A/N: So sorry guys I've been MIA, but here's an update!

Armando's family came rushing in, wearing house coats and pajamas, their panic written across their faces. Even their youngest child, Lauren, who hadn't been allowed in the NICU previously, was being tugged along behind her oldest sister. Her bright pink and green pajamas stood out against the soft yellow walls of the NICU. James and Harriet, Armando's parents, burst into tears as they stood over Armando's crib. James picked up Lauren so she could press a kiss onto his forehead. Their other three children stood there holding onto each other, tears pouring from their eyes as they looked at their baby brother. Their young brains were struggling to comprehend what was happening in front of them.

"Oh God." Jules muttered under her breath as she watched the doctor walking over to them with a solemn look on his face. He quietly talked to the family, Jules couldn't hear him, but when Harriet slid down to the floor, her anguished screams shattering the quiet, she knew what news their doctor had delivered. Jules reached behind her and clutched onto Sam's shirt, silent tears pouring from her eyes. James knelt down next to his wife, tears pouring from his eyes. Harriet grabbed two handfuls of James' shirt and muffled her screams in his shirt. They rocked back and forth for almost fifteen minutes before Harriet was able to compose herself. They beckoned their children over and Jules heart shattered watching the children break down.

The family spent some time with Armando, brushing the little wisps of his hair down and pressing countless kisses to his face, fingers, and toes. The entire family got to hold him one last time. They had a chaplain come and pray over him and then a nurse took his hand and foot prints one more time. Finally, James nodded to the doctor and he moved in, unhooking the IVs and machines. Finally, the doctor slipped the tube that had been giving Armando the air he needed to breathe out, Harriet let out another choking sob. The doctor wrapped Armando in a blanket and handed him to Harriet. After five minutes, James and Harriet let out a simultaneous howl and Jules knew it was over. The NICU was eerily quiet for the rest of the night. It was somber reminder that at any second, it could be over for any of the fragile lives here.

For the first time in Brianna's life, she was lying in a crib without any wires, tubes, or any type of line coming from her. Her eyes were wide open, a brilliant shade of blue. Dr. Hanes stood behind them, beaming with pride over how well the sweet girl was doing. Brianna had accomplished so much in her short life. Jules didn't think there was a word for how thrilled she was. She knew it was just a few days from being able to bring her little girl home. She looked over at the crib two over from Brianna, a new little boy now occupying it, and her heart panged. James and Harriet would never get to experience the feelings that she and Sam were feeling right now. Jules felt a little guilty. Armando had been a routine pregnancy and ended so tragically, but Brianna had come into the world with her future uncertain and she was leaving healthy and strong.

"We want to monitor her for forty-eight more hours. She'll stay unattached to any machine except for checking her vitals. We'll do that every five minutes for the first few hours and slowly back down. It will be up to her to see how often they need to be taken." Dr. Hanes mentally doubted that Brianna would have any problems, but he didn't want to jinx himself by saying anything. She had been strong from day one. She had born a fighter and had fought hard. She obviously took after her parents. He could tell they were great people and he had heard through the vine that they were some of the best cops Canada had seen.

"Thank you so much Dr. Hanes!" Sam reached out and shook the man's hand vigorously. He was beyond ready to never see this place again. "We're so ready to bring her home!" He had been so impressed with the excellent care and compassion they had received, but he didn't want to spend any more time here than necessary. He knew Brianna would sleep much better in a home environment without all the noise that erupted from time to time in the NICU. There was always monitors beeping and it made it impossible for the brain to really relax.

"I can't wait to see her in our crib!" Jules felt giddy inside. She loved every last inch of her little girl and she had hated the wires and tubes. There were a few bruises blemishing her skin where various IV's or monitors had been but they would heal. They were just a sign that Brianna was incredibly strong and had never stopped fighting.

"You're going to probably head home with a pulse ox monitor and Sadie will be coming by shortly to take Brianna's first set of vitals, so she'll show you how to use it!" Dr. Hanes nodded at them and headed off to check on the next patient.

"I know it is a lot, but you're going to do just fine. You're great parents." Jackson smiled down at the sleeping Brianna. She had been dressed in a pink onesie with a pink tutu and white socks with pink polka dots on them. A green and white striped blanket was tucked carefully around her. Since she was still on the small side, Jackson had warned them that she might get cold easier and to keep her dressed warmly. Jackson knew that she was going to be spoiled rotten. Jules had shown him a few pictures of the nursery and the camera set-up they had ready for her.

"As much as I've enjoyed watching Brianna's progress, I'm more excited that she is going to be home." Dr. Hanes walked up behind the group. This was the whole reason that he kept doing his job. It was very stressful and devastatingly sad at times, but these moments made it all worth it.

"I'm glad there are doctors like you in the world." Sam wanted to shake the doctor's hand non-stop. He'd been on the phone with the team this morning and let them know what was happening. They had cheered and yelled in happiness for Sam, Jules, and Brianna. They were planning on coming over during the weekend to give them a few days to settle in. After two very long months, they were going to finally have a coming home party for Brianna.

