 |
The Posse Library
The Journey Home
Chapter One by Mary
Erica reached for another glass of champagne as the tray passed by. The noise
at the party had reached a crescendo level and she had the beginnings of a headache but there were still a few people she
needed to talk to before she could make her getaway. She sighed as she realized that even though she had thrown herself into
starting Erica Kane Fashions, the enjoyment that she always got when she started a new venture had somehow eluded her this
time. She had thought that the excitement of Paris and the fashion industry would make her forget all that she had left behind
but as the weeks had turned into more than a month, the last painful days she had spent in Pine Valley were still fresh in
her mind.
As Bianca’s due date had approached, all that she had been able to think
about was getting away. The night of the baby shower she knew she couldn’t take it anymore. She had thrown some things
into a suitcase and ran. The message she had left on Bianca’s answering machine was brief and she knew that it must
have hurt her. The note she had left for Jack was briefer still and she had left her engagement ring with it.
She had known that she couldn’t bring herself to make a complete break
with Bianca and she had kept in touch with her, as well as with Opal and Myrtle. When Kendall had called last week to tell
her that Miranda Mona had arrived, she knew that she still couldn’t go back. She had heard nothing from Jack. Not that
she had expected to, not after the way she had left. No one had mentioned him in their calls and she couldn’t bring
herself to ask.
She had kept herself busy catching up with old acquaintances from her modeling
days and had attended every fashion show she could fit into her schedule. Her sketches had been turned over to the designers
and she was expecting to see the first samples within a few days. The days she was able to fill, the nights were another story.
Sleep would elude her for hours. She would have a glass or two of wine and then finally fall into a restless sleep.
Some nights she thought the dream might not come but it always did. It was
her birthday and there were decorations and a cake. She was so excited and couldn’t wait for her father to come home.
Then he would arrive and she was nervous but she didn’t know why. Before she knew it, everything would start to spiral
out of control. The dancing, the locked door, the fear and the pain.
Next she would fast forward to Bianca being born. She would do anything to
protect this little miracle that had come into her life. Suddenly Bianca was all grown up and standing next to a crib. As
Erica watched, horrified, Bianca reached into the crib and picked up a baby. Hearing someone laugh, Erica turned and Michael
Cambias was standing there. “It will never be over, Erica,” he said. “Never.”
With his laughter ringing in her ears, Erica would turn and run. She realized
that there was someone that she was trying to reach, someone that could save her and protect her. She knew deep inside of
her that it was Jack and that if she could just find him she would be all right. But no matter how hard she tried, she
could never quite reach him, even though she knew he was there. She would wake up sobbing, her heart pounding and sleep would
be impossible after that.
The glass of champagne in her hand was suddenly empty and she signaled for
another. As she reached to take it off the tray, her heart stopped when she heard a familiar voice from behind her. She would
know his voice anywhere but she couldn’t believe he was there. She turned and their eyes met across the room. Her hand
hesitated for a moment on the glass and then she picked it up. Still not believing that it could be true, she watched Jack
walk across the room toward her.
*****
Jack’s heart sank as he watched her pick up the glass. For a
moment, he had thought that she wasn’t going to take it but if he was honest with himself, he wasn’t surprised
that she was still drinking. He studied her as he got closer. She looked as beautiful as ever but if he looked closely, he
could see the circles under her eyes and she was thinner than he could ever remember seeing her.
Now that he was actually here, he was unsure what her reaction would be to
seeing him. When he had found the note and the ring, he had vowed not to follow her, that he would give her the space she
needed. He had decided that when the time was right, he would contact her and let her know that he was never giving up on
her - on them - but now circumstances had brought him here for another reason.
“What are you doing here, Jack?” she asked as he reached her. “How
did you find me?” Though her tone wasn’t warm, it wasn’t angry either and he took some comfort in that.
“I need to talk to you,” he told her. “It’s important
and it couldn’t be done over the phone.”
“What could possibly be so important that you couldn’t tell me
over the phone?” she asked. She suddenly looked worried. “Is it Bianca? Is something wrong? Kendall said everything
was fine.”
“Bianca is fine,” he quickly reassured her. “Look, let’s
go outside.” He motioned toward the terrace. “I can’t talk to you about this in here.”
He was relieved when she put the glass down and preceded him to the terrace.
He watched her as she walked over to the railing. It was a beautiful spring night and looking at her outlined against the
twinkling lights of the Paris sky made him think of happier times when they had been there together, their love new and untouched
by all the heartache and misunderstandings that had happened since then. They had come so far since those days, yet sometimes
he felt that they hadn’t come very far at all.
“Bianca is fine,” he repeated, “but there’s a problem
with the baby.” He watched the expression on her face as he spoke but it revealed nothing.
“What kind of problem?” she asked slowly.
“They’re not sure yet,” Jack replied. “She has a very
high fever and she’s having trouble breathing. They’re trying to rule out several things - all of them serious.”
Erica turned and looked out over the city again. “Thank you for telling
me, Jack,” she said, “but you didn’t need to come all this way. A phone call would have been fine. I’ll
go call Bianca now.” She started past him and he reached out and grabbed her arm. They stared at each other and he
slowly
released her.
“I had a feeling that’s what you would say,” Jack said, “which
is why I did come all this way. She doesn’t need a phone call, Erica, she needs her mother.”
“No, she doesn’t,” Erica said bitterly. “She has you,
and Kendall and Lena and everyone else that cares about her. She wouldn’t want me there.”
“That’s not true and you know it,” he told her. “Look,
we have all been giving you space but just how long do you think you can hide out here? Bianca needs you and I’m afraid
if you don’t come back with me now you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.”
He took a deep breath, praying that he could get through to her. “Miranda
could die, Erica, and I know that you won’t let Bianca go through that alone. Please, say that you’ll come back
with me.”
Chapter Two by M
“Jack, I don’t see what good I can do.” Erica turned her
back to him, looking out across the city. She knew Bianca might want her there, but so much pain had been caused over the
past several months. There had been so many lies, all with good intentions, her family had claimed.
Jack just stared at her, unsure of what to say or do. He had tried so hard
to reach her before she fled Pine Valley. He had then given her the space she obviously desired. And now standing on this
balcony amidst the cool Paris night, all he could think of was wrapping her so tightly in his arms that she could never doubt
him or his love for her again.
Placing a gentle hand on her bare shoulder, he felt her shiver at his touch.
“Erica, Bianca loves you. Miranda, Bianca, Kendall - they all need you. You could do good by just being present while
your daughters - your family - pray for your grandchild’s life. Please just come with me. We can talk on
the plane.”
With tears streaming down her cheeks, Erica turned to face the man she loved
more than anything. She merely nodded. Jack placed a welcoming hand on the small of her back and led her out of the party.
The limo sped to the hotel, where Jack helped Erica quickly pack and overnight bag. Asking the hotel manager to pack the rest
and ship it, they raced to the airport. Jack had already purchased two tickets for the midnight flight, praying she would
join him in the journey home, but with or without Erica, Jack was determined to return to their family that needed them both
so much.
While Erica was in the ladies room before take-off, Jack had called Greenlee
to tell her that they were on the way back. “So she is with you?” Greenlee couldn’t hide the surprise in
her voice.
“Yes, I am surprised that she didn’t put up more of a fight, but
we are about to board the plane.”
“Wow, that’s great. Do you want me to tell everyone else?”
“No, just in case, Erica decides not to go with me to the hospital. I
don’t want to get Bianca or Kendall’s hopes up. Just meet us at the airport. You’ve got the flight number,
right?”
“Yes, Dad. Is Erica going to have a problem with me picking you up?”
Greenlee had grown so much closer to all of the family while Erica was away. Now was the time to try and show Erica that she
has changed and honestly wanted a good relationship with her, especially since Jack would always love Erica.
“I hope not. We will not have to see how it goes. She’s coming
back, honey. I’ll see you in Pine Valley. Love you.”
“Love you too, Dad.”
After settling in the seats, waiting for take-off, Erica turned to him. “So
who were you talking to in the terminal?”
Jack hesitated briefly. There was no reason to keep it from her. “Greenlee.
She is going to take us to the hospital after we land.”
“Okay.” Erica sat back, as the plane taxied to the runway. He came
for me. Erica’s thoughts kept coming back to that same fact. Jack had flown all this way to bring her home. Oh God,
please let Miranda be alright. Bianca doesn’t need anything else.
“So what’s going on in that beautiful head of yours?” Jack couldn’t
take the silence a moment longer. He was going to force her to deal with whatever issues they needed to. He didn’t understand
why she had kept in contact with practically everyone but him.
“Nothing. So Jackson, you said that my daughters need me. Did they ask
you to come get me, Jackson? Is that why you came - just at Bianca and Kendall's request?”
Erica had pushed him away for quite some time before she left Pine Valley.
She had felt so hurt that her family had kept Bianca‘s pregnancy from her, but during her time in Paris, she had longed
for Jack. She needed him to help her, she knew it deep down inside, but was not about to admit that she couldn’t handle
the dreams, drinking, or reality of the situation without him.
“Yes, Erica, Kendall asked me to drag you home, kicking and screaming,
if
I had to. But no, that is not the only reason why I came for you. We all need you. We all miss you. I need you, Erica.
I have missed you so badly.” Jack voice was soft and gentle, but still firm and strong with his love. He tenderly took
her hand in his. “I want to make you see that your daughters love you and need you. And that I still love you and need
you. But the Kane women are not near as strong without you, Erica. You are the strength of the Kane women. There is nothing
that you haven’t overcome until now.” Looking deeper into her eyes, “But even this, you can defeat. For
you, my dear, are Erica Kane, and there isn’t anything that you can’t do.”
Erica felt his love for her. She yearned to pour out her heart to him, but
couldn’t manage to let her walls that she had built up fall. Instead of trying harder or even admitting that to Jack,
she simply rested her head on his shoulder and said, “We should sleep, Jack. It’s been a long night, and we have
a long flight ahead of us.”
Kissing her forehead, “Okay, but we are going to have this discussion at some point.
You can’t avoid telling me how you feel forever Erica. I know you better than that. Eventually, we will have to have
it out. For tonight, I will let it stand.”
“Thank you.” Hands still intertwined, Erica and Jack rested for
most of the flight, not speaking, just enjoying being in each other’s presence.
Chapter Three by Mary
Erica’s mind was racing as they approached the hospital. The thought
of seeing Bianca and Kendall for the first time in weeks filled her with apprehension. She supposed they were angry with her
for leaving instead of staying and being supportive. She hoped that she hadn’t made a mistake by coming back. She remembered
what it was like when Bianca was so ill as a little girl and now Bianca was a mother worried about her own daughter. The fact
that Miranda was now a reality seemed so odd to Erica. She had not allowed herself to think of how she would feel once the
baby was actually born. That she found herself worried about her granddaughter made her think that she had done the right
thing in coming back, that maybe there was hope for their family after all. She realized that just being with Jack was making
her feel stronger. She had missed him so much and even though she had pushed him away in the weeks before she left, she knew
that she couldn’t go through this without him.
