very fair." Justin screamed with tears in his eyes. "You let Drew go..."

"Yes, Only because of what had happened last time with Brenna..." Scott said.

"WHAT HAPPENED WITH BRENNA IS HAPPENING WITH MY DAUGHTER NOW!" He slammed his fist on the table. "If something happens to my daughter Scott, so help me..." Nick put his arm around Justin and led him away.

~*~With Angel~*~

"Mrs. Jeffre, we're going to do a c-section. The baby is in distress and it won't be safe to deliver this baby naturally." The dr. informed her.

"I want my husband." She cried to her brother, who had come along too. "I want him so much"

[Lindsey Lou]

Drew was running back between 3 rooms. Not only was his wife in labor, but his best friends wives. Then it came time for Lauren to push. "Okay Lauren, give me one big push. Daddy, you count for her." The dr. said.

30 minutes later Lauren and Drew saw their little girl. She looked just like Lauren, only with Drew's hair and eyes. "She looked just like you." Drew said as he kissed his wife's head.

"Do we have a name?" The nurse asked.

"Justine Nikkole Lachey." Lauren said proudly.

"That's such a cute name." The nurse said. Then she left the room.

"You did an awsome job sweetie." Drew said as he looked at his newborn daughter in his wife's arms.

"No, we did." Lauren said.

"Your right." Drew said as her parents brought Jordan and Brenna into the room.

"Daddy!" Brenna said as she jumped out of her grandpa's arms into Drew’s.

"Brenna! How are you?" Drew asked kissing Brenna all over.

"Daddy, Brenna broke the wheel off my hotwheel!" Jordan said.

"Jordan, knock it off." Drew said.

"But daddy!" Jordan said.

"Don't start here." Drew said taking Jordan and Brenna out into the hall.

"Aww honey, she looks like you!" Lauren's mom Emily said.

"She does, doesn't she?" Lauren asked.

"She does. You have three adorable children with Drew." Her dad James said.

"Thanks." Lauren said as Drew set the kids on the bed.

"Jordan, Brenna, this is your new baby sister Justine." Drew said.

"Oh great, another sister." Jordan said. They all laughed

[Lindsey Lou]

Angel lay in the delivery waiting on the doctor to start. She was shaking and crying at the same time and she couldn't feel from her abdomen down.

Her brother Adam stood by her bedside.

"I want him here Adam. Tell me he's on his way" She cried.

"He's doing the best he can Angel. I'm sure he is" The doctor came in, ready to begin.

"Ok Angel, your going to feel a bit of a tug and a small amount of pressure...let us know if the anthestsa (sp?) isn't working" She could only hum.

In 10 minutes, baby girl Jeffre entered the world.

"We need to take her to the NICU for testing and observation." The doctor showed her the baby briefly then handed her to a nurse. Angel couldn't stop crying. After she was cleaned up, she was wheeled back to her room, where her dad and sister were waiting. Her mom had come in with her as well.

"She'll be ok hunny..." her dad tried to persuade.

[Lindsey Lou]

Much to Grace's dismay, her water broke just as she got

to the hospital to see Lauren. By the time her parents

got there, she was in her room. "Mom, have you called

Jeff?" she asked. "Yes, he knows and is trying to get

here as soon as he can. He says he loves you." her

mother responded. "If he loved me, he'd be here." Grace

remarked. It was obvious the pain was getting the best

of her. Hours p[arse]ed, and Drew came by to let everyone

know their daughter had been born. "That is wonderful,

but where is Jeff?" Grace questioned. "Well, last I heard

management wouldn’t let him come. He is trying to get

here, though." Drew answered. Tears falling from her

eyes she screamed, "Tell him I want a divorce! I knew I

should have never married a musician!" Drew left, a little

frightened by Grace's out burst. "Oh sweetie, you don't

mean that. You are just in pain." her mother said. Grace

replied, "Oh no, I meant it! He got me into this mess and

he can't even be here to support me." Just then, the

nurse came in and said it was time to take her in for

delivery. Drew was in the hallway talking to Jeff on his

cell when they came by, wheeling Grace into the delivery

room. "Are you talking to Jeff? Tell him I want a

divorce!" Grace shrieked. "What is she saying?" Jeff

asked Drew over the phone. Drew replied, "Oh she said

she loves you." "Tell her I love her too. Okay man, you

call me as soon as he is born." Jeff said as they ended

the call. Inside the delivery room, the doctor handed

Grace her new-born son. "He is perfectly healthy.

