Since Makayla was early, she stays in the hospital for a few extra days as a precaution. Tara is released after four days, but spends every minute with her during visiting hours until Makayla comes home. The bonding time leaves Tara feeling like she's failed as a mother since Makayla is fussy with her, unlike CJ when he was a newborn.

"I wish I had our own home to take you to. I don't want to sound cynical because I'm grateful that your father and I had help from the nicest people. I didn't even own a home when your brother was born. At this point in my life, I wanted to be further along and more secure before you came along." Tara says, then sniffs, feeling disappointed.

There's a knock at the door, and a nurse enters, "I wanted to check on you two. Miss Makayla should be ready to go home at any time. She's nursing well, and her weight is good. Everything checks out, and her blood work is perfect. I love saying this. Your baby is happy and healthy."

"You have no idea how comforting that is to hear. It scared me when she was born about a month early," Tara turns to look at Makayla while she breastfeeds, "You hear that, my angel? You get to go home soon. Daddy and Rick built your crib, and everything is ready to welcome you home."

Informed and pleased to give Tara the good news, the nurse leaves. About two hours later, Dr. Frost enters the room, "Well, everything is in order. I have your discharge papers with appointments scheduled with your primary care physician. If you need anything at all, don't hesitate to come in. Congratulations again, Makayla is a wonderfully behaved and healthy newborn."

Tara takes the paperwork and carries Makayla to her car. Carefully strapping in the baby, Tara gets into the driver's seat and sets the paperwork in the passenger seat. She sits there crying, feeling depressed about taking Makayla back to the rented house. After the crying fit ends, Tara starts her Jeep but doesn't drive home. Instead, she drives to her mother's house.

Parked along the curb, Tara stares at the dream home she wants, "Goddamn sons a bitches, why did y'all have to buy my fucking home? That was supposed to be where I took my family. It's supposed to be where Cory and I grow old!" She says while collecting her composure.

Olivia notices the Jeep out front. She's confused but manages to make her way out without her cane. She barely has a limp, thanks to the extra effort during therapy as the therapist suggested it was time to walk without assistance. Tara doesn't spot her mother coming at first, but when Olivia taps on the back window, it startles her and Makayla.

"There are my two favorite ladies. Is everything okay?" Seeing where Tara was crying, Olivia asked, "You know we wanted to plan a welcome home party for Makayla. Come inside so you can tell me what's going on. No one will know you're here until you're ready."

Wiping her eyes, Tara gets out without facing Olivia. Then, with Makayla in her car seat, Tara carries her into the house and stares out the window. It doesn't take Olivia long to put the pieces together, seeing Tara stare at the house on the corner.

"It's so weird, you know? Someone buys that place, but I've never seen anyone coming or going from there. I've tried to catch them to talk to them about trying to buy the house from them no matter what it takes, but no one is ever home. Someone be there, though, because the Mustang is gone from time to time unless they park in the garage. Ah, the garage is bigger than my last one, and it's big enough for two cars. Mom, why did I not get my dream home?"

Olivia tries to tell Tara about the house, but instead, she has an idea, "Tell you what, call everyone over for pizzas to celebrate Makayla coming home. Maybe with friends and family here to surround you, it'll help. Post-Patrum Depression is a dangerous thing to face alone."

"Yes, momma. I want meat lovers, please, from Domino's. That deal they have for $7.99 items is a great deal. Rick loves their wings, Janet will want a sweet BBQ pineapple pizza, and everyone else will be okay with pepperoni pizza," Tara suggests, sounding monotone.

In the kitchen, Olivia takes her phone to create a group text inviting everyone over with the news that Tara is there with Makayla. Once she sends the message, Olivia opens the app and orders food. Then, she texts Janet to pick it up.

Hey, I ordered pizzas and extras from Dominos. Would you be a dear and pick it up?

Yessum, I can momma O - J. McGuiness

Awesome! You're my favorite adoptive daughter.

It takes a couple of minutes to reply, but when the phone dings and Olivia look at the message, she smiles.

I'm your ONLY adoptive daughter. You've always treated me better than my mother ever treated me. I've thanked God for you so many times. I'll see you soon - J. McGuiness

Thanks, kiddo.