“So how was Paris?” Greenlee asked from the back seat. She had
been subdued since meeting them at the airport, just telling them that the latest report from the hospital was that Miranda
was stable. Erica had picked up on the affection between father and daughter and realized that things had obviously progressed
between Greenlee and the family in her absence.
“It was fine,” Erica replied absently. “Very busy at this
time of year.” She felt her hand tremble as they pulled into the hospital parking lot. Her anxiety eased when Jack reached
over and took her hand. “You’ll be fine,” he said. “You can do this.”
Erica hoped he was right as they stepped off the elevator. Bianca and Kendall
were standing in the hall and turned as they heard the elevator door. The look of surprise on Bianca’s face was quickly
replaced by joy as she raced across the room into Erica’s arms.
“Mom, I can’t believe that you’re here,” she said disbelievingly.
“I’ve missed you so much.”
“Oh, I’ve missed you too honey,” said Erica, holding Bianca
close. “How is
Miranda?”
“You’re not going to believe this,” Bianca said excitedly,
“but she’s better! The doctor said she has an infection and they’ve put her on antibiotics and she’s
improving.”
“Thank God,” said Erica, feeling that a huge burden had been lifted
off her shoulders. She couldn’t bear to think of Bianca having to deal with any more tragedy. As Bianca excitedly told
Jack and Greenlee about the change in Miranda’s condition, Kendall walked over to Erica.
“Thank you for coming,” she said. “I’ve been trying
to do my best but
Bianca really needs you. Are you staying?”
Erica could sense that Jack was listening for her response. “I’m
not really sure,” she replied evasively. “At least until we’re sure that Miranda is out of danger.”
“You can’t see her right now, Mom,” Bianca said, “but
hopefully tomorrow if she keeps getting better.”
“Alright, honey,” Erica said, suddenly feeling awkward. She wasn’t
sure
how she would react to seeing her granddaughter for the first time but there was no way to avoid it now that she was
back.
“I’ll stay with Bianca until she’s ready to leave,”
Kendall said to Erica and Jack. “You two must be exhausted after that long flight. I can call you if there’s any
news.”
“That’s a good idea,” said Jack, going over to Erica and
taking her arm. “Let’s go back to the loft. Reggie is dying to see you and you look like you could use some food.”
“I’ll stay a little longer,” Greenlee said. “Your car
is still here, right Dad?” “Right,” Jack replied, kissing her on the forehead. “Thanks for everything.”
“There’s no need to thank me,” Greenlee said sincerely.
“That’s what families are for.” She smiled and went over to Bianca and Kendall. Erica watched the three
girls talking together, marveling at how well they were getting along. Maybe this is all going to work out, she thought. Maybe
the nightmare is finally over. She tried to ignore the nagging sense of doubt that persisted as she got on the elevator with
Jack.
*****
Jack opened the door to the loft and let Erica walk in ahead of him.
She had barely said anything on the ride there and he had no idea how she was feeling. It saddened him that after all the
years of always knowing what she was thinking, she was such an enigma to him now.
“No Reggie apparently,” he said, picking up a note from the counter.
He frowned as he read it. “Gone to rent some movies. I’m sure he’ll be right back. He didn’t know
you were definitely coming.” He tried not to sound concerned.
“It’s not a big deal, Jack,” said Erica. “Why are you
worried?”
“No reason,” Jack answered. Seeing that she didn’t believe
him, he continued, “Reggie’s been hanging out with some of those kids from his old crowd lately. Staying out late,
not doing his homework, you know, the
usual teenage stuff.”
“I don’t like the idea of him hanging out with those kids again,”
Erica said. “I
hope it doesn’t mean anything else.”
“Yeah, me too,” agreed Jack. “Look, sit down and relax. I’m
going to change and make us something to eat.”
“I’m really not hungry, Jack,” said Erica. “I’m
very tired. I should have had you just take me home.”
“You didn’t eat anything on the plane and I’m sure there’s
nothing to eat at the penthouse. Please, just humor me,” he said. “We don’t have to talk if you don’t
feel like it.”
Jack breathed a sigh of relief when she finally sat on the couch. After not
having seen her for so long, he was reluctant to let her go. He was almost afraid that she would vanish on him again.
He rushed into the bedroom and changed out of the clothes he had been in since
leaving Pine Valley. In spite of what he had said, he was determined to get her to talk. He couldn’t go on with things
like this between them any longer. Now that it appeared that Miranda was out of danger, he had to know how she felt - about
him, about everything that had happened.
When he came out of the bedroom, he was sure that she had left and his heart
sank. Then he saw her curled up asleep on the couch. Thinking how exhausted she must be to fall asleep so quickly, he reached
for a blanket and carefully wrapped it around her. He sat down in the chair next to the couch, watching her as she slept,
thinking of how much he loved her and wondering how he was going to get through to her.
*****
Erica tried to stop the dream from coming but she couldn’t.
As soon as she realized where she was, she tried to escape but it was impossible. She was sobbing and running as always but
suddenly it was different. She could hear someone calling her name and all at once she was safe. As she slowly woke up, she
realized that someone was holding her, stroking her hair, and telling her that everything would be all right. She opened her
eyes and looked into Jack’s crystal blue ones.
“Jack, you’re really here,” she said wonderingly. “I’m
not dreaming you, am I?”
“Of course I’m here,” he answered her. “You’re
safe, Erica. I would never let anything happen to you.”
Her breathing slowly returned to normal. She couldn’t remember a time
when she had felt so safe. It had been weeks since she had been so close to him and as her fear subsided, she became achingly
aware of how it felt to be in his arms again. Her head was against his chest and she could feel his heart beating in her ear.
When she inhaled she could smell the tangy scent of his aftershave. She shivered as his hand ran up and down her spine. She
closed her eyes and then stiffened and moved away.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I’m fine now, Jack.”
“Sweetheart, you don’t have to apologize,” he told her. “Do
you want to talk about it?”
“There’s nothing to talk about,” she moved further away.
“Look,
it’s pretty obvious what you were dreaming about,” he said gently. “If you don’t want to talk to me
about it, how about talking to -”
Erica jumped up in a rush. “Don’t you even dare bring up therapy
again, Jackson Montgomery!” she cried. “I don’t need to talk to anyone. I can handle things on my own. I
always have.”
“I know that,” Jack said. “That’s why I think -”
“I don’t care what you think,” she said angrily. She crossed
the room and turned to glare at him. “I can’t believe that I thought this could work out. That’s it - I’m
done. As soon as we’re sure that Miranda is going to be alright, I’m going back to Paris - for good.”
Chapter 4 by M
Erica fumbled with the door locks. I’ve had it, she thought. I will not
sit here and listen to Jack tell me that I need to go to therapy. Obviously Jack doesn’t know what I need. I do not
need therapy. Just as she was ready to open the door, Jack’s hand forcefully came to rest on the door right beside her
head.
“Erica, damn it, you are not leaving. I am not going to let you run again.”
Jack’s voice was low. She could feel his breath on her neck, knowing he was stooped over with his head right behind
hers. She turned, ready to square off. His eyes immediately saw the fire within hers, a mix of anger, hurt, and passion. “I
am not going to let you run away from all of us again."
Continuing to hold his stare, Erica’s feisty nature was in full swing.
Jack saw that she was not ready to back down, but neither was he. So much needed to be said. “You can’t keep me
prisoner here, Jack. I will eventually leave your loft.” Erica’s temper was just heating up, waiting for him to
make a mistake in his tone, his words, anything.
“So you are going to run again? Run away from your family that loves
you? Run away from me? Run away from any problem you may come up against?” Jack had to call her on the carpet for her
fear. Although it would not sit well, he had to try and make her see that he was there to help. Still only inches apart, eye
to eye, Jack tried to soften the tone of their argument. “Erica, I know you have been hurt, but so have I, so has Bianca,
Kendall, Reggie… Heck even Greenlee. We all have to work to get past our hurt.”
“You all seem to have gone on just fine without me. I have been gone
for weeks and everyone is doing better than ever. You, Reggie, Kendall, Greenlee, Bianca, and Miranda make a fine family.
There is no need for
me. You will all be just fine when I return to Paris.” The smell of him so near was wearing
her defenses down. She moved away from the door and away from Jack. Being that close was not helping to keep her walls up.
“Erica, can’t you see how much our children need you? Didn’t
you see how much your daughters love you? Bianca practically ran Kendall down, trying to hug you. Don’t you know how
much Reggie loves you? He needs you, Erica. I can’t deal with this teenaged boy mess by myself. I need you. I love you.”
Erica kept her back to Jack, but she sensed he was right behind her. Holding
back all her emotions for so long, it was easy to keep the tears from falling. His hands came to rest on each of her shoulders.
Steadying her voice, Erica spoke, “It’s not enough.”
Jack’s heart broke. Closing his eyes and biting his lip, Jack pulled
back from her. “What’s not enough Erica? Your family begging for forgiveness, isn’t enough? Me, dying inside
because I love you so much but you won’t let me love you. That isn’t enough? Your family is barely holding it
together without you, Erica, but that isn’t enough to make you put all the other garbage aside? What’s it going
to take, Erica? Honestly, what is it going to take, one of us to die before you realize how much we love you and need you
on a daily basis?” Jack was shouting, but he didn’t care. His love wasn’t enough, he kept repeating those
same words over and over again.
“Jack, I have promised not to leave until Miranda is in the clear and
I won’t. But I will be on the first flight back to Paris after she is out of the hospital. I am sorry, but that is all
I can do.” With tears, streaming down her cheeks, Erica turned to look at him, just long enough to have the look of
pain on his face register in her heart, then she fled the loft.
Reggie was standing in the hallway, tear-stained cheeks. It ain’t worth
it, he thought. The whole family thing ain’t worth it. They still leave. He heard the door slam behind Erica and Jack
mutter Damn it. It just ain’t worth it, he repeated as he headed back to his room.
*****
Erica was at the hospital by six the following morning. Since she
hadn’t slept after their awful fight, Erica thought it was best to try and see Miranda before Jack would be at the hospital.
The less they ran into each other before she returned the better, she thought.
Bianca had gone home briefly to shower and change the nurse had informed Erica
when she asked about Miranda.
“Would you like to go in and hold her while Ms. Montgomery is gone?”
the nurse asked.
“Is it alright?” Although Erica was nervous about seeing her grandchild
for the first time, she liked the idea of being able to go through the emotion of it alone, without Bianca or Kendall present.
“Yes, Miranda is in the clear. She should actually be released later
today, if Dr. Joe approves it.” The nurse led Erica into Miranda’s room. Helping her get settled with the baby
in the rocking chair, the nurse placed the infant in the crook of Erica’s arm.
“Thank you,” Erica said, as the nurse left grandmother and
child alone. Erica was amazed by the pure emotion of love that washed over her, as she looked into Miranda’s sweet wide
eyes. Miranda was taking the whole scene in for a brief moment, then slowly started to drift back to sleep, as Erica rocked
her. She has Bianca’s nose, Erica thought. Her jaw line is very clearly Montgomery. Jack has that same… Erica
trailed off as her eyes filled with tears.