Congratulations, Mrs. Timmons." Tears fell from her

eyes as she looked down at her baby boy. "Oh, he looks

just like his father." she smiled. Handing her the phone,

her mother said, "Honey, someone wants to talk to you."

It was Jeff. "Baby, I am so sorry I wasn’t there. I tried, I

really did." he apologized. "No honey, it is okay. I

understand and I want to name him Christian, like you

wanted." she replied. "Oh, no he is going to Landon, just

like you wanted." The both laughed. "How does Landon

Christian Timmons sound?" Jeff asked. Grace

replied, "Perfect".

[Lindsey Lou]

A few hours later, Angel and her parents went down to the NICU to see the baby. They had gotten word about Lauren and Drew's new daughter, Justine Nikkole, and the fact that Grace was now in labor as well. Before they could leave the room, the phone rang.

"Hello?" Annie, Angel's mom answered.

"Annie, it's Justin, how is she?" Justin said panicing.

"She's right here Justin. Your daughter was born just under 2 hours ago."

"Is she ok? Who does she look like? What colour eyes does she..."

"Justin, none of us have seen her...she's in the NICU...we're on our way down there." She said softly. "She's not breathing on her own. Would you like to talk your wife?"

"Please" He said, voice cracking.

"Hello?" Angel asked, picking up the phone.

"Hi Hunny. How are you?"

"Justin...when are you going to be here? I'm so scared!" She said, starting to cry.

"They won't let me leave baby girl...I'm sorry. I'm trying my hardest. I promise you." He uttered, crying himelf.

'What should we name her?" She asked. "I like Haili"

"I like that too." He smiled, just a little. "How about Haili Amanda?"

"Haili Faith?" She asked.

"I like it" He smiled.

"Me too" They talked for a few more moments and then Angel and her parents went to see Haili.

"She's so tiny" She gasped. Angel looked down at her tiny daughter, attached to many wires and monitors. "I love you Haili Faith Jeffre. More then anything in this world"



3:30 AM 3 DAYS LATER

"Shhh, Justine, everything will be all right." Drew said as he bounced his newborn daughter around the room. It was her first night home, so Drew told Lauren that he'd take care of everything while she rested.

Lauren stood out in the hallway watching Drew with their youngest. He saw her and smiled. "She looks just like her mommy." Drew whispered, trying not to wake up any of the kids.

Lauren realized how lucky she was to meet Drew. She and Drew got married in 1998. Jordan was born right before their 1 year anniversay. Then two years later Brenna was born 2 months early. She had so many things wrong with her. Now she's just your typical 2 year old. And now of course, they have Justine, who is very healthy.

Jordan was getting involved with many things now. He was really liking Soccer. Drew didn't care, just as long as he was happy. Brenna loved to go to the park, or just to swing in their backyard. Things were all good.



A week later, days after Grace and Lauren had gone home with their babies, Angel was released. Haili still had to stay in the hospital for obvious reasons.

"Bye Hail, I'll be by to see you tomorrow ok? Mommy promises. I love you so much Doll" Angel said, wiping her tears. Kristen, who had offered to drive Angel home, wrapped an arm around one of her closest friends.

"She'll be ok. She's a fighter. Just like her mommy" She tried. Angel just kept crying. "I know it's hard Angel. But she'll be ok."

"You can't tell me that. You can't sit here and promise me that my daughter, who was born premature, without her father present, will be ok." She screamed. Kristen stepped back and let Angel gather herself. "I'm sorry" She cried.

"I'm just saying. Look at Brenna...she was in this exact position just a little over two years ago...and look at her now...Haili is going to be exactly like that..."

"How can you be so sure?" Angel asked, looking at Haili again.

"Because she's a Jeffre." Kristen smiled. "Now come on. Let's get you home" With that, the two women walked out of the NICU and out of the hospital.

When Kristen pulled the car into the driveway of Angel's house they both got a shock. There, on the front porch, stood the love of their lives. Kristen looked over at Angel with a huge smile on her face. Justin was down at the car door helping Angel out before they could blink.

"Oh Angel..baby" Justin said wrapping his arms around his fragile wife.

"When did you get in?" Angel asked after the couple shared a tender kiss.

"10 minutes ago. Nick called Kristen to find out when you were getting out..." Tears came to Angels' eyes again.

"She's so tiny Justin..." She cried into his chest. Tears rolled down Justin's cheeks as well.



