Eric, Tris, and Julia settle into a comfortable routine with baby Jax. On Sundays, the bartender picks up her son from Eric's apartment and takes him to hers until Wednesday. On Wednesday afternoons, she brings him to Eric or Tris in the leadership office before her shift at the pit bar.

The baby adjusts well as his grownups work to maintain a friendly relationship. They make an effort to see each other throughout the week in the cafeteria and around the compound, and that makes the change more natural and amicable as well. He also grows like a weed, getting chubby. By the time he's two months old, Jax is always ready with a smile for his mommy, daddy, Tris, Grandma Tori, or Papa Amar.

In November, when he's three months old, Jax starts spending time at the Dauntless daycare center. He's less enthusiastic about that adjustment, and Tris has to go pick him up early on his first day when he won't quit crying and Eric is in Candor for a meeting.

"I don't know if you'll do any better," the child center receptionist says to Tris when she arrives. "But we have to follow the directions, and on Thursdays that's Eric, then you. We are only to call Julia if there's an actual, physical emergency, but I can call her if you'd prefer not to deal with him."

Tris chokes back a sharp retort. "Please just bring him to me," she says instead.

She hears Jax before she can see him. He's screaming angrily, and his screams intensify when he sees Tris.

"Jaxon," Tris gently calls to the angry baby.

The workers hand him over, and Jax nuzzles his face in Tris' neck and sighs, his cries reducing to exhausted whimpers.

"I'm sorry he's having trouble adjusting," Tris says. "We'll try again tomorrow."

Jaxon is asleep by the time Tris gets back to her office, and is still sleeping on her shoulder when Eric rushes in ninety minutes later.

"Tris!" he calls.

"Shh!" Tris shushes him, covering the baby's ear so he'll stay asleep.

"Is he okay?" Eric whisper-yells.

"He's fine," Tris says gently.

"The daycare called me," Eric says. "I had a message when I came out of my meeting."

"He's having trouble adjusting to strangers," Tris says fondly, rubbing the sleeping baby's back. "The daycare called me when you didn't answer, so I went and picked him up. He calmed right down and has been asleep since I got back here."

Eric sighs, and Tris smirks. "Your son had a similar reaction when I picked him up. Do you want my other shoulder?"

"I know you're teasing me," Eric says wryly, "but yes. I was scared, Tris. It's his first full day in daycare and I already got a call about a problem."

Tris stands up from her chair and walks to Eric, wrapping her free arm around him. "Jaxon has lots of adults who love him," she assured her boyfriend. "We've got him."

.

By February, Jax can sit up on his own, and Tris is officially living with Eric full-time.

.

Jaxon takes his first steps in June, just before Choosing Day. He's with Julia at the time, and Eric and Tris feel a twinge of sadness that they missed it.

"I know it's fair," Eric says when they're discussing it over dinner at their apartment. "He's her son, too, and if we saw it then she would miss it. But sometimes I feel like I'm only half a parent."

"I'm sorry, Sweetheart," Tris tries to comfort him. "I know it's hard to have to share him, but you're doing an amazing job, and you're not 'half' anything. That baby is crazy about you. You're a great dad."

Eric is quiet for a minute, and Tris can tell he's mulling something over. "Would you…" Eric stammers. "Would… Do you… Do you ever think about another one?"

"Another baby?" Tris asks, and Eric nods.

"Yeah," she admits, biting her lip. "I think about it a lot, actually. Jax is getting big. I mean, he's walking now, and next month he'll be a year old."

"Do you think we could, maybe, uh… start trying?" Eric asks.

Tris pushes her chair back and walks over to Eric. He slides back as well, and she straddles his lap and puts her hands on his cheeks.

"No," she says. Eric's eyes register hurt, but she holds onto his face, forcing him to keep looking at her. "I mean, we can certainly keep practicing, but it's too late to think about it, Eric. I'm pregnant."

Eric's mouth drops open and his eyes practically bug out of his head, making Tris giggle.

"Are you serious?" Eric asks. "Are you for real? I'm going to be there, Tris, I swear. I don't want to miss it this time. I don't want to miss anything. Every appointment, every craving. I'm serious, Tris, I'm going to be there."

Tris cuts off the torrent of words by crashing her mouth to Eric's. "I know you will," she says breathlessly. "You're a wonderful boyfriend and father. I know you're going to be there for me, and the baby."

Tris places Eric's hand on her flat belly. "I haven't seen a doctor yet," she says as Eric starts rubbing small circles with his thumb. "I only took the test this morning. I was trying to think of a good way to tell you, but then you started talking about trying, and… and I just didn't want to lie to you."