“Well, Miranda Mona Montgomery, I am your grandmother. I am sorry I wasn’t
here sooner, sweetie. I couldn’t cope with it. But here you are, so perfect, so innocent, and sweet.”
Because all of Erica’s attention was focused on Miranda’s flushed,
sleeping face, she didn’t notice Jack standing at the doorway, looking through the window at them.
“Did you
know that you are named after my mother, Mona Kane Tyler? There is no better woman to be named after.” Erica continued
to rock slowly, brushing her hand across Miranda’s cheek. “She wouldn’t have been scared of you, like I
have been. She would have been here to welcome you into the world.”
Erica’s tears started to fall, she looked up, just long enough to brush
them off her cheek. Jack, still watching his amazing love through the window, saw the love back in Erica’s face for
the first time in forever. As she looked back down, Jack heard Bianca and Kendall come off the elevator behind him. Leaving
Erica to continue bonding with her grandchild, Jack stopped the girls a few feet away from the door.
“You can’t go in right now, Bianca. Miranda’s fine, don’t
worry.” Jack hurriedly said the last statement, as he saw a mother’s fear rush over her face.
“Why not, Jack?” Kendall spoke up, trying to look around him and
see in the window.
“Erica is with her. They need some time alone.” Jack’s eyes
were filled with tears of joy, feeling like a break-through was occurring in that very room. Only the love of an innocent
child could heal the pain Erica still felt from her own rape.
“What? Mom? Really?” Bianca and Kendall both started asking all
sorts of questions. “You got through to her last night, didn’t you Uncle Jack?” Bianca was thrilled that
her mother seemed to be coming around.
“Well, not exactly.” Jack turned and walked back towards the room,
peering in the window at them again. “Last night was a mess, but maybe some of it did get to her.”
Erica was now telling Miranda how beautiful she was, and how much like Bianca.
Kendall, Bianca, and Jack continued to watch in silence as Erica began to sing a lullaby to Miranda that she used to sing
to Bianca. Jack’s arms wrapped around the shoulders of both of them, as they all watched in amazement with tears filling
their eyes.
After several minutes had passed, the nurse came to the trio and informed
Bianca
that it was time for Miranda’s bottle. Bianca said thank you and took it. Looking back in at her mother and her child,
she smiled. “I think Mom should have the opportunity to feed her grandchild.”
Jack backed away from the door, so not to be seen by Erica, as Kendall and
Bianca entered the room. Erica looked at the two of them with a huge smile and tears rolling down her face.
“Hi. Miranda, say hi to your mommy and aunt Kendall.” Miranda was
lying contently in Erica’s arms, half awake, half asleep.
“Mom, I am so glad you’re here.” Bianca said as she leaned
over to hug
Erica. Kendall quickly followed suit.
Jack was back at the window and quickly noted the three Kane women wrapped
in a hug, tears streaming down all their faces with the newest Kane girl caught in the middle.
Pulling back, Bianca offered the bottle to her mother. “Would you like
to feed her?”
“Yes, thank you.” Erica took the bottle as the other two women
sat down. Erica could sense Jack outside and knew he had been there the whole time now that she was not focused solely on
Miranda. She took comfort in his presence, as the ladies began to heal, talking about Miranda and all other things.
Miranda went home that same day, and life returned to normal. Jack hadn’t
heard from Erica after seeing her with the girls and several days had passed. Due to this, he assumed Erica had returned to
Paris. Having heard all the wonderful details of Erica, Bianca and Kendall’s conversation, Jack had hoped Erica would
stay and work things out with him as well, but no such luck.
*****
Hitting the voicemail button, Greenlee’s voice rang out. “Reggie’s
been in an accident. Please come to the hospital. He needs you. Hurry.”
Chapter Five by Mary
Erica stared at the phone in horror. Reggie in an accident? Greenlee
had sounded frantic. She glanced at her packed suitcases stacked neatly by the door. She had been ready to leave when she
noticed the voice mail light. She looked at her watch. The message was from almost an hour ago. Maybe she should just call
the hospital and find out what had happened.
Then she thought about Reggie and how withdrawn he had been the few times she
had seen him at the hospital. She knew he was disappointed in her, disappointed that she had left and given Jackson back the
ring. She understood his longing for a family and his fear that people would never stay. I can’t disappoint him again,
she thought. He does need me. Her heart ached when she thought about Jack. He was always there for all of them, so strong
and comforting and supportive. I can’t let him go through this alone, she thought. It’s just too much after everything
that’s happened.
Before she could change her mind, she grabbed her purse and headed out the
door. Please, God, let Reggie be alright, she prayed.
*****
Jack sat with his head in his hands. When Derek had called, he couldn’t
believe it. Reggie and some other kids in a bad car accident. He had knocked on Greenlee’s door on his way down from
the loft and they had driven to the hospital together. Joe had said that Reggie was unconscious and was being evaluated. He
hadn’t been able to answer any questions.
The waiting was driving Jack crazy. He couldn’t fathom that he was here
once again, waiting for word on a loved one. Thinking about Miranda made his thoughts turn to Erica. He knew she must be gone
by now. Bianca had said she had booked her flight.
He had already decided that he wouldn’t go after her again. He had tried
and failed. Erica couldn’t - or at least wouldn’t - accept his love and he had made a conscious decision to let
her go and concentrate on his family. He raised his head as he heard the elevator doors open and by some miracle, Erica stepped
into the hallway. She stopped when she saw him and then started toward him.
“Jack, what happened?” she asked frantically. He could see that
she was worried. “Greenlee said that Reggie was in an accident. What kind of accident? Is he alright?”
“I don’t know yet,” Jack replied. “He was in a car
accident. Derek is supposed to meet me here with the details. Joe said that he was unconscious when they got him here. That’s
all I know.” He stood up. “I thought you were gone.”
“I almost was,” Erica said. “In fact, my plane is probably
taking off right now.”
Greenlee came round the corner and when she saw Erica, a relieved look came
over her face. “I just tried calling you again. I thought for sure I had missed you.”
“No, I got your message,” Erica said. “Thank you for calling
me.”
They all turned as Derek stepped off the elevator. He walked over to Jack.
“Any word on Reggie?”
Jack shook his head. “Not yet. What do you know about the accident?” “I
just came from there,” Derek replied. “From what we gathered from witnesses, the car was traveling at a high rate
of speed and just left the road and hit a tree. I hate to tell you this, Jack, but the car was full of beer bottles and assorted
drug paraphernalia.”
Jack closed his eyes. “Look, Derek, Reggie has been upset lately but
there’s no way he’s stupid enough to be doing that.”
“Well, someone in the car was,” said Derek. “I’m going
to have to talk to
Reggie eventually. The other three kids are in pretty bad shape.”
“Derek, do we have to do this now?” Erica questioned sharply. “We
don’t even know how Reggie is yet.”
“No, it can wait,” Derek said. “Just let me know when Reggie
is stable.” He touched Jack’s arm and walked away.
“What the hell is taking so long?” Jack muttered, turning to look
at the doors to the emergency room.
“Now that you’re here, Erica,” Greenlee said. “I’m
going to go get us some coffee.”
Jack sat back down again as Greenlee disappeared down the hall. Erica walked
over and sat beside him.
“I’m sure that Reggie will be OK, Jack,” she said. “You
know what a tough kid he is.”
“Yeah, he is,” said Jack. “But hitting a tree at a high rate
of speed….,” his voice trailed off. “We had better be prepared for anything.”
He closed his eyes and put his head back against the chair. He felt his heart
lighten ever so slightly when Erica slowly reached over and slipped her hand in his.
*****
Time passed slowly as they waited. Erica hoped that her being there
was helping in some small way. Jack hadn’t said much but she was encouraged that he had kept her hand in his. After
a while, their fingers had become intertwined and every once in a while he would run his thumb over the back of her hand.
They both sprang to their feet as Joe came out of the emergency room. “Joe,
how is he?” Jack asked immediately.
“Well, he’s a very lucky young man,” Joe said. “He
does have a concussion but he’s awake now and aside from some cuts and bruises, he checks out fine.”
“Thank God,” Jack and Erica both breathed a huge sigh of relief.
“What about the concussion though?” Jack asked.
“We’re going to keep him here under observation for tonight,”
Joe said. “But all indications are that it’s a mild one. Apparently he had the good sense to be wearing
his seat belt.”
“Can we see him?” Erica asked.
“Just give us a few more minutes,” Joe said and walked back
inside the
E.R.
“Jack, I knew it!” Erica said joyfully and without thinking, she
reached up to kiss him. She felt his sharp intake of breath as their lips met. He hesitated, and when she didn’t move
away, he pulled her closer and deepened the kiss. She reached up to touch his face as her lips parted under his.
They broke apart as the sound of Greenlee’s heels reverberated down the
corridor. She appeared with three cups of coffee precariously perched on a tray. Taking in Erica’s flushed cheeks and
the faint trace of lipstick on Jack’s mouth, she stopped. “Should I come back later?“ she asked with a smile.
“No, no,” said Jack, going over to her. “Joe just told us
that Reggie is going to be fine.”
“That’s wonderful!” exclaimed Greenlee, visibly relieved.
“Can we see him?”
“Any minute now, according to Joe,” said Erica. “Why don’t
you two go in?” she continued. “I should be going now that we know Reggie is OK.” She felt flustered after
kissing Jack like that. She knew he was looking at her but she kept her gaze averted.
“No, you and Jack should go in,” Greenlee said immediately. “I’ll
go in after you’re done.”
Erica didn’t have time to protest as Joe appeared and beckoned them to
come in. Erica walked in first and stopped at the sight of Reggie lying motionless in the hospital bed. His eyes were closed
and he appeared to be sleeping. As she got closer, his eyes opened and he looked surprised to see her. His eyes went past
her to Jack.
“I guess I messed up pretty bad, huh, J?” he said with a shaky laugh.
“We don’t need to talk about that now,” Jack told him. “I just want you to
know
how happy I - how happy we - are that you’re OK.” He went over and
took Reggie’s hand.
“Man, I don’t feel too OK,” Reggie said. “I feel like I crashed my skateboard
into the side of a building.”
“Pretty close,” Jack observed. “Joe says he just needs to
keep you here overnight for observation and then you can come home.”
Erica stepped closer. “We were so worried, Reggie,” she said. “I’m
glad you’re OK.”
“I thought you were gone already,” Reggie said. “I don’t
want to mess up your plans. I know you can’t wait to get away from us again.”
Erica felt her heart sink. Ever since she had gotten Greenlee’s message,
she hadn’t been able to shake the feeling that she was partly responsible for Reggie’s accident. The behavior
that Jack had talked about had only started after she had given Jack back the ring and gone to Europe. The look on Reggie’s
face and the tone in his voice only seemed to confirm it.
“That’s not true, Reggie,” she said. “Just because
I might be in Europe for a while doesn’t mean that I don’t care about you. It doesn’t change anything.”
“Right, I’m sure a Christmas or birthday card will do just fine,”
Reggie said bitterly. “Don’t bother pretending. I heard you two at the loft the other night. You said you were
leaving and not coming back. Don’t worry - I’m cool with it now.”