As Kristin looked at the embracing couple, she said awkwardly “I…… ummm think I’ll be… going now.”
Justin looked up at her. “Thanks for driving Angel home Kris.”
Kristin smiled. “Sure, no problem”

[Lindsey Lou]

As she drove to the house that she shared with Nick, Kristin felt tears flow down her face. Even though she looked confident on the outside that everything would be ok, inside she wasn’t too sure on the inside. Haili had looked extremely tiny when she had been with Angel in the NICU room.
And she wasn’t jealous that the other girls had their husbands with them, they needed them more than she needed Nick, even though she did want to see Nick

After she got in the house, she couldn’t hold it in anymore. She began to cry for everything. For Haili, Angel and Justin, Breanna and Lauren and Grace and her daughter. She hoped it would all be ok, but yet no one knew.
“I hope it’ll all be happy times when Nick and I get married.” She pulled herself up and noticed her cell rang.

“Hello?” She answered.

“Hey babe, it’s Nick.”

Kristin couldn’t help but smile. “Hey. What are you doing?”

“Nothing, just a little bit of work. You want me to come to Cincinnati?”

“No.” Kristin said. “You stay and get your work done.”

“You sure?” Nick really didn’t sound convinced.

“Yes. Just get a little bit more work done, then you can come see me.”

“Ok” Nick said. He hung up.

After that, Kristin went to her room and went to sleep on her bed.

[Lindsey Lou]

At that moment, everything came to a stop. Nothing seemed to be there anymore. Justin and Angel stood there, crying into each other’s arms. No one really knew what to do, so they let them have their space.



The news had saddened every one, though. They knew that Justin and Angel had been so excited and happen to have a child and now they it was ending this way, they had no idea what to do or say to make it better.



“I just can’t imagine…..” Grace was saying. Everyone had gathered at Justin and Angel’s house, though the couple wasn’t present at the moment. “I can’t imagine what they must be going through”



“I know…” Drew said. “Who knew it would happen this way?”



“Well” Jeff pointed out. “You and Lauren almost had it with Breanna”



“Yeah, but it never actually happened” Lauren said.



Everyone then saw Angel walk into the kitchen. Lauren walked after her.



“How you doing Angel?” Lauren asked sympathetically.



“Ok” She answered, tears in her voice. “I’m just so upset. I can’t believe this happened. I don’t know what I did wrong”



Lauren put her arm around her friend’s shoulder. “You do nothing wrong, Angel babe, it just happened this what happened.” She paused and began to sing the chorus to Aaron Carter’s “Keep Believing”



Keep believing
Cause everything happens for a reason

And though tonight tears fill your eyes

Don’t stop dreaming girl

I’ll be right here to lean on

I want to see you

Keep believing.



“And we’ll all be here for y’all. Don’t stop dreaming Angel, maybe the next time it’ll be better”



Angel smiled. “Thanks Laur, I needed that badly”



“You’re welcome”



Drew looked at Brenna sitting in his lap. "Thank God your still with us sweetie." Drew said as he hugged Brenna.

"I'll be right back." Justin said as he walked off.

"This has to be the worst day of my life." Angel said.

"Angel, honey, don't worry. You did nothing wrong. God just wanted Haili in heaven earlier than any of us surely wanted. Your kids in the future will always know that she was a cute baby. You did nothing wrong." Grace said as she stroked Angel's hair.

"I thought I did something wrong also when Brenna was born sick. But no, it's just how they're formed. You did nothing wrong." Lauren said.

"I spent almost every free time I got with you Angel. You did nothing wrong at all. You even ate right." Kristen said.

"Gee, I guess your right. Thanks girls." Angel said. Just then Jordan and Olivia came walking up.

"We made this for you Auntie Angel. We're sorry." Jordan said.

"VERY sorry." Olivia said as Angel smiled.

"Thank you Jordan and Olivia!! I'll be sure to hang this up on my fridge at home so I can say that you two colored this for me." Angel said as she hugged Jordan and Olivia.

"Kids, what you did was so sweet. That was wonderful!" Grace said as they all smiled.



Angel looked down at Olivia and Jordan, then heard the cries of Justine and Landon. Grace and Lauren started towards the stairs to the spare bedroom the kids were in, but Justin and Angel stopped them.

"Let us" Angel pleaded. "Please."


Lauren and Grace looked to Jeff and Drew, then back at Justin and Angel

"We'll get their bottles warmed." Lauren smiled and walked off to the kitchen with Grace. Angel took Justin's hand and walked up the stairs.

"I'll take Justine, you take Landon" Justin nodded, wiped the tears from his eyes, then picked up the little boy.