Anytime and every time! J. McGuiness

Gradually guests begin arriving to greet Tara and Makayla. Briefly, the warm embraces bring her out of the funk. When Cory enters the house, he brings the baby a Harry Potter Gryffindor beanie. Tara loves it, but before she can hug Cory and kiss him out of appreciation, Janet arrives, and Cory exits to help her carry the food into the house.

It doesn't take anyone long to dig into the pizzas. Rick picks up his wings with a roll of paper towels and a tall ice-cold glass of Cherry Coca-Cola. He leans against the countertop to eat as Cory is next to him, downing five pieces of pizza. Feeling stuffed, they head outside to talk. Simon and Lloyd take their kids to watch a movie with Dawson, Charlotte, and CJ in the living room. All of the ladies remain in the kitchen at the table, but the staring contest between Lorraine and Olivia gets intense as the moment to reveal their evil deed approaches.

The staring contest is noticed when Janet stops rubbing her belly, "Okay. Somethings up, and I smell a day old fish rottin' in the sun right now. What have y'all cooked up?"

To play it off, Lorraine shakes her head, "Nothing. What would make you think we're up to anything?"

How she replies sends a shiver down Tara's spine. She looks up at her mother to see the glossy glare that she's trying to hide something.

"I recognize that look. It's the same one you had when you said we'd be here to settle grandma's affairs. Oh my God, what have you done now?"

Ready to spill the beans, Olivia dips her head, knowing she can't hide her enthusiasm anymore. Oliva reaches for Tara's hand on her feet, "Okay, so, you know, I um, it's just that; how can I tell you that," she stutters until Lorraine intervenes.

"I need all of you, or 'y'all,' to get up and follow me outside. Olivia and I have something to share."

Nervous about what they have to share, Tara's heart rate rises slightly. With Makayla in her arms, Lorraine guides everyone inside, then yells at Rick and Cory as they gather in the middle of the yard, "Boys! Hey, Rick, Cory, would you please come over here."

Surrounded by her loved ones, Lorraine motions Olivia to join her in the middle. Prepared to speak, Rick can't help but crack a joke buying them time, "I knew it! They've been secret lovers! Cory, Tara, you're about to become brother and sister, and you're going to need to move to Alabama."

Olivia turns and smacks Rick on the chest.

"Don't you ever make a joke like that again! We're Razorback people here, and them assholes in 'Bama suck!" It suddenly dawns on Olivia what she said, "Kids, we don't repeat what I say, okay."

The kids giggle while Olivia blushes, feeling about a foot tall. It buys enough time for Lorraine to hand Makayla to Cory as the anticipation circles them, "Olivia and I have something to give to Tara and Cory. If you will shut your eyes, please and thank you."

Unsure of what's up, they do what Lorraine says and shut their eyes. Olivia and Lorraine take out the keys for the house and hold them high in the air.

"Alright, open your eyes," Olivia says, feeling her heart beating in her neck.

Confused at first, Tara stares at the set of keys, "I don't get it. Did you rent us a house or something?"

In one last deep breath, Olivia springs the surprise, "No. I took part of what your father left me through his life insurance and bought your house. So the house on the corner behind me is now yours."

Gasping with her hands over her, Tara stands there, unable to speak.

"I'm serious; the house belongs to you. Now, take the keys and go look inside. Lorry did a bang-up job decorating the entire house. You have all new everything!" Olivia says, dangling the keys.

Cory takes the keys and then sprints to the house in a surprising twist. He inserts one of the keys into the latch. When he hears the latch snapback, unlocking the door, it shocks him, "TARA! THEY'RE NOT LYING!" He shouts, feeling his heart beating twice as fast.

Before anyone can react, Tara takes off running and screams, seeing the front door open.

"Come here; there's something I didn't do," Cory says, holding his arms out, prepared to carry Tara across the threshold.

"Oh, baby! Carry me home!"

