A Final Conclusion
It had been almost a month since Jay and Hailey officially got back together. In that time span Jay finished moving all of his stuff from Chicago into Hailey's place in Detroit. Adam and Kevin gladly agreed to help, which also spurred on Hank, Kim, and Trudy to make the trip as well… all excited to see their friends in this new, happy opportunity that unfortunately wasn't so for Hailey's original move. Jay was going to start his new counseling position in another few weeks once he got his complete health clearance to return to working. In turn, Hailey had asked work to be placed into a more active desk job role; the two had had enough scares to last a lifetime at this point and didn't want to take the risks as much anymore. She surprisingly didn't hate it as much as she thought she might, it gave her the opportunity to use her quick wit for more than just jokes. All in all, everything had been going tremendously well. It was like the beginning days of their relationship all over again.
Today was the best day of them all though. Today, on a brisk, but gorgeous November day on a return trip to Chicago, Jay and Hailey finally made it official. The star-crossed lovers made it down the aisle at last. There was no formal church, extravagant reception, or professional photographers- just Hailey and Jay surrounded by their closest friends and family and the Justice of the Peace. They had decided they had waited long enough as is, and this was really all they needed anyway.
Hailey thought she felt herself get emotional as she looked around the courthouse to see the smiling faces of those most important to her all in one room… Trudy, Hank, Adam, Kim, Kevin, Emily, Will, Natalie, her parents, her brothers and sister-in-laws, her niece and nephews… but it wasn't until she looked back up to see Jay's smile beaming down, looking the happiest and most carefree she ever saw him, that she let the tears truly well; knowing she hit the jackpot. They hit the jackpot, despite the long and winding road.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss the bride..."
Jay and Hailey hardly heard the words register over their euphoria as they kissed, lost in their own world, until the sounds of applause erupted in the room. They went around to everyone and got enveloped into huge hugs. This meant as much to their loved ones as it did them, knowing the journey it took the two of them to finally reach this point. It was an incredibly joyous day for all of them.
Once they took pictures and wrapped at the courthouse, everyone made their way over to Jay and Hailey's favorite restaurant for a group dinner. The mood was jovial, everyone laughing and telling their favorite stories. After a couple of drinks, an emotional Trudy made her way over to Hailey.
"I'm so happy for you guys. I was always rooting for you, no matter the moronic moves you both sometimes made. Thank you for including me in your special day!"
Hailey chuckles, "Of course, Sarge! Thank you for your endless advice and unwavering, albeit tough-love, support."
Trudy leans down to give her a hug. "Oh, here we go, you're gonna make me all emotional again."
Hailey just hugs her tighter. "I really miss you, Sarge. I owe you a lot."
They remain in that position for a while, trying to gather their composure again. In the interim, Voight had made his way over to Jay.
"I really am proud of you, Jay. You've come a long way since that hotheaded kid a few years removed from the army. It's been a pleasure seeing you mature and grow… and watching Hailey put you in your place along the way when you faltered."
Jay laughs and extends his hand to him to shake. "Thanks, boss!"
"I wish you could still call me that. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't hoping you and Hailey would return to the unit before I retired. But we're all so happy for you; you guys have to do what's best." Voight says sadly.
Jay smiles in understanding. "Maybe one day…' he pauses as he looks over at Hailey's beaming face as she plays with her nephews. "But Detroit's not all that bad."
The rest of dinner moves much too quickly for all of them. While Hailey and Jay will remain in Chicago for the remainder of the weekend, everyone says their goodbye to them as if it's the last time they'll see them for months. For some of them, maybe it is. They make the return to their hotel in Adam's vintage car that he decked out specifically for the occasion. He even donned the back of it with a sign that read, "Halstead got Upped." Everyone got a good chuckle out of it as Jay just shook his head smirking. At this point, he just wanted some alone time with his wife. He doubts he'll ever get tired of hearing that.
A few hours later, well satiated, Hailey and Jay are lying together in their king-size "Honeymoon" suite. Hailey's resting her head on his chest as she softly runs her fingers over his gunshot scar. Another forever reminder of just how important it is to be happy and live in the now, you just never know. She moves her head slightly to look at his handsome face. His expression one of peace as his eyes bore into hers.
