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It was the week before Easter and Hailey hated the fact that she felt like a single mom because Jay was over seas, and totally unreachable which was creating the greatest toll on everyone mainly Leo and Isabelle their two kids , the 3 of them - Hailey , Leo , Isabelle - just wanted to spend Easter with Jay like they have done since Isabelle was born - she is now 3 and Leo is 5 - but since Jay left they haven’t managed to do any thing special, the kids don’t even want to celebrate their birthdays anymore they just want Jay .
Little did they all know Trudy was planning the biggest Easter surprise they could ever imagine , Jay had been home now for over a week bouncing around Trudy and the teams homes so Hailey didn’t get suspicious, he was home for good but he was waiting till Easter to be able to make
Up for the loss time , everyone was trying so hard to keep it under the radar from their best friend , but she to be honest hasn’t left the house at all she’s been trying to get the kids out for weeks but they didn’t want to do anything anymore so it was easy to keep it a secret and Jay wasn’t the only secret that they was keeping, he knew since he left he was a bit of a jerk for not reaching out when he should have done.
So he knew he ahead to make his return huge because he did really have a lot of making up to do , and fortunately for Jay, his and Hailey’s wedding anniversary was coming up soon and they had been apart for what felt like decades , it was really a year, Jay knew what he wanted to do he wanted to re propose all over again to be able to get it right this time with Hailey he wanted to be present more and be the person she can lean on till death does them apart- which should be no time soon.
Jay had given everyone little jobs and tasks to do - Kim’s was to get Hailey out the house on Easter and get her out for a few hours and Jay wanted to surprise the kids first so he knew Hailey would want to go shopping and ask Kim to go so he told Adam to offer to help with the kids, Platt and Mouch was to set everything up with everyone else doing little tasks like food lightings invites etc etc.
Jay had made sure this was planned out to each little detail he wanted absolutely nothing to go wrong not even a step out of place because his whole relationship is on the line for this special day - he has been making this clear to everybody that nothing could go wrong- he had been telling everyone what food to get- everything and anything Greek - what flowers to get - daisy, sunflower- and every single decoration.
—
Jump to the day before Easter
It was the 30th of March the big day is tomorrow the day that everyone was waiting for Jay didn’t really know how to pull it off or to be honest with you he doesn’t know how he is pulling it off at all the past week, but all he was doing right now was thinking of the kids and his wife and how he has less then 24 hours till he can see them and promise them that he’s never leaving again , he knew it will just take more than just a little ring on a finger and a simple ‘ i always do’ he knew he had to keep to his word and make sure Hailey knew he will never leave again, because he knew he wouldn’t but to Hailey actions speak louder then words and a ring .
Hailey was still none the less wiser in what’s about to come , for all she knew it was going to be a long and hard day of getting the kids to do something with the team she knew she still had to get the Easter gifts her and Jay would always get for the kids, so she couldn’t do it alone she knew who to message straight away it was Kim so that’s what she did,
‘ Hey Kim I know Its the dreaded day of Easter again, but I didn’t get time to get their baskets please can I leave them with u or Adam and if it’s not too much to ask can some one come with me I can go alone if not I just want to be with some one right now?xx’
Kim replied in a heartbeat knowing exactly what to say ‘ yeh lovely we can go tomorrow morning , Adam will stay with Mak and the kids and we can go get everything you need to get it’s not too much to ask at all it’s what I’m here for xx’
Hailey smiled and just replied ‘yay thanks xx’
And with that Hailey had a pep in her step as she some how managed to get the kids up and dressed in something that’s not pjs , and eating their favourite food, the only food they would eat ever - this had to be the messiest meal by far - spaghetti bolognaise all they ever did was make a mess and Hailey had a perfectly white dinner table , and trim around it so she knew this will get messy and to be honest she hasn’t actually kept it white since the kids started first liking it , within 10 seconds there was already meat sauce on the wall and on the table don’t even ask how it got on the wall because no one knows to this day.
Hailey laughs ‘ oh kiddos how did it end up on the wall it’s meant to go in your mouth’ both kids looked up and giggled which led to a sweet voice saying ‘ sowwy momma Leo made me giggle and I dropped my spoon’ Isabelle said while not wanting to make eye contact because she didn’t want Hailey to be mad as she knew it was Hailey’s favourite room of the house - Hailey had let Jay have a say in the rest of the house but the kitchen was her prize possession.