"Thank you," Eric says in a choked voice.

.

True to his word, Eric is at Tris' side a few days later when Dr. Toliver confirms that she is pregnant, and due in March. The doctor performs a full prenatal examination, and declares that Tris is healthy and her pregnancy looks perfect so far.

The couple decides not to tell anyone at first, then realizes that Erudite will get a report and Jeanine will probably tell Max. So the same day as the appointment, the couple heads to the head leader's office to deliver the news.

.

Jaxon's first birthday in August calls for a celebration, of course, and Eric, Tris, and Julia plan a special day with their closest friends and Eric's family. They rent one of Dauntless' party rooms, and Tris and Julia decorate it in a green dinosaur theme based on everyone's favorite outfit, Jax's black and green dinosaur one-piece romper. The outfit has fabric spikes up the back and the outside of the hood, so it looks like a little dinosaur or dragon costume. He's so adorable in it that people stop to admire him every time he wears it.

The girls use blue and green streamers around the room, and order several helium balloons shaped like different dinosaurs. Eric orders a custom cake for the party. The main cake is Dauntless chocolate covered by blue fondant with multicolored polka dots. A green dinosaur and orange number one sit on top. A smaller second cake shaped like a dinosaur egg, white with green spots, will be Jaxon's own to eat and make a huge mess with.

The guests arrive at ten in the morning, and everyone takes turns hugging the birthday boy and his parents. For the first hour or so they socialize, then Eric calls for everyone's attention. "Thank you all for coming to celebrate Jaxon's first birthday," he says. Everyone cheers, and Jax claps excitedly. "One year ago, out of the blue, I was informed by Max that I was a father," Eric continues. "I've never been so scared in my life. But thanks to my family, our friends, my co-parent Julia, and my beautiful wife Tris-"

Eric is cut off by a series of gasps. He grins wickedly, and Max, Amar, and Tori smirk. Tris smiles shyly and blushes, avoiding the looks everyone else gives her.

"Did I forget to mention that?" Eric asks with feigned innocence. "Tris and I got married last month. Just a quiet little ceremony in Max's office."

The day the doctor confirmed Tris' pregnancy, Eric had proposed. It wasn't a big, public spectacle. He just took Tris from her appointment straight up to the roof. He'd set it up with a little table, flowers, music, and a catered lunch. Before they even sat down to eat, Eric had dropped down on one knee and pulled out a ring box.

"Tris, I love you," Eric had said. "It's that simple. You are an amazing woman, and I want to spend my life committed to you. I want Jaxon, the baby, and our future children to know the stability of a real family who all share a home and a last name. Will you be my family? Would you be my wife?"

Of course, Tris said yes. They ended up "celebrating" in a corner the cameras couldn't reach, then put themselves together before anyone could catch them. Tris periodically broke out in blushes and giggles as they ate lunch and she thought about what they'd done. She fervently hoped they'd been sneaky enough to avoid being seen in the Control Room.

When they met with Max to inform him of Tris' pregnancy, they also asked him to marry them. Tris hadn't wanted a big wedding with everyone staring at her. Dauntless weddings were either quiet elopements in Max's office, or over-the-top elaborate public events in the pit which took months to plan. Tris just wanted the quiet ceremony with Max, Adri, Tori, and Amar there as witnesses.

.

Eric motions for Tris to join him, and she hurries to the safety of his side as the birthday party erupts in chaos of celebration and congratulations.

Julia finally breaks through the noise with a loud whistle. "To Tris and Eric," she says, holding up her glass of punch. "They're a wonderful couple and terrific co-parents. When I found out I was pregnant with Jax, I was terrified about who his father was. But Eric has been incredible, and I know that Tris is a big part of that. She knew a lot about babies, and has actually helped both of us to be the parents Jaxon needs. My son is lucky to have you as one of his parents, Tris."

Everyone cheers again, and Tris wipes her eyes before sharing a long hug with Julia. Co-parenting hadn't always been easy for the two women. Julia had a meltdown once when Jax was about eight months old and she heard him call Tris "mama." Eric had to sit her down and explain that they never referred to Tris as the baby's mom, but that Jaxon was unable to say her name and would resort to that if he couldn't get her attention.

Once she understood and calmed down, it was Julia who came up with the idea to call Tris "Oma," for "other mom." Tris was touched by the suggestion, and they all took to it quickly. Eric had gently warned Tris that their future children would probably follow their big brother's lead, and she decided that she was okay with that.

With all the announcements (seemingly) over, it's time for Jaxon to open his gifts. The toddler cares little for the gifts inside, but finds the wrapping paper, boxes, and bows fascinating.