He softly strokes her arm, realizing there's more than she's saying. "What's on your mind?"
"I have something to tell you…" she whispers quietly.
Curiosity peaked, he moves them to a more sitting position in the bed. "What's wrong?"
"I didn't want to say anything until I was sure, so I took the test the other night…"
Jay waits patiently for her to continue, cluelessly male.
"Jay, I'm pregnant…" she says softly, smiling, watching his face turn from confusion to awe. A huge grin spreading as he holds her tighter.
"What? How could you know already? Wow, that was fast… I AM impressive!"
Hailey rolls her eyes smirking. "That night in your apartment, Jay… I wasn't back on the pill yet."
Realization dawns on his face. "OH, wow! …But wait, you were drinking wine tonight!?"
She cracks up. "Actually, I wasn't… I kept passing mine on to Platt while she wasn't looking."
"That explains it. I thought she was way too drunk for what she seemed to drink! She actual pinched my cheek while saying goodbye tonight!" They both burst into laughter.
When they finally recover from their amusement, Hailey insecurities slip through briefly. "So, you sure this is ok? It's not too much, too soon?"
Jay just grins, pulling her in tighter. "Are you kidding? This is the best news ever! I'm so happy, aren't you?"
She gives him her most beautiful smile. "I am. I'm really happy!" He kisses her tenderly, not knowing there's one last thing she has to mention.
"So, I did some math… and if my calculations are correct, it looks like the due date will be around July 10th…"
She gives him a minute to process this information. Watching on as that registers with him internally in his mind. July 10, 1984 was Greg 'Mouse' Gerwitz' birth date. She's hoping this only triggers good things with Jay. It's a completely random chance that she'll actually give birth on this day, but the way the universe seems to work itself in mysterious ways, the newlyweds know the odds are high.
Jay's eyes well up with tears and he exhales deeply in appreciation. He kisses Hailey softly and smiles.
"Well, if our kid wasn't already going to be the greatest in the world, this just confirms it to be true… They're probably going to be the most stubborn thing in the world though!"
They both laugh as happy tears stream down their face. Jay looks up towards the ceiling, silently thanking his old friend, knowing he's somehow oddly watching over him, over them. While Jay may have suffered great loss in his lifetime, he was gifted the greatest award in return… a family of his own with his best friend, his Hailey…
Jay and Hailey are sitting in his truck on another long stake out. It was like any of the countless others they've done, except it wasn't. It was a week ago today that the two had finally taken that long-awaited "next step." It had been the most amazing week ever, but naturally with anything new, it didn't come without hesitations. And especially for them, there was so much at stake.
After a few hours, it was Hailey who finally broached the subject. "Jay, are we sure about this?"
"What? That Demarco is inside looking to make a big sale? Your CI assured us it was happening at some point tonight."
"No, not the bust… I mean… Us?"
Jay turns to look at her now, the two of them sharing one of their famous looks. He reaches out for hand, lightly stroking it, making her shiver from the electric touch.
"Hailey, this has been the best week of my life. And unless my detective skills are slacking, it seems like it's been that way for you too."
"It has… but Jay… I don't know, what we had was great. You're my partner, my best friend, the only one I turn to when something gets too tough. What happens if it doesn't work out between us? I don't want to lose that."
"Hailey, we're never going to lose this. And worst case scenario, if something does happen… we'll find our way back to each other!"
"How can you be so sure?"
"It's simple- because you'll follow me blind, and I'll go where you go…" he smirks, so straightforward and confident, and all she can do is smile back.
"You are pretty cute when you're cocky…" she leans over and quickly kisses him.
"Good, my plan is working!.."
He responds as Hailey recognizes the words instantly, they both burst into laughter. Yea, they'll be alright…
[A/N: Well, we've now officially reached the end. Thank you for joining me on this journey. Lots of ups and downs, but hope it was all worth it in the long run. I tried to make it as true to real life as I could. I appreciate you all, not for just reading and reviewing, but for sharing in the Upstead love. What awesome people y'all are. So, truly, thank you! It's always a pleasure. Until next time... xoxo]