‘ It’s okay baby girl mommy’s not mad, how about we eat up and then go in the garden it’s a lovely day we can play in the pool’. Both kids giggled and nodded eating as much as they can as quick as they can so they can get their swimming costumes on and make a whirl pool like they do every time they got in the pool it was their favourite thing to do with Jay and they have done it ever since because it was funny for them to feel the water push against them after a while.
So, Hailey rolled up her sleeves and got to work. Armed with a sponge and a mop, she tackled the mess with unwavering dedication, all the while keeping an eye on the weather.
As she wiped away the last remnants of food, Hailey couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. The weather app on her phone showed clear skies and warm temperatures, perfect for a dip in the pool. Her kids had been eagerly waiting for this moment, and she was determined to make it happen.
After ensuring every last crumb was gone, Hailey quickly gathered towels, sunscreen, and pool toys. With her kids in tow, they made their way to the backyard. The sparkling blue water of the pool beckoned them, promising laugher and splashes.
You could of yelled charge when the kids was ready to get in the pool because they literally was in there in the matter of seconds , with no hesitation or doubt in their mind although Leo had to help Isabelle in the pool so she doesn’t fall in, Hailey sat near by for a bit just soaking up as much time with the kids before she went back to work - she hadn’t been at work all week due to the kids not wanting to leave the house so she had to use some of her holiday to take care of them.
The water glistened under the warm rays, Inviting them to dive in and create memories. Hailey’s heart swelled with joy as she joined them, feeling the cool water embrace her skin. Isabella's giggles echoed through the air as Leo fearlessly practiced his cannonballs. Their excitement was contagious, and Hailey couldn't help but join in their playful water games. They formed a bond, a beautiful connection, as they shared this special moment together.
Hailey smiled knowing that the kids were so happy for the first time in a while since Jay left. ‘ Mommy can we have ice cream and mommy’s roast tonight?’ Leo said with a beaming grin from ear to ear and the puppy dog eyes that Hailey could never say no too. ‘ Of course mr we can have that do you want it about 6-7’ both kids nods with a big smile it was like comfort to them because Hailey had some Greek seasoning she would use on the chicken which both the kids always loved .
As time went on it got to about 5 and the kids was still in the pool but Hailey got out to get cracking on dinner making sure it was exactly to the ‘t’ of how the kids wanted it which to be honest only took about a hour to make fully which did indeed give the kids enough time to get out and get dry to be able to eat.
After dinner and afters, they all helped wash up and the kids got in their pjs ready for bed so Hailey could read them a cute little story which was in Greek because the kids loved it the most out of any book they ever own, it always sends them to sleep within minutes because Hailey’s accent was soft and calming for them with a warning smile she whispered ‘ το τέλος’ to them watching them both sleep with a smile on their face as she gently placed a kiss on their heads as she left the room ,
Putting some sleep shorts and one of Jays tops on that she has a habit of stealing and laid in her side of the bed as it felt wrong to sleep anywhere else just staring at the ceiling , zoning out like she has done the past year because she doesn’t know what sleep is anymore, it honestly felt like hours had went by but it was only minutes time always went more slow for her in the evening because all she can picture is Jay laying beside her making jokes , telling funny story’s , and giving her so many compliments. Needless to say she missed him and every perk that came with it.
——
It was Easter , the morning she was dreading , it was always one of the worst days without Jay , which meant she wanted to keep the kids sleeping a tiny bit longer, as it was only 8 in the morning so she gave them extra time in bed while she got herself ready for the day kind of slowly but knowing that soon Kim and Adam will be turning up with Mak to watch the kids, so her and Kim can shop for Easter.
It was around 9:30 am and Kim knocked quietly since Hailey didn’t want the kids woken so she gave Adam the rundown of how the kids are in the mornings and what they eat , and when to make sure they was up , she could admit to everyone that she was scared for leaving them so every thing came out in a fluster and some in Greek.
Adam looked so worried and calmly spoke ‘ Hails it’s going to be ok I have got them I know hard easter is, I’m not going to let anything happen to them ok uncle superman to the rescue’ he knew that would make her laugh which it did in the matter of seconds she calmed down and finally let her and Kim go out shopping.
But the worrying thought of ‘are they going to think I’ve left them fully ‘ had stuck with her she hated leaving them she mainly does when she’s working and Hailey take them in to work so they could see everyone and about 9 am Trudy would take them to school so Hailey could work , she hated leaving them but this was the only way she was comfortable doing it if the unit was with the kids not a nanny.