Tris brings out the last gift - a large one that had been hiding under the table. Jax oohs and aahs over the bright yellow paper, then opens it to reveal a plain cardboard box. Julia opens the box and pulls out another wrapped gift, making Jaxon laugh and clap his hands in excitement. Everyone laughs as the cycle is repeated three times.

"Mo! Mo!" Jax calls, using baby sign language in tandem with his words as he calls for "more."

The last package is smaller than a child's shoebox, and it's wrapped in the blue and green dinosaur paper like the other gifts from Eric and Tris.

Julia reads the attached note. "To Jaxon, from Daddy and Oma. Sorry you won't be able to play with this one for a while. Happy birthday. We love you."

Jax tips off the paper and pushes the box toward Julia. "Mo?" he asks.

"Let's see what's inside," she says.

The box contains a black shirt. Jaxon is unimpressed, and starts stacking boxes while Julia looks at it. The shirt is a black toddler onesie that snaps under the crotch but otherwise looks like a black t-shirt with an under layer of printed mesh fabric that makes it look like the wearer has full sleeve tattoos.

Everyone laughs, and Tori jokes about fake tattoos putting her out of business.

Julia doesn't laugh. She's reading the words printed on the front. "Are you serious?" she says to Tris.

Tris smiles and nods.

"Okay," Julia says to the assembled guests, "remember that this is from Eric and Tris, not me!" She turns the garment in her hands so everyone can read it.

"Big brother!" Tori reads aloud. "Are you kidding?! I'm going to be a grandma again?!"

Another round of hugs ensue while the catering staff sets up lunch.

.

Tris' pregnancy is uncomfortable but healthy. She is due in March, and the couple learns that they'll be having a daughter. They opt to give her a middle name, something rare in Dauntless, when they settle on the name Natalie Victoria, after their two mother-figures, Natalie Prior and Tori. They plan to call the baby Leah to avoid any confusion.

Eric is determined not to miss anything this time and goes out of his way to be at every doctor appointment. He reads books on pregnancy and orders special foods for Tris.

Jeanine Matthews sends Tris a new formula of nutrition shakes customized to give her and the baby everything they need.

Max fast tracks their application for a larger apartment, and they're moved into a four-bedroom by the end of the year.

Tori and Julia throw the couple a baby shower in early February, and Tori surprises Tris by sneaking Natalie Prior into Dauntless for the day of the shower. Seeing her mom turns the hormonal pregnant woman into a sobbing mess, but Natalie gently calms her daughter.

"Oh my sweet girl," the Abnegation woman croons. "Look at you. All grown up and a leader of your faction. Married, raising a child, and another on the way. It's been an incredible year for you, hasn't it? I know I'm not supposed to be prideful, but I am. I am so proud of you, Beatrice. Your father and I love you very much."

Tris wipes her eyes and introduces her mother to the Dauntless women in her life, and to Jaxon. Eric had offered to take the busy toddler for the day, but the women had insisted that he attend the baby shower because they wanted his Abnegation grandmother to have a chance to meet him.

Eric is sent for at the end of the shower so he, too, can meet Mrs. Prior. It's probably for the best that he doesn't know what he's walking into, because he would be nervous meeting his mother-in-law.

When he walks into the party room, Eric heads straight for Tris and greets her with a kiss and a rub on her large belly. She's absolutely beaming, and Eric can't take his eyes off of her.

"Ahem," Tori says, snapping Eric out of his reverie.

"Hey Tori," Eric greets his aunt, giving her a quick hug. "Great party. Did you guys have fun?

"Eric, I'd like you to meet someone," Tori says, ignoring his question. "This is Natalie Prior, Tris' mom."

Eric stops dead in his tracks and stares at the grey-clad woman standing arm-in-arm with Hana Pedrad.

"Mom, Adri, and Hana grew up together," Tris explains, placing a reassuring hand on her husband's arm.

"Mrs. Prior," Eric says, dipping his head in the Abnegation manner of greeting.

Natalie smiles at her son-in-law. "I don't feel very Abnegation being back here in Dauntless," she says as she pulls Eric into a hug. "Please call me Natalie. I'm glad to finally meet you, Eric. Max has talked about you a lot."

"When did you see Max?" Tris asks.

"Max and I are cousins," Natalie explains. "Well, second cousins, actually. His grandfather and my grandmother were siblings. Ever since he became head leader we've been able to keep in contact. He often has lunch with your father and I when Dauntless is present at council meetings. He's kept us informed of your progress, and told us about your marriage, and Jax, and that you have a baby coming."

"Why does that not show up in my physical?" Tris asks. "They did a DNA profile, and he's not on my list of living relatives."