Leaping into her husband's arms, Cory and Tara go inside to see the house ready to move in. Lorraine's work in the preparation was some of her best work. The foyer is still white. However, the newlyweds see the living room is powder blue, and the kitchen is painted a soft yellow with black and white checkered patterns on the walls. The appliances are all stainless steel, and the oversized kitchen table is dark cherry-the scents of fresh paint and brand new furniture slams Cory's and Tara's senses. Back on her feet, Tara covers her mouth as she walks around the first floor.

It's not until she walks into the bedroom that it hits her. A dark cherry crib sits beside a queen-size bed with Paris is Love bed set. The bedroom is painted lavender, but it's the massive walk-in closet and ensuite that takes her breath away.

"Cory! Oh my God, Cory, get back here!" She's finally able to scream.

His expectations can't come close to what he sees standing behind Tara in the ensuite doorway. Instinctively Cory gently wraps his arms around Tara's waist. Then, while they're frozen with excitement, the rest of their friends and family wander over to check out the house. They're in awe at Cory and Tara's wedding gift from Olivia.

"Dang, Momma O, this place is like a palace," Janet mentions walking through the living room.

"Thank you. I wanted to give them a wedding gift to remember. Please go check out the upstairs; Olivia killed it up there too. I figure we'll start having holidays here. I love how the fireplace makes the place pop and feel so warm and cozy."

Rick and Simon are the first ones up the steps. They can't believe how well the kids' bedrooms look. CJ's room is a warm mocha with a twenty-inch flatscreen TV in the corner and hockey decals around the room. Makayla's bedroom is pink with fluffy clouds. Janet walks past them back into the playroom. She loves how the toys are organized, and the Xbox with beanbag chairs sits over in the corner. What catches her attention immediately is the skylight. She stands beneath it, soaking in the warm spring sun. In time everyone gathers in the playroom. CJ's overjoyed with his bedroom.

"Mom, this is way too much. We have to pay you back," Tara says once she regains her emotions.

"Nonsense! I wanted to get you something big for a wedding gift. Your father made sure it would be possible. In all honesty, he paid for it. That's one reason why we struggled for a while. Your father took out a large enough policy so we would never have to struggle without him. So, the next time you pray, thank him with all of your heart."

Beginning to cry again, Tara hugs her mother, "Thank you, mommy and daddy."

Cory hugs his mother and then turns to do the same to Olivia. Tara refuses to let go for several minutes, but when Makayla becomes fussy, Tara takes her down to the main bedroom to feed her. After the tour ends, everyone except Olivia and Lorraine stays behind to enjoy the house with Cory, Tara, and CJ.

"You don't know how much we love this, but I have to ask. What's the deal with the Mustang?"

Olivia recalls the car and tells him, "Oh yeah! We bought it as a decoy to throw Tara off. Your mom knew if there wasn't a car in the driveway, she would be able to figure it out. The car did have some bugs, but your mom's beau, Troy, is a Mustang man, so he took it and fixed it up for Tara. It has a brand new convertible top with everything mechanical overhauled. Tara wanted a sports car for the summer months, so now, she has one."

"Ah..." Cory mutters.

"But anyway, we're going to head home. Oh, don't forget that Grant is waiting to set a date to christen Makayla. He asked about CJ, but I wasn't sure if he was ever christened or not. Other than that, enjoy the house and bring over things you want to keep. Other than that, welcome home, son," Lorraine tells Cory.

Olivia has an odd look on her face, "Christened? Like baptized?"

"Yeah, I had Cory christened when he was about six weeks old. I meant to ask Tara about doing it for CJ, but you know things were crazy back then."

"I'll talk to her, mom. We'll get in touch with Mr. McGuiness to set it up."

Cory and Tara spend time adventuring through the house with CJ for the rest of the night. They're nearly too excited to sleep that night, but Tara is the last one to fall asleep, with Makayla restless. It takes some adjusting for the first few days, but dinners are spent with Olivia and Lorraine once things are settled, and it feels like home.

Cory and Tara sit with CJ and Makayla on the back porch every evening. Other than small talk, the only sound is from the compact stereo. It doesn't take long to learn that Makayla loves southern rock music. Every time Disgrace Thru Grace comes on, she's all smiles and giggles.

"I guess being a southerner is in my blood. Look at that huge grin on Makayla's little face. You'd swear she's trying to sing with how she groans if I didn't know any better," Tara says.