"We literally can't thank you enough Dr. Hanes." Jules gave the doctor a tight hug. She couldn't put into words how grateful she was for all the doctor had done for her and her daughter. She knew the reason she was getting to take Brianna home today was mostly because of the work of Dr. Hanes. He was an exceptional doctor who went above and beyond. She had been a patient in another part of this hospital before and she knew that overall, this hospital was amazing and dedicated. "Brianna is here because of you. You've done more than can ever be repaid."

"It has been my pleasure!" Dr. Hanes shook hands with Sam. His beeper went off right as he opened his mouth, "I'm sorry, I have an emergency. I have to run! Have a wonderful life, Brianna." He grinned big at them and rushed for the doors.

"Jackson, thank you for all you have done these past few weeks. You have been a rock for us." Sam wanted to make sure that Jackson knew that he had been extremely helpful in navigating the maze of the NICU.

"You are so welcome." He smiled back at them. "Nurse Callie is going to escort you guys out." Callie had a bounce in her step as she pushed over a wheelchair. She stroked Brianna's face and gazed on her in awe as she helped her parents strap her into her car seat. Sam picked up the car seat and held Jules hand with the other as they stepped out of the NICU doors for the last time. Jules had to wipe away a few tears of joy. She had been so skeptical at times that they would ever be able to bring Brianna home. Sam pulled their car up to the front door as Jules and Callie chatted. Jules exchanged numbers with Callie so that Jules could send updates to Callie. As Callie watched them load the car seat in and climb in, after one round of hugs, she couldn't help but beam. This was the best part of her job. She loved when she saw the families leave, complete, for the last time.

"It's better than I imagined." Sam had Jules wrapped in his arms as they looked down at Brianna. She was sleeping soundly and hadn't even made a peep as they had taken her from her car seat and laid her down in her crib. They had been instructed to have her sleep on a slight incline to prevent reflux. They had already turned on the in-crib monitor that would alert Jules and Sam if she started making any noise. "She's so perfect." They had attached the little pulse ox machine to her foot like Sadie had shown them earlier in the week. It was just a precaution but they were happy for it now.

"She is." Jules whispered while smiling down at her little girl. She had the same nose as her father. She definitely got her looks from her father, but Jules was just fine with that. "I guess we should try to get some sleep." They both quietly walked towards the door, holding hands, the bliss of parenthood finally washing over them.

It hadn't taken long for Sam and Jules to fall into an easy routine with Brianna. Brianna was an extremely laidback baby. She woke them up twice at night but after she was fed, she went right back to sleep. She cooed and loved to be cuddled and was rarely grumpy. Brianna had stunning crystal blue eyes and curly wisps of blonde hair. She already had started to show so many emotions and she had this little smile that made Sam and Jules hearts melt. They didn't know how they were ever going to discipline her or tell her no.

"I don't want to leave you guys tomorrow." Sam had Jules curled up in his arms on the couch. Brianna was asleep on Jules chest. A Walk to Remember was playing in the background. It was one of Jules favorite movies. She watched it at least once a month. Sam just smiled, mouthed the words to the movie, and relished the time that he got to spend with her.

"I wish you didn't have to go." Jules turned her head so she could smell the distinct scent that was Sam. "I'll miss you." Sam leaned down so he could press a kiss to her forehead. He was going to miss having her at an arm's length. They had done practice runs with each of them being alone with Brianna, but it was going to different tomorrow. She didn't want Sam to leave. She had spent so much time with him in the past few months, that it was going to be extremely lonely without him.

"I'll think about you both every second that I'm away." Sam squeezed his arms together so that Jules was pressed even tighter to him. "I love you." He wanted to spend every last one of his days with her. He wished they could live in their own world forever. If it weren't for the fact that unfortunately they needed money to live, they would both have already quit so they could stay at home forever.

"I love you." Jules couldn't even put into words how much she loved Sam. She didn't think it was possible to love a boy like she loved him. He was the perfect father and treated her like a queen. She snuggled down deeper into Sam's arms. "I can't believe how happy I am." Jules smiled widely. "You make me so happy." There weren't words for the happiness that Jules felt when she saw Sam or thought about him.

"Me either." Sam was so grateful for his life. He never thought he would be this lucky. Brianna had successfully kept her oxygen levels up for the entirety of the first week she had been home and the doctors were confident that she wouldn't need the machine much longer. She had exceeded all expectations and was putting on weight quickly. She was still wearing preemie sized clothing, but a few of them were starting to get tight. Wordy had supplied them with enough clothing to last Brianna's entire lifetime.

"I think we should have the team over on Saturday." Jules felt like she hadn't seen them in forever. "I miss the guys." Sam nodded. A barbeque could be a lot of fun and the team hadn't really gotten to see Brianna yet.