"Look at you" Angel whispered to Justine. "Your the exact replica of your mommy and Daddy." Tears rolled down her cheeks. "You would have liked your cousin Haili. You two and Landon would have been the three terrors." Angel laughed a little. She watched as Justine greedily sucked from the bottle. Justin looked over at his wife and noticed her tears.

"I love you Angel" He whispered as Landon finished off his bottle. With that, she started to bawl. Lauren walked into the room and took the baby from Angel, while Jeff did the same with Landon.

~*~A week later~*~

"We're all gathered here to celebrate the short yet blessed life of Haili Faith Jeffre"

Angel and Justin sat in the front pew along with her parents and his, and their siblings, with their friends behind him. Angel laid her head on Justin's shoulder and cried while the minister read about how precious life was and not to take it for granted.

After the m[arse], they drove over to the children's cemetery and buried their daughter, the daughter they had only known for a little over a week. The daughter, they had wanted.

"It's unbelievable isn't it?" Grace said, looking at the tombstone...
"She was so young..." Lauren whimpered.

HAILI FAITH JEFFRE
July 16th 2003 - July 23rd 2003
"Spread Your Wings And Fly, Baby Girl"

[Lindsey Lou]

Kristin’s birthday happened to be around when all of this was happening, so everyone agreed to throw a belated birthday party for her. Kristin insisted that that they didn’t have to, but Angel told her she felt bad for totally ignoring her birthday.

They held the party in Drew and Lauren’s backyard, and they had a cookout. Justine and Landon were sleeping, the older kids were playing, and everyone else was sitting around talking.
“Y’all really didn’t have to do this.” Kristin insisted. “But I do appreciate it.”
“Hey, we couldn’t ignore your birthday” Angel said. “How old are you again?”
“27” Kristin said, “I’ll be 30 in 3 years. Wow, I’m old.”
“You aren’t, baby” Nick said. “I’m GONNA be 30 in November. Now that’s old”
“It’s not” Kristin said. “You got a long time ahead of you, Nicky”
Nick rolled his eyes; he hated to be called that. Still everyone laughed.
“Speaking of, when is your wedding?” asked Grace.
“Next Saturday, August 9th” Nick said. “But we’ll fly everyone into Hawaii on Thursday night and can stay till Monday morning”
“That long?” Justin asked.
Nick nodded. “We got stuff planned, but we want everyone to really enjoy Hawaii.”
“Yay, I’ll get to spend my birthday in Hawaii” Drew’s eyebrows bounced up and down.
“Get your mind out of the gutter, you idiot.” Lauren said.
“Sorry” Drew said. “Couldn’t help it”

Kristin did get a lot of nice presents, but the nicest one were form all the kids and from Nick.
First the kids gave her their present. “We made you a card” Jordan said.
“I drawed most of it” Olivia told her.
Kristin opened it to see “Happy Birthday” written in uneven letters, with Lauren signing all the kids names.
“Thanks you guys.” Kristin said. “You kids are too sweet.” She hugged them.

Nick then handed her an envelope. Kristin opened it to see a really nice card and there was a piece of paper.
“Look at the piece of paper” Nick said.
Kristin looked at it.

I, Nick Lachey, present to you, an unlimited number of m[arse]ages
For a year, starting on July 24, 2003 and ending the next year.

Kristin smiled and laughed a little. “Thanks, Nicks”
“Your welcome, I knew you’d like it”
“I wanna see the paper” Lauren said.
Kristin handed it to her and Lauren raised her eyebrows “You’re a lucky chica”
“I know” Kristin said “It’ll especially come in handy on my wedding night”
That caused a lot of “oooos” and laughs.

[Lindsey Lou]

After the party, Angel and Justin left after sticking around to help tidy up a bit.

"Hun are you coming to bed?" Justin asked as he knocked on the door. All he heard were sobs. "Angel?"

"Come in" She whispered. Justin stepped into the bathroom to see his wife standing in front of the mirror in her bra and pajama pants. She still had the protrusion around her middle section from her pregnancy.

"Hunny..."

"If only I hadn't gone in to labor." She turned to face him. "We would still be having a baby. I would still be carrying a baby."

"Angel..." Justin started.

"I'M AWFUL! I SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO BE NEAR ANOTHER CHILD." She screamed. "Tell me what an awful person I am. Tell me how much you hate me and how much you resent me, for losing our child. "

Justin just stood there. "Your not a bad person Angel"

"Your a liar! Nothing but I cold blooded liar!" She shrieked, collapsing to the ground in sobs. "I don't know how you can look at me."