"You're right, sweetie. I've never seen a baby this happy that loves music like she does. I can't wait until we get her and CJ christened. Tara, our lives turned out better than we ever imagined when we dated in high school. Don't you agree?"

Looking up at the sky, Tara silently says a prayer to her father before she answers Cory, "We've had our ups and downs, plus I had my doubts at times, but we're going to make it. We have our kids and each other; there's nothing else we need. I love you."

"I love you too," Cory says with his arm around Tara's shoulders while they enjoy another hour out on the back porch, then go to bed.

CJ's and Makayla's day at church arrives. Fortunately, they're not the only ones being christened at the end of service that morning. Simon and Lloyd have their adopted children christened to make them feel more accepted. And like the day Cory and Tara got married, there's barely an open seat in the church.

Rick and Janet sit up front with Dawson and Charlotte, excited to see their best friends turn their lives around. The days of chaos and uncertainty have passed, which has Rick happy to see the dust settle as the long nights of Cory screaming from the tragedy in Iraq no longer a major demon on his back and Tara learning that she can't control every aspect of their lives. But then, his mind snaps back to the moment when his father begins the christening service.

"My brothers and sisters, it is a special and blessed day today. We have not one, not two, but four young children being christened in the church this morning. It is my honor to welcome Cory and Tara Dubois's son and daughter and Simon and Lloyd Trippet's adopted son and daughter into the body of our lord. Today begins their journey into a life of blessings. With that being said, I want to thank the parents for this honor to be bestowed on their children. Can I get an amen?"

The congregation says "amen" in unison then Grant begins.

"Cory Dubois Jr. An incredible day we share together, the Christening of such a very special young lady and gentleman. Our wish for you is that... may your days be overwhelmingly blessed, that your friendships will be many, that your dreams and hopes will be within your reach, that you will know - always...that you are loved! Be your best for the world- your legacy to the world, while still largely unwritten, is a book that is sure to be full of promise!"

He repeats the same christening speech for Makayla, Aroha, and Nalani. The congregation can't contain their excitement as they have the blessing said with their parents standing with them the entire time. It takes almost forty minutes to complete all four christenings, and after everyone leaves, Cory and Tara stick behind.

"Mr. McGuiness, here's the key to the house you lent us. We have everything we need to be moved to our new home. And, again, we can't thank you and Mrs. McGuiness enough for helping us when it felt like we were going to have to put our stuff in storage and live with one of our mothers," Cory says with the key placed in Grant's hand, "The stuff we left you can keep it for another family who needs it or donate it. Thank you for everything you've done."

"Cory, it's my duty to help those when it's required. Nia and I are elated to see you and Tara bring your family together and make it right. If you ever need anything, we're always a phone call away. Now, get out of here and start your lives."

With a hug to show appreciation, Cory meets back up with Tara by the doors as they walk out of the church. Their lives are refilled with hope, purpose, and meaning; they head home to have everyone over for the first BBQ. The surprise guests appear when Mr. and Mrs. Spencer and Mr. and Mrs. McGuiness arrive.

From that day forward, Tara and Cory focus on their lives, and as time goes by, Joseph and Cory win the state title the following season, with almost half of the team landing scholarships. Tara built the restaurant into the biggest success in RiverCreek and trained several cooks and managers during her time as General Manager.

Rick and Janet have a baby boy. They name him Dewey Scott to honor Mr. Rose and Dubois, leaving Lorraine and Cory speechless when they meet the little guy. Rick maintains the city contracts even after Lloyd serves his two terms as RiverCreek Mayor. He and Simon move on with their lives as Lloyd becomes a Minnesota State Senator, followed by a stint as Governor.

None of their children suffer through the drama their parents had to. CJ starts playing hockey in middle school, while Makayla finds her passion early in learning to play the viola. They're two of the happiest kids in all of RiverCreek, and that's something Tara and Cory thank their blessing for every day. At last, their lives fall in place, and as bad as Cory and Rick wanted to escape RiverCreek, they're even happier living their lives in their hometown, forever remaining in the place they once loathed.

The End