—
As Hailey and Kim was shopping at whole foods getting some food for dinner and the kids Easter stuff as they was going to have a big Easter party to help the kids love it more , Jay was planning on surprising the kids and with Adam’s help who managed to get them dressed and in some cute outfits that he let them pick and making sure they had some breakfast.
After a while the sound of the doorbell ringing brought a lot of excitement and curiosity to the household. Leo and Izzy rushed to open the door, wondering who could be visiting on this special day. To their surprise, they found a tall man in a pink bunny suit with a basket full of Peeps and chocolate eggs. But this man wasn't a stranger, it was , Jay!
Leo and Izzy's faces lit up with joy as they realized their dad had finally come back. They hugged him tightly, tears streaming down their faces. Jay was back home and the family was complete once again. Leo looks up at Adam and then at Jay ‘ daddy mommy isn’t here she gone shopping to get us Easter presents’.
Jay looks up with a smile ‘ that’s ok kiddo that’s why I’m here early so I can ask you and your sister something.’ They both early nod ‘do you want to help daddy set up a surprise for mommy?’ He looked at them both who bare in mind hadn’t let go of him yet, and it didn’t need to take much convincing to get them to say yes as long as Jay promises never to walk out on them again. ‘ daddy what’s the surprise ‘ they both questioned ‘ daddy’s going to ask mommy to marry him again..’ both kids smiled with joy.
—
Amongst all of the tears and chaos at home, Hailey and Kim was still in whole foods, Kim just had to make sure Hailey stayed shopping will about 12 pm , to give them enough time to set up so she was thinking about a lot of shopping she needed for this ‘big party’. ‘ oh Hails we should get some crackers for the kids to snack on’ Hailey nodded slowly she hadn’t really said much since they left because the kids was on the top her mind right but when wasn’t they though.
Noticing the fact Hailey was not paying attention much she tried to start a convo as they shopped, 'I can't believe how fast your kids are growing up, Hailey. I remember when Leo was just a baby and now he's already in school,' Kim exclaimed. 'I know, time flies so quickly. I wish Jay was here to see them grow up. It's been so hard without him,' Hailey replied with a nostalgic smile.
It had been a while since it was just them two with out the kids and Kim could sense the emptiness in Hailey's voice and decided to ask her about it. 'Do you miss Jay a lot? I can't imagine how hard it must be for you to take care of two kids alone,' Kim asked sympathetically. Hailey's eyes teared up as she started talking about Jay. She shared how much she missed him and how the kids would constantly ask about him. ' Leo hasn't slept peacefully since Jay left. He keeps asking when his dad is coming back. And Izzy she's too young to understand but she looks for him every night before sleeping I think last night was the one of the quickest I’ve seen them sleep we had the best day in the pool and they wanted a roast and one of my fave books to read them ,' Hailey said with a half heavy heart.
Kim smiled ‘ I promise it’s going to be ok he will be home soon in your arms safe and sound we are all gonna be here today to make the best out of a crappy situation for you and the kids ok I’m not going anywhere I’m here for you ok’ she smiled which lead to Hailey weakly smiling back.
As they walked through the shop , Hailey couldn't help but remember the last few moments she spent with Jay before he left. She had replayed them in her head a million times, trying to hold onto every memory of him. The way he smiled when he played with the kids, the way he held her hand when they went for walks and the way he whispered 'I love you' every night before sleeping.
Back in the house, everyone was there Adam, Jay and the kids was doing the little details of the decorations and setting up the balcony ready for re proposal, while Hank, Kev, Torres , Trudy , Mouch , Will and Nat was working on food and the actual ceremony, everything was going to plan even Jays vows to Hailey knowing she was on her way back so Jay stayed on the balcony looking over the back yard while everyone was waiting over there the kids still by Jays side, about ten minutes after Kim told Jay she was bringing her back Leo excitedly told them all Hailey’s home, as Hailey plodded in she called out ‘ Hey kids mommy’s home’ she got confused when she got no answer but she clocked a bunch of roses on the floor and she followed them to the balcony where she saw both kids and jays silhouette and she clocked on to who it was, Hailey couldn't believe her eyes. She thought she was dreaming. She hugged Jay tightly, tears streaming down her face. Leo and Izzy were jumping up and down, excited to see their mom. Their reunion was filled with laughter and tears as they hugged for a solid few minutes till Jay got down on one knee saying to her ‘ oh baby one more thing will you renew our vows right here right now with our family so I can get it right this time ..’ he waited for what felt like a while but it was a minute and Hailey nodded which led to Jay picking her up and placing a kiss on her lips embracing her before he told her to put the dress on he laid out on her bed and he will meet her out there.