Erica was at a loss for words. She looked at Jack helplessly. “Reggie,
you need to rest. We can talk about this later,” she said finally. She walked to the door and Jack followed her.
“Thank you for coming,” he said as he held the door for her. “Look,
I -” He stopped. “You can probably catch a later flight,” he finished, watching her closely.
“I’ll send Greenlee in,” Erica said quickly and rushed into the hallway. Greenlee
was waiting where they had left her. “You’re not leaving, are you?” she asked as Erica came out.
“Yes, I am,” Erica replied. “Reggie is going to be fine. I’m sure he
wants to see you.”
“You know, I just don’t understand you, Erica, “ Greenlee
said. “All this family wants is your love and acceptance but you just can’t give it, can you? I understand
how difficult it must be for you with Bianca and Miranda but everyone is willing to help you and you just won’t let
them. You won’t even help yourself. Most woman could only dream about having someone love them the way my father loves
you and you’re just willing to throw it all away.” She stopped and took a deep breath. “Like I said, I just
don’t get you. I never will. Have a great life in Paris.” She turned and walked through the emergency room door.
Erica slowly walked over to the elevator, Greenlee’s words ringing in
her ears. She thought of her suitcases, packed and ready to go. Then she thought about Reggie and Jack and the night that
they had both just gone through. As she pushed the elevator button, she knew where she had to go.
Chapter Six by M
Jackson knew Erica had left. Greenlee had grown accustomed to her family and
was not about to keep anything from them. Although he was not surprised, he still felt the hurt. When Erica had come off the
elevator, he thought for sure progress was being made. Then there was the kiss. It had seemed like they were back. She had
reflectively kissed him, as they had so many times before when good news came, but this time was different. They were celebrating
the joy of their son being okay. Whether Erica realized that, Jack wasn’t sure, but her joy had been about family, which
was a first in a long, long time.
The elevator coming to a halt jolted Jackson out of his thoughts. Man, this
has been some day, he thought, putting the key in the door of his loft apartment. Thankfully Reggie was going to be fine.
He needed to stay in the hospital overnight for observation. Greenlee offered to stay, knowing Jack needed sleep. After all
he had been through in the past few weeks with Bianca, Erica and now Reggie, Greenlee had been his saving grace helping to
take care of the family.
Pushing the door open, Jack saw her sitting there curled up on the couch with
a blanket wrapped around her. Obviously she had been waiting on him. Jack was surprised. After the conversation Erica had
with Greenlee, he fully expected her to be on the first plane to Paris. Erica had been watching the door, sitting for a few
hours now, thinking about all that had occurred since their almost wedding. A smile came to her face slowly as she saw Jack’s
surprise and relief.
“Hey you.” Jack’s voice was soft, but raspy due to his lack
of sleep. He closed the door behind him, as she got up.
“Hey, I hope you don’t mind me being here.” Erica sounded
so unsure of herself, something neither of them were accustomed to. Meeting halfway between the door and couch, Jackson leaned
down and kissed her forehead softly.
“Now why would I mind such a beautiful woman being here?” Jack’s
smile was intoxicating and contagious, as Erica found herself now smiling. Taking his hand, she led him to the couch.
“How’s Reggie? How’s our son?” They sat facing one
another and still holding hands. Erica knew what she needed to do the minute she left the hospital, so she did. Grabbing some
clothes from the penthouse, she headed to the loft to be able to take care of Jackson when he arrived home.
“Our son is sleeping. Greenlee agreed to stay with him, so I could come
home.” Jack didn’t miss a beat, although his heart leapt at her words, our son. Reggie was completely their son.
He was so much like Erica, it amazed Jack.
“Well, I am glad you did come home. Do you need something to eat before
you get to bed? I know you have to be exhausted.” Erica jumped off the couch and headed to the kitchen. “Maybe
just some tea, if you’re not hungry. It will help you sleep.”
Erica filled the teapot up, and Jackson rose to join her in the kitchen. “Honey,
I don’t need tea or anything.”
Erica continued to hurry around the kitchen trying to take care of Jack, the
best way she could. Jack grabbed her by the waist as she headed to the refrigerator.
“Come here,” Jack’s voice was low. “Erica, I
don’t need tea or food. I just need to have my arms wrapped around you, sweetheart.”Jack’s eyes were peering
into hers, expressing his love. Erica wrapped her arms around his neck, resting her head on his chest. “Oh, Jackson.”
Pulling her even tighter against him, Jack leaned against the kitchen counter
and enjoyed the feel of her wrapped in his tight embrace. If it weren’t for the shrill whistle of the teapot on the
stove, she would have stayed there forever.
“How about I fix us some tea? You go get ready for bed, and I will meet
you in the bedroom.” Erica said as she removed the kettle from the burner.
Unsure of just what Erica intended, Jackson nodded hesitantly, then turned
to go.
*****
Jack had changed into his trusty blue pajama pants. The spring night
was just too warm for anything more. Sitting on the edge of his bed, Erica saw his tiredness, as he yawned. Pushing the door
all the way open with her foot, Erica came in caring two cups of tea. He is just so handsome, so amazing, Erica thought.
“Hey you.” Jack scooted back onto the bed with his back against
the headboard, making room for her to sit next to him. Taking his cup of tea, he sipped it. “Thanks.”
“Jack, I am so sorry about Reggie. Maybe tomorrow when he gets home the
three of us could have a nice long talk about his choice of friends.”
“That sounds wonderful.” Jack smiled at her, as they drank their
tea. Sitting side by side, the conversation lulled as Jack started to get more sleepy. Erica was content to sit with him,
her thoughts continuing to occupy her. After a while, Jack knew he would be unable to stay awake much longer.
“Honey, as nice as this is, I need to get some sleep.”
“I am so glad you are going to be able to sleep. Do you mind if I sit
here with you for a while?” Erica put both of their cups on the bedside table.
“No, not at all.” Jack slid under the sheet and rested his
head on the pillow beside her. Erica stroked his hair. Jack was out within five minutes. It had been so long since Erica had
been able to watch the love of her life sleep. And as she sat there, watching his peaceful face, a sense of comfort and love
she hadn’t felt in forever rushed over her.
Reaching back to the nightstand to take a final sip of her tea, Erica noticed
a ring box sitting right beside the picture of them. He doesn’t really still have this, does he? Erica thought, it can’t
be. Opening the box, Erica saw her engagement ring that she left with her note before leaving for Paris. Oh Jack, she looked
over at his sleeping form. The love she felt at that very moment welled up inside of her.
That’s what I’ll do, she thought. If I really want to be a part
of this family, of Jack and our children’s lives, it is what I need to do. Then we can go back to where we were. With
that, Erica removed her engagement ring from the box and placed it back on her finger. Therapy just might be the answer after
all, she thought. At least it was worth a try. Erica finally agreed with what her family had been wanting her to do for so
long now. While Reggie’s accident and Greenlee’s loving words started the process of breaking down the walls Erica
had put up, it was Jack’s amazing love that freed her heart from all the pain. He had kept her ring, waiting for her
to come home.
Chapter Seven by Mary
Erica put the finishing touches on the table and stood back, finally satisfied.
The floral arrangement was the perfect addition for Reggie’s homecoming celebration. She looked at the six chairs around
the table, a chair for her, one for Jack and one for each of their children. She thought briefly of Lily, and how she should
be there too. We’ll have to look into that, she thought, once everything else is settled.
She was surprised at how smoothly things were going. Reggie had recovered without
any complications, Miranda was once again a healthy newborn, and Bianca was an excited new mother. Even though she hadn’t
seen Jack since the night at the loft, they had spoken on the phone every day, and she realized that they had slipped back
into a semblance of their old relationship.
Once she had made the decision, she had phoned a therapist the day after
Reggie’s
accident. It hadn’t been anywhere near as difficult as she had feared. Despite the initial awkwardness of talking to
a stranger about her feelings, she now felt as if a burden was being lifted from her shoulders. After only two sessions, the
future of the Kane/Montgomery family seemed back on track and she was determined to keep it that way. I haven’t had
that nightmare in days, Erica thought as she went to answer the door, not since I started the therapy sessions. She opened
the door to Bianca, Kendall and Miranda. The two girls were laughing over the face that Miranda was making. Erica couldn’t
believe how much Miranda reminded her of Bianca at that age. She smiled as they came in.
“Hi, Mom,” said Bianca. “I’m so glad that we’re
having this family dinner. It really means a lot to me that you want to do this.”
"Me too,” said Kendall. “I can’t wait to see Reggie. I could
throttle him for giving us such a scare though.”
“Let’s not throttle him until he’s fully recovered,”
suggested Erica as she went to answer the bell again.
Greenlee was standing there, looking vaguely uncomfortable.
“I got your message,” she said, “so here I am. Jack and Reggie
are on their way.”
“Good,” Erica said. “I want everything to be perfect when
Reggie gets here. I want him to realize how much we all care about him.”
Greenlee went over to look at Miranda and was soon deep in conversation with
Bianca and Kendall. Erica would never have believed it, if she wasn’t witnessing it herself.
The doorbell rang again and Erica took a deep breath as she swung open the
door.
*****
Erica was so beautiful when she opened the door that for a moment
Jack couldn’t speak. She always looked beautiful, of course, but she looked happier and more relaxed than he had seen
her since she had left for Europe all those weeks ago. The sparkle that made her Erica Kane seemed to be back and he was relieved
to see it. She smiled at Reggie and kissed him when he walked in.
Reggie looked sheepish. “Hey, Erica, I want to say I’m sorry for
what I said at the hospital,” he said. “You came in to see me, and I practically kicked you out.”
“Reggie, please, it’s forgotten,” Erica said. “I’m
the one who should be sorry for leaving the way I did and making you think I didn’t care about you. Friends again?”
As she held her hand out to him, the engagement ring on her finger caught the
light and sparkled brightly. Jack could hardly believe his eyes. He hadn’t opened the ring box since putting it on his
night stand. It was just too painful. Now he realized that she must have taken it that night at the loft and the fact that
she had it on and what that meant overwhelmed him for a moment.
After she was done hugging Reggie, Jack took her hand in his and looked down
at the ring. “Well, this is certainly a surprise,” he said softly, caressing her hand.
“A pleasant one, I hope,” she replied somewhat nervously. “You
have no idea,” he told her huskily, looking into her eyes.
“OK, break it up over there, you two,” Bianca said. “I
only have half an hour before I have to feed Miranda, and I’m starving.”
Dinner was an unqualified success. Reggie kept them all in stitches with his
unique observations on life. Jack couldn’t remember the last time he had seen Erica really laugh. He was relieved that
her wine glass contained nothing but water, and she had actually eaten her meal.
“I have something to say to everyone,” Reggie said as they were
starting dessert. “I just want to say that even though things looked really bad the other night, I‘m not stupid
enough to be drinking or doing drugs, and I won’t be getting in a car again with anyone who is.”
“Well, we’re certainly glad to hear that,” Jack said.
“I know that I can trust your judgment. We just need to keep the lines of communication open.”
“We are so lucky that things worked out the way they did,” said
Bianca, looking at Miranda. “So lucky that we have each other.”