Justin sat down beside her and hugged her close. "I love you Angel Star Jeffre." He soothed, tears running down his own cheeks. "I love you so damn much"

[Lindsey Lou]

Drew and Lauren decided that they wanted a nice picture of Jordan, Brenna and Justine together. So they dressed up the kids very cute and took them to JC Penny's. Once they got there, Drew got Justine, while Lauren put Jordan and Brenna in the stroller. Drew carried Justine's carseat.

They went and sat and waited for their name to be called. "Lachey." The lady behind the counter said.

"We're right here." Drew said as he got a sleeping Justine out of her seat.

"Awe!! Look at the adorable children we have here!" The lady said as she looked at all three of the kids.

"Why thanks!" Lauren said.

"How old are they?" The lady asked as they went into the room.

"Jordan is 4, Brenna is 2, and Justine is 4 weeks." Drew said.

"Wow, so cute! Oh, and I'm Erynn by the way. I'll be your photographer." Erynn said.

"Okay, nice to meet you Erynn." Lauren said.

"Thanks, you to. Anywho, what would you like the background to be?" Erynn asked.

"Just the blue/red/green background. We'd like 4 with all three children, 3 of Justine, 3 of Jordan, 3 of Brenna, and then 2 of each with one of Justine and Jordan, Justine and Brenna, and Brenna and Jordan." Lauren said.

"That would be cute. All right, we could do it." Erynn said.

"Thanks." Drew said.

"Daddy, why do we need pictures?" Jordan asked.

"Because you have a new sister." Drew said.

"Oh the joys of sisters. Daddy, can't you and mommy make me a little brother?" Jordan asked.

"Someday son, someday." Drew said.

"Go one Brenna, everything will be all right." Lauren said as she sat Brenna on the seat.

"Okay." Brenna said.

~*~Later that night~*~

"Drew, what did Jordan ask you before?" Lauren asked as she placed her head on his shoulder after they got the kids to bed.

"If we could make him a little brother." Drew said.

"I don't know if I want anymore." Lauren said.

"Let's just try when Justine's a year, just to see what happens." Drew said.

"Now that I wouldn't mind. I've always wanted a baby close to another one." Lauren said smiling.

"Well, then in a year, we'll try and see what happens." Drew said, kissing her lips.

"Drew, don't go any farther than that. It'd hurt to much for me right about now." Lauren said.

"2 weeks, just 2 more weeks." Drew said.

"Then we'll send the kids to your parents for the night and I'll give you my heart for giving me 3 wonderful children." Lauren said.

"I like that idea. Thanks honey." Drew said.

"Your welcome." Lauren said as she kissed his lips.

[Lindsey Lou]

It was about a week later, and everyone had landed in Hawaii for Kristin and Nick’s wedding. Everyone was glad to go there and get away, especially since all the drama that had occurred in Cincinnati.

Drew and Lauren stepped off the plane and Jordan asked her “Mommy, will we get to go to the beach while we’re here.”
“Of course honey” Lauren said. “That’s part of the reason Uncle Nick and Aunt Kristin made the stay so long so we could enjoy the beach”
“Yay!” Jordan said. “I can’t wait to go.”

After they got off, Jeff, Grace, Olivia, and Landon got off. “Wow…” Grace said. “ this place is gorgeous. I can’t wait to start relaxing”
“What, and I have to baby sit?” Jeff asked.
“Hey, I’ve had to play the single parent role for awhile and now it’s your turn”
Jeff rolled his eyes, but gave his wife an affectionate kiss.

Then, Angel and Justin got off and Angel said “I hope we can get away in this place. I need a break form everything.”
“We definitely will, baby” Justin replied. “And I agree with you, we both could use the break.”
Angel sighed, still thinking of Haili and how horrible she was for going in labor so early.
“I know what your thinking and it’s not your fault.” Justin said.
Angel nodded “I still can’t help but think it is, Justin. But you’re right, I shouldn’t dwell on it.”

Finally the almost newlyweds came off. “Oh my gosh Nick, I can’t believe I’m in Hawaii” Kristin said.
Nick grinned. “I can’t either. I also can’t wait to get married. How about you?”
Kristin grinned. “Definitely” they kissed and went to get their luggage.

[Lindsey Lou]

After getting to the hotel they would be staying in, the group dispersed and went to unpack.

Justin and Angel's room was at the end of the hall, across from Nick and Kristen's, with large balconies. This way, the couples with children, wouldn't have to worry about it. In lieu of balconies, those rooms came with large picture windows.