"Max's mother was adopted," Adriana explains. "You're not genetically linked, but Max and Nat grew up as cousins."

Tris tears up again. "Stupid hormones," she mutters as the women who've been there laugh.

.

Tris sits with Eric and Natalie after the shower while her friends clean up.

She and Natalie have trouble sitting still instead of pitching in, but Eric had insisted that the others could handle it and their time was better used visiting with one another. Natalie had agreed under the condition that Eric join them. She wanted to know her daughter's husband and see the couple interact with each other.

So far, she's more than pleased with what she sees of the young couple. Eric is attentive and thoughtful toward his pregnant wife, insisting that Tris put her feet up, and rubbing her sore back as she leans into him.

They talk about pregnancy, the baby who will join them soon, Jax, and what Tris' parents have been doing. Eric offers to get the women some water to drink.

Tris shifts uncomfortably. At thirty-six weeks along, her small frame is stretched to the max accommodating her growing daughter. Leah doesn't move much anymore as she's running out of room.

When Eric returns with the waters, Tris asks him to help her stand up. "I'm getting uncomfortable," she says, then laughs dryly. "I mean, I'm always uncomfortable at this point, but this afternoon it's gotten worse. Must be all the party food."

Natalie raises an eyebrow, but says nothing. Eric helps Tris lower her feet to the floor, then takes her hands and pulls her to her feet and into his arms.

Tris looks up at her husband. Eric admires her beautiful smile, then watches as it shifts to a disgusted grimace, then a look of alarm. It feels like slow motion watching her expression change, hearing the soft 'splosh' of water hitting the hard floor, and all in the same second realizing that his lower leg feels damp.

"Tris?" Eric questions.

"Eric!" Tris exclaims, quiet but frantic, as she clutches his arms. "It… it's not time. It's too early… too soon. She can't come yet. I'm not ready for this!"

"You're alright, Sweetheart," Natalie says gently. "Thirty-six or thirty-seven weeks isn't that early. Baby Leah will be fine, and so will you."

"We had even less time to prepare for Jax," Eric adds, following his mother-in-law's encouraging lead in spite of his own fear. "We can do this, Baby."

Fat tears roll down Tris' cheeks. "That's easy for you to say," she whines. "You're not the one who has to give birth."

Eric tries to comfort his wife while Natalie gets Tori. "Our granddaughter is coming today," the Abnegation woman tells the tattoo artist. "Eric needs to take Tris to the infirmary now."

Tori's gaze flies to where her nephew stands holding and soothing Tris as she continues to cry into his chest. "Okay," she replies breathlessly. "You go with them and I'll make sure everything is taken care of."

.

Six hours later, Tris gives birth with Eric, Tori, and her mother at her side. Baby Leah weighs in at a shade under seven pounds, and passes all her medical checks with flying colors.

The two doting grandmothers watch the nurses clean and check the little one while Eric stays nervously at his wife's side. Though he tries to stay positive, he can't help but think about Julia, and how she nearly died after giving birth to Jaxon.

Once the mother and baby are cleaned up and Leah is back in Tris' arms, they send for Amar to join them.

Tris smiles at her daughter, then at the assembled family. "I wish Dad and Caleb were here," she says, "but the fact that my mom is here is already more than I could have asked for. Leah, I'd like you to meet your family. Family, meet Natalie Victoria Coulter."

The two grandmas gasp. Tris and Eric kept the baby's full name a secret, so the two women had no idea that baby Leah was actually named after them. Amar grins, and Tori cries as she hugs her nephew.

"There are no words," Amar says, wrapping his arms around Eric and Tori. "As a gay man I knew I'd never have my own children. When I lost George I never dreamed you would be in my life. I know Tori feels the same way since she can't have children. We never dreamed we could have family, but here we are with a son…" he pauses to collect himself as his voice gives out in emotion, "and a daughter-in-law, and now two beautiful grandkids that call us Papa and Grandma."

Tris hands the baby to Natalie so she can also get gentle hugs from Tori and Amar.

"I'm so grateful that I could be here to meet my granddaughter," Natalie says, "and to see that my daughter is well-loved here in Dauntless with a family to support her."

Eric reaches for his wife's hand. "As much as I hate to admit it," he says with a smile, "those noses were right. You're my perfect match, Mrs. Coulter, and I'll spend the rest of my life thanking God, Max, and Tori that they didn't let me kick you out of Dauntless during initiation."

xxxx

A/N: That's the end of another story. I'm working on two others that will be published soon, so stay tuned. Thank you so much for all the follows, favorites, and reviews!

XOXO,

Libby