“That we are,” Jack agreed, smiling at Erica across the table.
*****
Erica was tidying up as everyone left. Bianca and Kendall left in
a flurry of activity, anxious to get Miranda home and in her crib before she woke up. Jack walked Greenlee to the door, and
Reggie trailed along.
“Why don’t you stay?” Greenlee said to Jack with a look in
Erica’s direction. “Reggie can ride home with me. I’ll make sure he gets settled in at the loft.”
“Yeah, J, you should stay,” Reggie insisted. “Erica might
need some help - uh - cleaning up.”
Jack looked amused. “OK, I’ll be home in a little while,”
he said to Reggie. “You need to go home and rest, though. Straight to bed. No TV, no music, got it?”
“Yeah, yeah, straight to bed,” Reggie agreed. “I’m
beat anyway.”
Erica watched Greenlee and Reggie leave and turned to finish cleaning up. Jack
reached out and stopped her as she walked by. “Why don’t you leave the rest of this for Coral?” he asked.
“We need to talk.”
“OK,” she said slowly. “What about?”
“About why you’re wearing this again,” he said, taking her
hand in his and looking down at the ring. “And why you even took it off in the first place.”
Erica took a deep breath. “I wasn‘t thinking clearly before I left,”
she said. “I couldn’t think about anything except Bianca being pregnant and that you knew. Now, after everything
that’s happened, I just want us to try to get back to where we were before, if that’s even possible…”
she trailed off uncertainly and waited for his reply. “Don’t you have anything you want to say?” she finally
asked.
“Yes, I do,” he answered, drawing her closer. “I want to say
that there’s something that I’ve wanted to do ever since I saw you in Paris.”
“What, Jack?” she asked impatiently.
“This,” he said and pulled her into his arms. Before she could
even think, his lips were on hers in a passionate kiss. Her lips parted as his tongue explored her mouth. She wound her arms
around his neck, running her fingers through his hair to bring him closer. Their breathing was ragged as they broke apart.
Jack slid the strap of her dress down her arm as he left a trail of kisses down her neck to her shoulder. Erica unbuttoned
the top buttons of his shirt and slipped her hands inside against his bare skin. She hurriedly began to undo the rest of the
buttons. His hand hesitated on the zipper on the back of her dress and when she went to tug his shirt out of the waistband
of his jeans, he put his hands over hers and looked down at her. “Are you sure?” he asked unevenly.
“Yes, I’m sure,” she whispered. “I want you, Jackson.”
She began to kiss her way up his chest. He groaned and picked her up, bending to kiss her as they headed toward the bedroom.
Chapter Eight by M
Erica’s petite form may have been putty in Jack’s arms, but it
was he who was going weak in the knees. Erica continued to kiss all around Jack’s collarbone then up to that spot, just
below his ear that drove him mad with anticipation. As they passed through the living area towards the bedroom, the doorbell
rang out.
“Ignore it.” Erica’s voice was urgent with passion as Jack
stopped all forward movement. It had been so long since Jack and she had been together. Jack, seeing the passion burning deep
in Erica’s eyes, started back towards the bedroom again.
“Mom, It’s Bianca.”
“Damn it,” Jack muttered. “Erica, I swear, we need to talk
to that girl about her timing. She always ends up disturbing things.” Jack chuckled as he stood Erica upright again.
“Just a second, Bianca,” Erica called. She turned her attention
back to Jack again. “I thought anticipation was half the fun, Jackson. Just make sure you button your shirt back up.”
Brushing her hand against his bare chest, she slowly headed for the door, fixing all of her clothing along the way. Checking
to make sure Jackson was presentable, she opened the door.
“Mom.” Bianca came in and suddenly realized what she must have
been interrupting with the look upon her uncle’s face, plus her mother’s smeared lipstick on his lips. “Oh,
sorry, Uncle Jack. Look, I just have a quick question, then you two can get back to… Yeah.”
Jack smiled that knowing smile, as Erica laughed softly. “Bianca, what’s
your question?” Erica took her daughter’s hand and led her to the couch to sit.
“Well, I was hoping, if it’s not too much trouble… would
you baby-sit Miranda for me tomorrow? Kendall, Greenlee and I are doing a girls’ night, and I was thinking it might
be nice for you to spend some time with your granddaughter.”
Bianca was obviously nervous. Her speech with very qualified, and her voice
was soft. She never lifted her eyes to meet Erica’s as she spoke. Erica thought to herself, Bianca has every right to
be nervous after the way I acted. Don’t take it personally.
Lifting Bianca’s chin until their eyes met, Erica said, “Bianca,
I would love to take care of Miranda. It would be an honor. Thank you for allowing me the pleasure after all I put you through.”
Bianca threw her arms around her mother, wrapping Erica in one of the tightest
hugs. “Oh, thank you, Mom. I am so glad this is okay with you. Thank you.”
Jack was admiring the scene from the chair by the fireplace. Erica and Bianca
were both beaming. Mother and daughter seemed to have come full circle. And as Erica brushed Bianca’s hair with her
hand, Jack noticed the engagement ring once more.
Bianca pulled back. “Okay, well I better get home before Kendall starts to
worry. And so you two can resume whatever it was that you were doing.” Bianca laughed. Jack ran his hand through his
hair, trying to ignore her comment. At the door Bianca said, “Thanks again, Mom. I love you.”
“I love you too. Kiss Miranda and Kendall good night for me.”
Closing the door behind Bianca, Erica found Jack staring at her. She had felt
so wonderful about Bianca trusting her with Miranda and all the progress that had been made with her daughter that she had
almost completely forgotten about what she and Jack had been about to do.
Jack had never seen Erica look this content. He was amazed at how absolutely
breathtaking she was, as she lingered by the door. Whatever it was that was happening, however she was getting through all
the pain, Jack was thrilled at the progress she had made. That ring caught his eye again. He wanted to know what prompted
the change and what did it really mean to her.
“Come here.” Jack’s voice was still husky from earlier. As
they sat on the couch together, Jack took her hand in his.
“You’re still wondering about that, aren’t you?” Erica
asked, noticing his finger playing with the ring.
“Maybe a little.” Jack looked into her sparkling brown eyes. Trying
to convey all of his questions without saying a word, their eyes seemed to be doing a dance of their own. All of the love
that Jack and Erica had for each other that had not been spoken for so many months now, was finally pouring out.
“Jack,” Erica started. “I am sorry I ever gave this back
to you. Honestly, I am sorry for all of our broken engagements. Although we have tried to make it to the altar so many times,
we have never actually become husband and wife.” Erica paused. The pain of the past was still evident on her face, as
tears started to well up in her eyes. “Jack, I would like for you to still consider marrying me.” Erica put her
hand to Jack’s mouth as he started to speak. “Look, I know we have a long way to go before that, but I would like
for you to keep the option open. With your permission, I would like to continue wearing this ring, not necessarily as a sign
that we will be wed, but so that everyone knows that my heart is taken, claimed by you, Jackson.”
Erica’s eyes kept shifting between the ring and Jack’s handsome
face. She didn’t want to push him for a response, and she certainly wasn’t looking for a proposal. She had just
wanted to make her intentions clear.
“Sweetheart, of course I still want to marry you. But yes, we do need
to work through some things first. You are my heart, Erica Kane. You always have been and always will be.” Pausing,
Jack kissed her hand right below the ring. “I would be honored to have you continue to wear this ring, but it still
holds the same promise, Erica. I will marry you.”
“Oh, Jack. I love you.” Erica leaned in, resting her head against
Jack’s chest. Letting her sweet tears of happiness fall, Jack wrapped her in his embrace.
“I love you too.”
Pulling back, Jack kissed her lips softly. “It is late, and as much as
I would love to continue what we had started earlier…”
“You don’t have to say it, Jack. I agree. We should wait.”
Taking in Erica’s amazing maturity, Jack replied, “Okay, so I’ll
be going.” He rose, helped Erica up and headed towards the door.
“So Mr. Montgomery, how are you at changing diapers?” Erica
questioned. “Fairly good. Want help tomorrow night?” Jack had opened the door, but turned back to face her. Bending
down to be face to face, Jack saw her nod. “Count me in.” His lips grazed her cheek. “Good night beautiful.”
*****
“She really is a happy baby, isn’t she?” Erica was
holding a sleepy Miranda. Miranda’s head kept falling down on Erica’s shoulder, then popping back up slightly,
as the baby fought her inevitable sleep.
The evening had been a total success. When Jack arrived, Erica was down
on
the floor, playing with her grandchild. Both ladies were giggling as Miranda made huge smiles at Erica’s goofy faces.
The love between them was evident and so was their similarity. When Erica rose to kiss Jack, Miranda started to fuss. The
child had definitely inherited Erica’s desire to be the center of attention.
“Yes, she is. But she also has just enough of her grandmother’s
fiery temper to keep things interesting.” Jack enjoyed sitting beside her as she rubbed Miranda’s back.
“Yes, well, it keeps life interesting. Besides, it is one of the things
you love about me,” Erica shot back. Jack and Erica had bantered and teased each other all night. When Miranda spit
up all over Jack’s shirt, Erica had teased him about having a deal with Miranda in order to tempt her. Erica pulled
out one of Jack’s shirts from her closet from before she ran off to Paris. The affection between them was kept at a
light level due to their duties to Miranda but rarely was there a moment when their hands weren’t touching.
“Yes it is. I love everything about you.” Jack leaned over, kissing
Erica’s cheek. “Well, almost everything.”
Suddenly serious, Erica laid the baby on a pallet on the floor next to the
couch. Miranda was sound asleep, so they were able to talk. “What about me do you not love, Jackson?”
Erica’s tone was not angry, as he had expected. It was serious, but sincere,
like she was seeking honest constructive criticism. “I don’t love how hard it
is for you to trust me sometimes.
To trust in our love. I don’t like how you ran from me.”
Both sitting in jeans and t-shirts, they faced each other on the couch. Erica
pulled her legs up Indian-style. “That’s an understandable thing to not like. I don’t even like that about
myself. But I am working through that, Jackson. I want to be a better person, before we take this any further.”
“Whoa, what are we talking about here, Erica? How are you working through
that?”
“I have been going to therapy, as you suggested. I just didn’t
want to make a big deal out of it.” Erica looked down at Miranda. “Gosh, she is beautiful.
She looks so much
like Bianca.”
“Erica, you are not about to change the subject.” Jack took her
hand. “Therapy, huh? Well, I must say I am very pleasantly surprised.”
“Good, but I am not doing this for you. I am doing it for myself and
for all of our family. I would love for us all to go to a session or two a little later on.” Erica looked Jack straight
in the eyes. “I love you, and I don’t want to ever doubt us or you again. I promise that from now on we will face
everything together. No running.”
“Come here, you,” Jack pulled Erica in to lean against him on the
couch. Adjusting slightly, they laid together. “I love you. I am very proud of you.”
Slowly enjoying being in each other’s arms, they drifted off to sleep.
When Bianca came in, she found them peacefully sleeping together. She gathered up Miranda and all her things, jotted a quick
note of thanks, and left the two just as she found them.