Angel unpacked all of their bathroom stuff, including their lifelines. Their pills. Since Haili's death, both Justin and Angel had been put on anti-depressants to help them with the harsh realities they were facing.

Justin hung up the phone. "Angel?" He called out.
"What?" She asked, placing the two bottles on the counter.
"Everyone is going swimming downstairs in the pool, do you want to join them" Angel stood in the door way of the bathroom and thought for a minute.
"Sure." Justin smiled and went to get their bathing suits from the drawers. Angel hadn't lost any of the weight from when she was pregnant, so she still needed to wear a maternity bathing suit, even though it was a little big, she easily fixed it by covering it with a t-shirt.
"Hunny, it's a private pool. Only us." Justin said, referring to everyone in their group.
"I know. I'm just..."
"I know..." Justin soothed. They walked down to the pool hand in hand and met up with everyone else. Grace and Lauren weren't going swimming because someone had to stay with Landon and Justine, but they were out on the deck.

"There's got to be something wrong with me,...even they look thinner then me...and they just had a baby." She thought



The group hung out at the pool for a little bit, just enjoying the fact that no one was around, like media or managers, and they could let their guard down.

"Well, we're gonna go..." Drew said, looking over at Brenna who couldn't keep her eyes open. "Missy over here is tired."

"Yea, I think we're going to head up too" Grace said looking over at Olivia and Jeff. He nodded and started out of the pool. The two families left and an uncomfortable silence fell over the two remaining couples. Nick and Kristen didn't know what to say to Justin or Angel, afraid of saying the wrong thing, and Justin and Angel didn't know what to say to Nick and Kristen, afraid of saying something mean.

"You look great Angel" Nick said softly. Angel looked down at herself and then up at Nick.

"Thanks." She smiled just a little, after the ice was broken, everyone started chattering away again, like old times.

~*~

"Gawd, I need to lose weight" Angel mumbled, changing into her pajamas.

"What was that?" Justin asked, looking at Angel.

"Nothing" She said, tears stinging her eyes. "Nothing"

Justin looked at her, then turned away again.

"Do you still find me attractive?" She wondered aloud.

"Yes I do" He said softly, walking over to her. "Your the prettiest woman in the entire world"

[Lindsey Lou]

Once they got to their hotel room, Grace went to give

Olivia a bath while Jeff watched Landon. After giving her

a bath, they sat on the bed, as Grace braided her hair.

When she was done, Olivia jumped off the bed and

asked Jeff "Daddy do I look pretty?" He smiled and

responed of course, princess. You are the spitting image

of your Mom, who is the most beautiful women in the

world." He then walked over to Grace and kissed her.

Olivia giggled in the background. When they finally got

their daughter to sleep. Jeff whispered to Grace "Hey,

both of them are sleeping." Grace smiled and

replied "Oh no, not yet." Jeff pouted "What, I can't

cuddle with my wife?" "Oh well, that you can." she

laughed as he pulled her into his lap. Resting her head

on his shoulder, Grace sighed. "What's the matter?" he

asked. "Nothing, this just feels so good." she returned.

He kissed her on the neck, sending shivers down her

spine. "Grace," he whispered, "thank you for my babies.

thank you for completing me."



Up in the room, Jeff watched Olivia and Landon so Grace

could get ready. Olivia observed as he changed her little

brother's diaper. After a moment of silence, she

commented "Daddy, when I'm a big girl, I wanna have

babies with Jordan." Jeff turned around, a little shocked.

"What?" he asked. "Me and Jordan are gonna get

married when we are big and live happily ever after, just

like you and Momma." she replied. Jeff couldn’t help but

laugh. "Princess, you might change your mind when you

are older." he said. Looking very serious, Olivia

responded "Oh no, Daddy. I wuv Jordan." Laying Landon

in his crib, Jeff picked up his daughter and sat down on

the couch. "Well," he said, "Who says I would let you get

married? I may just want to keep my princess forever."

Olivia giggled as Jeff kissed her on the forehead. "Don't

worry, no matter what, I'll always be your princess."

[Luv_98_Degrees]

aww..soo cute!! Love it!! Good job, guys!!!! :D

[Kristen07]

Wow.... i posted this in '04. Glad you liked it!

[Luv_98_Degrees]

i LOVE it, Kris!! Good job!!!! :D

[Lindsey Lou]

I actually miss writting this story! Lol

[Kristen07]

We had a sequel to this... but i dunno if it's on this board or not... lol