Hailey nodded still not focusing on the fact that Jays home, she ran up stairs with Kim constantly asking if this was real and Kim constantly re assuring her , ‘ Kim I don’t even know what to say in the vows I don’t know if I can compose myself’ Kim looked in her best friends eyes after getting her ready and just says ‘ hey he’s home , and you are going to get it right this time you don’t need to think about what to say because it will be there right in the moment your guys love is for ever and this distance proved that’ Hailey nodded made sure she was fully ready and with that prep in her step she ran down stairs and saw Isabelle and Will waiting for them so they can do everything together, Hailey was smiling so much when she saw everyone of her friends - everyone from med and fire - standing there and Jay at the front with Leo Adam Hank and Kev , and the pastor ready waiting .
Hailey’s favourite song ‘timeless’ started playing and she looked at Jay with a soft smile as she walked with Izzy, Will and Kim till they got to Jay and she muttered ‘ Babe you are so cute’ and stood smiling with tears falling , Jay smiled and wiped Hailey’s tears.
Once everyone was seated the pastor smiles ‘ you now come in gods presence to renew your vows to love honour and cherish each other’
Jay looked deep into Hailey's eyes, his voice filled with love and sincerity. "Hailey, from the moment I met you, my life changed. You are the light that guides me through the darkest storms. Today, I stand before you, ready to renew the vows that bind us together. I promise to cherish and support you, to be your rock in times of uncertainty, and to always be by your side, come what may. With you, I have found a love that is unbreakable, a love that defies all odds. I am grateful for every moment we have shared, and I look forward to a future filled with endless love and happiness. Hailey, I vow to love you now and forever and always. You are my everything.
Hailey, was too emotional everyone in the moment she shakily took in a deep breath and said ‘ I never saw this coming, and I’m completely blown away. You’ve managed to surprise me once again, and I couldn’t be happier. Jay, when I said “I do” before, I meant it with all my heart. And now, standing here, renewing our vows, I want you to know that my love for you has only grown stronger. So, Jay, I promise to love you fiercely, to be your partner through thick and thin, and to always be there to support and uplift you. You are my rock, my soulmate, and I vow to choose you every single day, “forever and always.”
The pastor smiles ‘ The vows you made on your wedding , and in token of this you will each give and receive your rings again and May they keep the vows they have made, and may they remain ever in perfect love and peace to-gether, and live according to your Word, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.’
Hailey and Jay get given the rings by the kids, and place them on each others hand with a big smile on their faces waiting to hear from the pastor ‘you may kiss the bride’ which Jay and Hailey did .
Moments after they all celebrated one Jay being home and two the renewal, Hailey hadn’t really left Jays side , which was fine by Jay, they all had the best little party in Jay and Hails back yard with Hank on food and the bbq , Isabelle had jumped into Jays arms and said ‘ Daddy we dance please ?’ Jay nodded with big smile taking Hailey and Leo with them for a family dance. Jay put the kid’s favourite song on , and they just all got lost in the moment both kids was over the moon with Hailey just never taking her eyes of Jay.
Everyone let them have this moment as a family and Will videos the moment for them to cherish, and it got to about 6, food was ready Hank loved being on bbq duty so he made burgers and hot dogs , it was one magical night for everyone involved it just felt like a normal Easter with Jay home.
Once they had eaten they all partied and had so much fun till about 7 pm when everyone started to leave, to allow them to spend time together . When it was just Hailey, Jay and the kids , Jay recommended a stroll to their fave field behind their home and everyone agreed.
Once they all got to the field taking a blanket to lay on the ground they look around to see so many daisies and sunflowers, while the kids was playing Jay saw that Hailey was just keeping her eyes locked on him again , and swooped her up on his shoulders and ran through the field laughing and smiling staying close to the kids not long after Jay put her down Hailey pulled him in close and said ‘ Jay this feels like a dream but I know it’s not and I know I said it in the vows but I do Jay I do love you forever and always…’