*****
The next several weeks were full of therapy sessions and family activities.
Erica spent at least an hour or two everyday with her precious granddaughter. Bianca kept telling Erica to stop spoiling Miranda
with too many stuffed animals. Erica met for lunch with Kendall at least twice a week. She had even gone for coffee with Greenlee
a few times. As Erica made progress in her therapy, everyone saw it.
One afternoon Reggie, Danielle and Erica sat on Jack’s couch watching
the latest American Idol that Erica had taped for them. Reggie and Erica had repaired their relationship and were closer than
ever. Jack had received a call from Reggie right after Erica arrived, so that Jack could put his plan
into action.
“Well, well, isn’t this a wonderful surprise?” Jack strolled
into the loft. With his tie loosened slightly, Jack looked amazing in his new grey suit.
“Jack, why do I think this is not a surprise?” Erica threw some
popcorn at Reggie as she stood to greet him. Placing a light airy kiss on his lips, Erica looked back at Reggie. “So
when did you call? While you were in the bathroom?”
“I don’t know what you are talking about, E.” Reggie feigned
innocence.
“It doesn’t matter how I knew you were here.” Jack said,
taking her hand. “I
have something to show you. Sorry, kids, but I am stealing this lovely lady.”
“That’s cool, J. Have fun, but not more than I would,” Reggie
winked at
Jack, as he wrapped an arm around Danielle’s shoulder.
Erica stood, taking the entire scene in, “Jack, where are you taking
me?” Jack kissed her cheek and escorted her out the door. “You’ll see.” Chapter Nine by Mary
Erica
watched out the window as the houses that dotted the outskirts of town became fewer and farther between. The late afternoon
sun was giving way to escalating clouds that cast shadows across the country landscape. They had been driving for over half
an hour and Erica was growing increasingly inpatient.
“OK, Jackson, so where are we going?” she asked again, looking
over at him.
“We’re almost there,” he said. “Do you trust me?”
Erica knew that he was looking for more than a simple answer to his question.
“Always,” she replied, sliding over to rest her head on his shoulder. She felt happier and safer than she had
in months. She never
would have believed that going to therapy could make such a difference but it had. Opening her heart
to Miranda had somehow managed to set her free of the painful memories of the past. She knew they would always be there but
she felt that she had somehow made peace with them.
They approached a circular driveway leading to the most magnificent house that
Erica had ever seen. It was large, with an inviting porch framed by wide columns, enormous windows, a tiled roof and gorgeously
landscaped grounds. The house appeared empty and Erica couldn’t imagine why they were there.
Jack got out and came
around to open her door. “No questions,” he said, placing his fingers over her lips. “I will explain everything
once we get inside.”
They walked up to the porch and Erica watched as Jack took a key from under
the welcome mat and opened the door. She walked in ahead of him and stopped. A feeling of tranquility overcame her as she
looked around. She had been right in that the house was empty but even without furnishings, it was absolutely perfect. The
walls, the carpet, the sweeping staircase - everything was in her favorite colors and styles. She felt as if she had designed
this house herself or at least someone who knew her very well had.
“It’s beautiful, Jack,” she said, turning to him. “But
I still don’t understand what we’re doing here.”
“I think you do,” he said, watching her closely. “Do you
like it?”
“I love it,” she answered. “It’s the most breathtaking
house I’ve ever been in.” When he didn’t respond, she continued. “Well, there isn’t a For Sale
sign outside, so I assume it belongs to someone.”
“You would assume right,” he replied.
Taking a deep breath, not even daring to hope what this meant, she asked softly,
“Is it ours, Jack?”
Jack walked over and took both her hands in his. “Yes, it is,”
he said, reaching out to touch her face as she started to cry. “Hey, if you don’t like it
-”
“Of course I like it, I love it,” she laughed through her tears.
“You know I do. But how, when?”
“After I proposed to you again that day in my office,” he told
her. “I thought
it would be a wonderful surprise after the trial, something to look forward to. I envisioned us living
here with Reggie and Lily. There’s a nursery for Miranda when Bianca visits and plenty of room for Kendall and Greenlee
if they ever need to stay with us for any reason.” He smiled at her teasingly
as he went on. “The builder says
that he’s designed entire houses that are
smaller than the measurements I gave him for your closet and let’s
just say that the kitchen isn’t the largest room in the house.”
They laughed together for a moment and then she said sadly, “You put
so much thought into this and I ran out on you once again and blamed you for things that weren’t your fault.”
“It was a difficult time for all of us,” he said, “and quite
honestly, I didn’t handle the Bianca situation the way I should have.”
“Oh, Jack,” Erica walked over to the window seat and sat down.
Jack followed her, sitting down beside her and looking at her questioningly. “We both know that everything that’s
happened is because of me. Because of the way that I’ve let my feelings about my father rule my life.”
“It’s understandable after everything that you went through,”
Jack said softly. “I should have realized that you would consider me not telling you about Bianca to be a betrayal.”
“I understand now why you did what you did, Jack,” said Erica.
“I know you were trying to do what was best for everyone - like you always do. I pushed all of you away because I felt
that you had abandoned me first by not telling me but I realize now that, in your own way, you were each trying to protect
me.”
“It’s important to me that you really believe that,” he said.
“I do,” she assured him. “Do you forgive me for running away
the way I
did?”
“Sweetheart, there isn’t anything to forgive,” he told her
seriously. “You came home with me when Bianca needed you and I can’t tell you how proud I am of you for initiating
the therapy. It’s done a world of good for all of us.”
“If I had listened to you in the first place,” Erica said ruefully.
“we’d be married and living here by now. Why did you bring me here today, Jack?”
Jack stood up, bringing her with him. He looked down at her with pride and
love on his face. All the years of love and passion between them came down to this one moment.
“Because I think that we are both finally ready to recapture that life,
Erica,” he said. “The one that we’ve almost had so many times. I never gave up on us, not even when you
were gone. When you said you’d come back with me, I knew there was hope and when I saw you in the hospital that day
with Miranda, I didn’t think I could love you any more. But I do, more than I ever thought possible. So, I guess the
question is, do you still feel the same?”
“Do I still feel the same?” Erica repeated. “Of course I
do! How can you even ask me that?” She reached up and put her arms around him, running her hands up his arms to his
neck. “I love you so much, Jackson, I really do.” She pulled his mouth down to hers and kissed him, softly at
first and then with growing intensity. After a few minutes, he pulled away, his breathing ragged.
“You know I can't concentrate when you do that,” he laughed, putting
her slightly away from him. His face turned serious as he picked up the hand that held her engagement ring.
“I love you, Erica Kane,” he said. “You’re my heart
- you know that. You’re my whole life.” He took a deep breath. “I swear this is the last time I am going
to do this,” he began when she stopped him.
“Jack, wait,” Erica said, “I have something I have to say
to you.”
Chapter Ten by M
Although Jack knew Erica still wanted to marry him, her stopping his
obvious proposal had him concerned. That was until their eyes met. Neither one could deny the amazing depth of the love between
them. Jack knew in an instant why she had stopped him, and it warmed his heart to think that Erica was willing to be so vulnerable.
So much had changed in her since she started therapy, Jack thought, all of her insecurities seemed to have vanished.
Erica knew the words she wanted to say, but she was lost in his eyes. Jack’s
love was so evident in his eyes. Her heart began to race as she mentally repeated what she had prepared to say. Jack would
be the only man to ever hear what Erica was about to say, not just because he was the one she had prepared it for, but also
because he was the only person in her life that she was ever able to be this open, this honest with.
Taking a deep breath, Erica started her well rehearsed speech. “Jackson
Montgomery, you have been my rock. You have always been the only man for me, even when I refused to admit it.” They
both chuckled, thinking back to their night of passion during her engagement to Chris. “We have had a lot of bumps on
this path, but I think we have finally gotten things right.”
“That’s exactly what I wanted to say, Erica. I think that with
this house, now is the time to…” Erica quickly pulled his lips to hers in a quick kiss.
“Hush, Jackson. If you haven’t realized it yet, I am trying to
keep you from saying what you are trying to say.”
“Oh, I realize it alright. I just enjoy making you work at it. After
all, how
many times have I said the same thing to you?” Jack laughed again and his eyes were dancing with mischief.
“Yes, well, cut it out. You don’t want to ruin it, do you?”
Erica’s heart was calmer now, knowing he knew and was still there.
“Heavens, no.” Jack chuckled softly. “Sorry, you have my
full attention.” Staring right back into her eyes, Jack knew they would be husband and wife very soon.
Kissing his lips gently before continuing, Erica took both his hands in hers.
“I guess even the Great Erica Kane should follow tradition.”
Getting down on one knee with both of Jack’s hands in hers, she asked
him in a strong, confident voice, “Andrew Jackson Montgomery, will you please do me the honor of marrying me?”
Jack was in awe. He been with Erica through everything, yet here she was being
so vulnerable, so open. If he hadn’t known that, he would have been tempted to tease her, to make her think he might
say no.
Instead Jack pulled her up and gathered her into himself. Holding her so tightly,
he leaned down, lightly kissed right below her ear, sending a chill
down her spine, and whispered.
“I love you, Erica. Yes, I will be your husband.”
Slowly, his lips claimed hers. Their hearts melded together in one solidifying
moment. Both of them knew this was it, the last proposal. Soon they would be wed, and soon they would have their forever.
Erica’s hand wound its way to Jack’s hair, raking her nails along
his scalp as their kiss deepened. Tongues dueling in their familiar dance, but with a love that had never been matched. Finally
in this moment Jack knew Erica was allowing herself to love and be loved completely, for beyond the passion and desire in
her kiss was a wholeness of heart that had been missing before.
Erica pulled back slowly. “Jackson…” Jack’s eyes opened
slowly, pulling himself back from his emotions. He nodded slightly. “I love you more than I have ever before. Thank
you for being patient with me. Thank you for helping me to get to this point.”
Jack knew she had read his mind, another thing Erica Kane was good at. He was
never able to hide his emotions or thoughts from her.
“I am grateful you have worked through your pain, Erica. Mainly for your
sake. I want you to allow me to love you so completely that you never feel alone in this world again.” Pulling her close
again, their lips just inches apart. “And that is exactly what I plan on showing you all afternoon. Love so complete,
you will never want to leave my arms.”
With that said, Jack swooped her up into his arms, like so many times before.
“My dear bride, I think it is time to start christening our house.” Erica nodded in agreement and giggled, as
Jack headed up the stairs.
*****
“So, J, E, what’s the big news? Is the wedding back on?”
Reggie quizzed them, as Lily and he waited with Jack and Erica for Greenlee, Kendall and Bianca to show.
“Reggie, you can wait on the rest of the family, can’t you?”
Erica teased as she started pouring the sparkling cider into champagne flutes for everyone.
Just then, the loft door opened and the girls came pouring in. Bianca had Miranda’s
diaper bag, Greenlee had her carrier, and Kendall had the sweet child in her arms. Before the door was even shut behind them,
Reggie said, “Alright, they’re here. Will you tell us now?”