"That's a great idea Jules." Sam was already racking his brain of what they would need for the weekend. "We can grill burgers. I think the store had beef on sale. Tell the boys to bring some beers with them and we hang out?" Jules smiled and nodded energetically. The team had been trying their best to give the new family time to settle in, but every member had been checking in with Jules every day to make sure she didn't need anything and that Brianna was doing well. Sam had really missed hanging out with his friends. He and Jules had spent every waking moment in the NICU with Brianna and then trying to get settled in home and hadn't been able to see the guys at all.

"I'll mention it tomorrow." Sam pressed his face back into Jules' head. He loved how her hair smelled. He loved everything about her. The three of them snuggled together through the rest of the movie before heading off to bed. They all had a big day tomorrow.

Sam carefully slipped out from beside Jules. He hated to leave for work, but he wanted to make sure that he left Jules as prepared as he could. He shrugged on a pair of khaki shorts and walked out into the kitchen. It was funny the changes that had happened in their house. There was evidence of a baby everywhere. A pink blanket was thrown over the back of the chair and pacifiers were scattered across the coffee table.

He slipped into Brianna's room. She was awake, sucking on her thumb. She had her free hand extended towards the ceiling. They had added sparkly stars all over the ceiling and Brianna seemed fascinated with them. They had taken great care to put together the perfect nursery for Brianna. They were really proud of the way everything had fallen into place. Wordy had donated so much to them. They weren't sure how they were ever going to repay him.

"I love you so very much. You be a good girl for mommy today." Sam reached into the crib and carefully cradled Brianna's head in his hand as he picked her up, detaching her from the pulse ox machine. He quickly changed her diaper and put on a fresh onesie before carrying her out to the living room. He placed her in the light pink recliner that Wordy had donated to them and went to prepare a bottle. They still had a surplus of breast milk that Jules had pumped while Brianna was still in the NICU. Sam didn't mind though, it allowed him to have more time with his beautiful daughter and Brianna still got all the benefits of her mother's breast milk.

"Thanks Sam." Jules said quietly as she leaned against the bedroom doorframe. She had heard his voice coming through the monitor and couldn't think of a better way to wake up. She loved that Sam was such a hands-on dad. He didn't pass Brianna off for diaper changes and he was always eager to help Jules in any way that he could. "You're a great dad." She loved the sight in front of her. Sam had settled on the couch with Brianna cuddled in his arm and the other holding the bottle.

"You're a fantastic mom." Sam replied almost instantly. He loved watching Jules interact with Brianna. They were a great little family. He couldn't imagine that it was possible to be any happier than he was right now.

"I love you." Jules couldn't say the words enough. She had never considered herself lucky in her entire lifetime, but she did now. Her daughter was healthy and home and the man of her dreams was there to support her every

"I hate to leave you." Sam's face was sad as he looked up from Brianna. "I don't want to leave my girls." Sarge had Sam doing a half-day but Sam was dreading it. He loved work and his co-workers but he didn't know how to be away from his little family. He knew that Brianna was healthy and perfectly safe, but sometimes when he shut his eyes, he still saw all the tubes and wires. He still hated that she started her life in such a rough fashion but she had proved that she was a fighter from day one.

"I wish you could stay here too, but you know you miss work. I miss work. It doesn't mean you love us any less." Jules walked across the room and sank down on the couch next to Sam. Brianna's eyes were slowly shutting as she finished the last of the bottle. Sam carefully sat her up and patted her on the back until the tiny baby in front of him let out a loud belch and settled back into his arms, her eyes falling shut again.

"Like her daddy." Sam let out a laugh as he cradled Brianna closer. Jules laughed with him. She glanced at the clock across the room. It was almost time for Sam to go. Her heart sank. She was scared to have him go. She had been alone with Brianna but it panicked her a little for Sam to be gone all day. What if something went wrong with Brianna? There were no nurses or doctors that could be there in two seconds to help. There was no one to back her up if she needed it.

"You need to finish getting ready for work." Jules hated to break up the moment, but she didn't want Sam to be late on his first day back. Sarge was being so lenient and understanding already and she didn't want to push his generosity.

"I know." Sam whispered, sadness creeping into his voice. He turned and gave Brianna over to Jules so he could head into the bathroom and finish getting ready. His arms were cold and empty without his girls in them. Jules let her free arm brush against Sam's hand and Sam gave her hand a quick squeeze. Fifteen minutes later, he was heading out the door to face his first day back.

"It's just you and me for a little while baby girl." Jules carefully set Brianna back into her rocker so she could go get some breakfast. She opened the fridge and almost burst into tears. Sam had cut up a bunch of fruit and left it in a bowl and there was a small bowl with yogurt and a baggy of granola sitting next to it. "I love that boy." Jules announced to no one in particular as she pulled it out from the fridge. She sat down on the couch and turned on the morning news as she settled in for a quiet day with her baby.

A/N: I will probably add one more chapter to this story. I have gone through and re-written a lot of this story. Hopefully you guys like it! Please let me know if you see any typos/mistakes.