“Dad, what is it that Reggie wants you to tell us?” Lily chimed
in, Reggie’s excitement rubbing off on her. The two of them had quickly became close since Jack had brought Lily home.
“Okay, okay you two.” Jack laughed heartily, enjoying the feeling
of their now complete family. It was very obvious that everyone knew what the announcement would be, but just the same they
were all waiting on pins and needles for the actual pronouncement. The love between Jack and Erica was obvious to each of
their children.
After handing out glasses of cider, Jack wrapped one of his arms around Erica’s
waist. Looking down into her eyes, shining with such love, “So do you want to tell them, or should I?”
“Somebody please just tell us.” Reggie seemed at the end of his
rope. Jack laughed.
“You should, Jack. After all you out number me in children, 3 to 2. Although
if you count Miranda, we are tied.” Erica loved teasing their family.
“Fine, fine. Your mother,” motioning to Kendall and Bianca, “did
the unthinkable today. Erica Kane asked me to marry her. And I accepted.”
“You what?” “Erica what?” All the kids spoke at once.
“Yes, I asked Jack to marry me. I think it was finally my turn. I mean,
after all the times he has proposed and we have never managed to actually get married, I felt like the whole thing needed
to be different.” Erica smiled and held her glass up. “To the Montgomery family, may we all end up just where
we should be. I know I am.” Erica snuggled in against Jack’s chest.
“Yes, I think the journey home is now complete, but our lifelong
journey is just beginning,” Erica whispered to Jack, as his lips came down on hers to seal the great news with a glorious
kiss.
**************************
Blast from the Past
By M & J
A short story tells of someone from Jack's past intervening
in his "happy" life. Will
this mystery woman hurt Jack and Erica's friendship or help them explore new
possibilities?
Read and find out!
Chapter 1
Pine Valley Inn Dining Room
"Mmmm.... this veal is delicious" Jack mumbled with his mouth
full of
food
"Jack, it isn't polite to talk with your mouth full, especially
in public"
Erica hissed sharply
.
"I'm not a child Erica, you don't have to talk to me like one"
Jack shot
back still chewing
"Ssshhh...... you'll make a scene."
"I'm not the one making a scene, you are" Jack swallowed his
food.
"Oh please, you're sitting over there showing chewed meat
to the
entire dining room and you say I'm causing a scene" Erica's voice
rose slightly.
"Geez, can't we just have one quiet dinner together" Bianca
interrupted
as she drew their attention to the people staring from
close tables. "We try to have one small lunch together and you two
have
to turn it into a warzone.
"Well it was your idea to come here Bianca" Erica said defensively
"And my bad luck to be eating here at the same time" Jack
sighed
"Well Jack if you want us to leave" Erica started to rise.
"No, no... wait, look, let's just all calm down and act like
we're having
a normal family gathering shall we" Jack backed off slightly
.
"Yeah, just a simple gathering between a famous celebrity, her
exlover
who also happened to be her brother in law, and her lesbian
daughter who is the niece of the same ex-lover."
Bianca said
sarcastically.
"OK, so this isn't a normal family, but we're all we have
and we need
to stick together" Jack gave Bianca a sharp look..
"Jack's right Bianca, your uncle and I are about the only
family you
have left" Erica chimed in
"Well there's Barbara and Molly and....." Bianca's voice trailed....
"OK,
I apologize, I was out of line with that last jab" she hung her head.
"Out of line perhaps but not off the mark" Jack chuckled to
lighten the
mood. "We are a pretty odd combination when you think about it."
The mood lightened again and they were no longer drawing attention
from
the other diners when their peaceful chatter was interrupted.
"JACKSON MONTGOMERY, IS THAT REALLY YOU?!" A shrill
voice
rang out across the dining room. Every eye turned to look at
the woman who had just entered. She was fashionably dressed
with
shoulder length blonde hair and a wide grin on her face, wildly waving
over in the direction of Jack's table.
"Jack, who is that" Erica whispered as she turned to face
Jack. To
her surprise he was as white as a sheet. He barely managed to rise
as the woman approached the table and wrapped
her arms around
his neck.
"Oh it's so good to see you again" she squealed rocking back
and
forth with her arms around his neck practically choking him in her
excitement.
Erica and Bianca exchanged amused glances at the display yet
remained
silent..
"Scarlett, how nice to see you again." Jack managed to croak out
while
unwrapping himself from her embrace.
"Oh I never thought I'd see you again, this is just fate!"
she gushed,
"Look I'd love to sit down and meet your friends but let me
run
powder my nose real quick after that plane ride and I'll be right back,
don't move a muscle sugar" she cooed as
she dashed off to the
ladies room.
"Old friend?" Bianca snickered
"Look, you two can tease me later ok, but I've only got a
few seconds
before she gets back and I've got to ask a favor." Jack said speaking
rapidly and looking over his shoulder.
"Well ask away Jack, worse we can do is say no" Erica laughed
amused
at his discomfort. "Erica, I'm being serious, look yes this is
an old girlfriend, and no I can't say anymore right now,
but this would
be a huge favor" Jack gulped before continuing. "Erica I need you to
pretend that we are seriously involved
for the brief time she's in town,
you know, act territorial and all that, just until she leaves"
"Well Jack that's kinda silly, why don't you just tell her
you aren't
interested in her"
"No Erica, you don't understand...." Jack panicked as he saw
Scarlett
emerge from the ladies room. "If our friendship ever meant
anything to you...." he pleaded under his breath breaking off
as
Scarlett approached the table once again.
Chapter 2
"Whew, what a flight" Scarlett sighed, "Now let's find out
who our
dining companions are" she boldly reached across the table to shake
Bianca's hand. "Scarlett Hughes, Advertising
Executive
extraordinaire and just lovable in general to everyone I meet." She
gushed.
"Bianca Montgomery, nice to meet you" Bianca remained polite
despite
the overwhelming urge to roll her eyes.
"You must be related to Jackson, surely you're not his daughter
are
you?" Scarlett's eyes widened slightly and the look of happiness
faded minutely.
"No, I'm his niece" Bianca clarified.
"Oh that's wonderful" Scarlett perked back up and turned her
attention
to Erica. "Well you heard my introduction already, and the
legendary Erica Kane needs no introduction" she said while reaching
out
her hand. "It's a privilege to meet you Ms. Kane".
"Pleased to meet you as well Ms. Hughes" Erica said cordially
though
getting annoyed at the constant gush of words flowing from
this woman's mouth. The constant perky attitude was really starting
to
grate on her nerves.
"I hope I didn't interrupt a business meeting or anything?"
"Oh no, we were just having a simple lunch." Jack replied,
hoping
that Erica would decide to go along with his earlier plea.
"Still unmarried I hope?" Scarlett said bluntly, seductively
turning her
full attention on Jack and effectively excluding Erica and Bianca off
from the conversation.
Jack laughed nervously unsure of how to reply. "Well....."
"Yes he is" Erica interjected. Jack was starting to contemplate
methods
of escape when Erica continued. "I still haven't managed to
get him to propose."
Jack's sigh of relief was almost audible as Scarlett straightened
up to
re-evaluate the trio. "So you two are......" she raised an eyebrow
critically. "Involved, yes." Jack finished
almost gleefully.
"I see" The disappointment was evident as there was a brief
pause
while she recomposed herself. "We'll still have to get together to
discuss old times though. I'll be in room 712,
and perhaps we can
get together later?"
"You're staying in town for awhile?" Jack asked innocently
"Oh yes, I should be around for a week at least, possibly
more" she
grinned, I'm here negotiating an advertising campaign for
IncredibleDreams.com, how about tonight, you could
come up to my
room and we can.... visit" she smiled, her meaning not lost on any of
them.
"Well I would but I've promised Erica a night on the town"
Jack
sounded sincerely apologetic
"Couldn't you change your plans considering I'm in town?"
"No, he can't" Erica
interrupted. "Tonight isn't just a regular date it's
an anniversary"
"Anniversary of...." Scarlett seemed dubious.
"Why
don't you tell her Jack darling" Erica said sweetly, trying to
pass the buck since she didn't have a clue as to what to
say next.
"Oh sure, well it's the 10th anniversary of when we first
declared our
neverending love for one another" Jack grinned convincingly.
"Ten years? that's quite a lengthy relationship
I must say." A definite
tone of suspicion had entered Scarlett's voice.
"Well the path hasn't always been a smooth one"
Jack hastily added.
"Right, we hit some rough spots but now we're back together and
happy as can be" Erica beamed while
reaching over to hold Jack's
hand.
"Right, together forever" Jack said lifting Erica's hand to plant a quick
kiss
on it. Erica couldn't refrain from an honest blush at the feel of his
lips brushing against her hand.
"I hate to leave but Mr. Lavery just arrived and we have an
appointment
so I must excuse myself. I'll definitely be seeing you
later" Scarlett broke the moment as she rose to leave, a frosty
air
apparent which was a startling change to the way she had entered.
"Whew, am I glad that's over?" Jack sighed, "Let's get out
of here
and I'll fill you in on some details about my old friend"
Chapter 3
"So is she like psycho or something" Bianca asked as soon
as they
entered her Mother's house.
"She seemed a little creepy there at the end, this isn't a fatal
attraction type
thing is it?" Erica sounded worried.
"No no, she's not psycho, just a little emotionally high strung when it
comes to
love" Jack smiled reassuringly.
"OK, well tell us how it all began than, and why it is you felt that you
needed to use
me as a shield instead of being your usual
straightforward self" Erica said as she and Bianca sat back on the
sofa and
gazed expectantly at Jack.
Jack took a deep breath as he began to tell the story of himself
and
Scarlett.
"It began back while I was in high school." He paused for a moment
and sighed.
"Wow, that's a long
time ago." Bianca's jaw dropped.
"Look, it wasn't during the dark ages or anything," Jack retorted, "but
yes it was
several years ago."
"Anyway I wasn't the most popular kid in school, to tell the truth I was
still a bit gangly and
well not very popular with the ladies, if I had it I'd
show you a yearbook picture"
"I don't believe it Jack, you're
gorgeous and always have been, I bet
all the ladies found you irresistible" Erica argued.
Jack blushed at her outright
compliment and couldn't help but feel a
small pang of joy that she still found him attractive.
"At 17 and a Junior in
High School, I hadn't quite finished up the
growth spurt, I had gotten tall but was pretty thin which got me teased
a
lot about being a beanpole, etc. I certainly wasn't captain of the
football team or even into the sports teams at all.
Anyway Scarlett
was one of the more popular girls and I used to think she was the
most gorgeous girl I'd ever seen."
Jack paused a moment staring
dreamily into the space of the past.
"And..." Bianca prompted.
"I asked her to a school
banquet and to my surprise she accepted.
We had a pleasant time together and soon became inseparable."
"I bet she discovered
the strong caring person beneath that awkward
teen. You've always had a heart of gold" Erica complimented again
causing
Jack to blush.
"By the end of our senior year my popularity had really increased. I
don't know whether it was because
of her or that my body had started
catching up. But I was starting to catch some admiring looks from
other women on
campus. We both went on to the same college and
our relationship continued. I lived in the dorm however due to
finances
while she had an off-campus apartment. We even talked
about marriage."
"Sounds like the perfect high school romance,
what happened?"
Bianca was curious
"Well when I saw all those pretty young co-eds who were giving me
warm glances
I kinda decided that I'd like to play the field a bit so I
told her I thought we should see other people and not be so
exclusive"
Jack blushed again at this admission.
"So basically you dropped her so you could play the field. That was a
little cold
wasn't it." Erica scolded mildly.
"Well I didn't think I should marry the first person I seriously dated,
plus though
I really liked her that special spark was never there."
Jack tried to defend himself.
"Well did you find that special
spark with the other girls?" Asked
Bianca
"Well no, actually I've only found that spark once in my life" Jack
admitted
almost nervously, which caused Erica's ears to immediately
perk.
"Oh really Jackson, and who would that special someone
be, anyone
I know?" she said in more than a suggestive tone.
"Well that doesn't matter at this moment does it?" Jack
gulped and
chuckled a little nervously, not wanting to bare his soul and his
feelings at this time to Erica who had
correctly assumed that she was
that one special person he had found.
"Scarlett didn't take the news very well. She had
already planned our
wedding and subscribed to Bride's Magazine as I found out later. I
really didn't realize how into
this relationship she was. So yes things
got a little messy, I got even more nervous about the depth of
commitment she
expected and so I decided to break things off
completely."
"Typical guy being afraid of commitment" Erica muttered.
"I
don't recall him being afraid of commitment with you Mom, how
many times did he propose again?" Bianca teased making her
mother
turn slightly red.
"She does have a point doesn't she" Jack gloated for a moment
before continuing. "She worked hard
to win me back, insinuating
herself into my life at every turn, ruining my relationships with others
by telling them
lies about me. Finally I got tired of it all and went to
her apartment to confront her and tell her to back off. She wasn't
home
but I used the key she had given me awhile back to go in and
wait for her. I couldn't believe her apartment, she had pictures
of us
together all over the place.
"You know this is beginning to sound psycho to me" Bianca
interrupted.
"Look,
I told you she's not psycho, just easily blinded by love and has
a hard time dealing with closure" Jack defended Scarlett.
"She
came home and was embarrassed that I had seen all the
pictures, she begged and pleaded for me to come back to her, telling
me
how much she loved me and that she couldn't live without me,
and so on and so forth, and well I caved in and got back together
with
her" Jack admitted almost sheepishly.
"Geez, some women think their whole lives have to revolve around a
man."
Bianca groaned....... "No references to you intended Mom"
she hastily amended as she saw Erica's eyebrows raise in one
of
those "You'd better not be talking about me" tone.
"So how did you get out of it again?" Erica asked, feeling the
need to
get the topic moving again.
"Well I decided to leave school, I wasn't enjoying the college scene
that much
anyway, especially with my reputation being smeared all
over campus in her attempts to keep any other women from wanting
to
date me so I told her that I was going to join the army and had to
leave."
"And she let you go that easily?" Bianca
said incredulously.
"Well she let me go after I had promised to write every day and that
we would be married as soon
as I returned from the service"
"And she never heard from you again right?" Erica finished for him.
"Well..........
yeah." Jack hung his head.
"And now you want me to help you because you are trying to keep
her from wanting to rekindle
the old flame since she never knew that
you're leaving college was to get away from her, right?"
"I know it sounds silly
Erica but she is so persistent, she has always
managed to walk over me and I figured with another strong woman in
the
picture who can't be misled by her false tales, and won't back
down then she would have no choice but to give me up."
"This
was so long ago Uncle Jack, what makes you think she's still
interested in you that way?"
"That is a good point Jack,
she may be all over that now and just
want to catch up as friends"
"Maybe, but I'm not sure" Jack remained unconvinced.
"I mean look
at how she was at lunch, she was very warm and friendly until she
got the impression that we were a couple.
"Well
that is true? The tone did change pretty quickly." Erica agreed.
"How about we just play this thing by ear and if she's
changed then I'll
let you off the hook Erica, but if not then it will only be a week that you
have to pretend that we
are together, you can do that can't you?"
Jack entreated once again.
"OK, Jack, I still think it's silly but I'll help
you out while she's around"
Erica conceded, "I guess that means I have a date this evening
then?"
"Uh yeah, I'll
pick you up around 7." Jack said, "Want to join us
Bianca?"
"No I need to work on a school project with Laura, plus
I can't see it
appearing to be a very romantic date if you are dragging me along.
You two have fun and bring me some
takeout OK?" Bianca said as
she picked up her backpack and headed out the door for Laura's.
"OK, so I'll see you around
seven." Jack said to Erica as he rose to
leave
"See you then, oh but where are we going? And are you thinking
casual
or black tie?"
"How about SOS and casual dress?" Jack replied after thinking for a
moment.
"Sounds great! And Jack.....
you owe me one" Erica winked with a
smile on her face as Jack made his way to the door.
"And don't think that I will
ever doubt you won't let me forget it either"
Jack laughed as he left to start making plans for the evening.
Chapter 4
7:00 PM Erica's house
Erica was ready and sitting in the
living room when Jack arrived
promptly. She inhaled sharply at how handsome he was in his black
slacks and turtleneck
with a gray suit jacket.
"Well we won't clash will we?" Jack grinned as he appraised her
outfit of a simple yet flattering
black dress that clung perfectly to her
curves, with appreciative eyes. "Aside from people asking us where
the funeral
is probably not." Erica laughed as she took his extended
arm as he guided her out the door and to the car.
SOS
"Coast
looks clear to me." Jack said scanning the room after they
had been seated. Since there was no sign of the amorous Scarlett
the
two were able to keep the appearance fairly simple, though they
were both aware of a few wondering eyes on them and the
speculations
rippling through the customers in SOS.
"Well I think we've done enough, especially considering she didn't
come" Jack
said while holding Erica on the dance floor.
"Yes, dinner was fantastic, and we've danced a few dances,
obviously she
isn't tracking you down to check your story" Erica
agreed as the dance was ending.
Out of the corner of his eye Jack
suddenly saw a harried Scarlett
burst into the room and start anxiously scanning the crowd. Without
warning he grabbed
Erica and spun her around into a kiss just as
Scarlett noticed their presence. Erica gasped in surprise as his lips
claimed
hers but quickly recovered as she wrapped her arms around
his neck and threaded her fingers into his hair. At the feel
of her
fingernails lightly scratching the back of his neck Jack increased the
intensity of the kiss enjoying the sweet
familiar taste that was
uniquely Erica. There's no telling how long the kiss would have gone
on if not for Scarlett's
interruption. The first thing they noticed when
they broke apart was that they had the attention of pretty much
everyone
in the room at such a kiss on the dance floor.
"AHEM!" Scarlett cleared her throat loudly for the second time
causing
the couple to reluctantly turn and look at the spectacle before
them. Scarlett was wearing a dress so revealing it was
barely legal
and a large white magnolia hair clip.
"Oh, uh Scarlett, how nice to see you again." Jack said, chest still
heaving
from the intensity of the kiss he and Erica had just shared.
"Yes, well I've been to every club and restaurant in town
looking for
you, I was about to give up."
Erica raised her eyebrows at Scarlett's admission but remained
silent.
Partly because she wasn't sure what to say, and also because
she wasn't sure she could find her voice after that amazing
kiss.
"Well you found me, what did you want?" Jack asked, trying to be
polite though he was not enjoying the feeling
of being hunted down.
He slipped his hand to Erica's back and led her to their table with
Scarlett following close behind.
"I
thought we could rehash old times now that your "date" is over."
She said hopefully as they reached the table.
"What
makes you think the date is over?" Erica finally found her
voice.
"Well you've obviously finished eating, so what's
left to prevent us
from conversation?" Scarlett chirped.
"We are through eating but the evenings activities are not
yet over, I
was just getting ready to escort Erica home." Jack said trying to
shake Scarlett off
"That's what taxi's
are for. Now c'mon Jack darling I'm only going to
be in town for a few days surely you can let her catch another ride so
we
can spend a little time together" Scarlett pleaded.
"Let me say this again." Jack's voice deepened and he pulled Erica
possessively
into a close embrace. "The evenings activities are not
over, now goodnight Scarlett and I'll get in touch with you tomorrow
regarding
a lunch or something, goodnight" he said firmly as he led
Erica out the door and to the car.
"I daresay her intentions
are definitely more than just discussing the
good old days" Jack groaned.
"She certainly is relentless isn't she" Erica
sighed as they climbed
into the car.
"Not only that she's following us" Jack said incredulously looking into
the
rearview mirror.
Chapter 5
"What, are you sure?" Erica sounded alarmed.
"Yup, can't
miss that huge white flower perched on her head. I gave
it to her as a birthday present."
"What do we do now, just let
her follow us?"
"For now, we can call for help if she appears dangerous but she's
probably just spying on us."
"Spying,
why, just to see when you leave?" Erica was trying to
understand this woman's mind.
"I told you, she's very persistent,
probably seeing if I leave so she can
follow me back to my apartment, and have a little alone time to try
and work her
feminine wiles on me." Jack shook his head as he
drove, still glancing in the rearview mirror occasionally.
Scarlett
followed them all the way to Erica's parking her car on the
street, though they could see the white hair bow bobbing through
the
bushes as they drove slowly up the drive.
"What do we do now Jack?"
"Pardon me for sounding intrusive but would
you mind if I crashed on
the sofa tonight?"
"No not at all, but do you think she'll really camp out all night?"
"I
don't know, but I'd rather be safe than sorry and having her show
up on my doorstep."
"OK, well come on in then" Erica
smiled as Jack got out and walked
around to open her door. As they reached the porch he pulled her to
the swing and
leaned in as if to nuzzle her neck.
"Thought we might see about scaring her off with a little make out
session on the
swing if you don't mind" he whispered into her ear
while planting small kisses on her neck.
Erica couldn't believe what
Jack was suggesting. Not that she
minded in the least, the hardest part would be not to appear overly
eager. "Sure,
I guess I can go along with that" she whispered back,
trying to sound reluctant, although her heart was racing so fast,
she
knew Jack wouldn't be fooled.
Jack could barely contain the feeling of elation he felt at her
agreement, almost
forgetting Scarlett's presence in the bushes.
He moaned audibly when Erica lightly kissed his neck, almost
forgetting
that this display was phony. The added sensations of her
nearness and her fingers on his scalp almost caused him to forget
the
reason for this display as he turned his head so their lips would
meet. The kiss was even more than the kiss at
SOS as they became
even less inhibited without the surrounding crowd. Jack was enjoying
the kiss fully when to his surprise
he felt Erica's tongue probing at his
lips. A small voice in the back of his mind warned him this was going
to far but
that was voice was quickly silenced as he couldn't resist the
temptation and relaxed his jaw. Erica on the other hand could
not
believe what she just did. Here she was in what was supposed to be
pretending and she had just taken over and initiated
a very deep kiss.
Tongues dueled and clashed as Jack laid back on the swing pulling
Erica down with him.
They broke
apart gasping for air as they looked deeply into each
others eyes each seeing the desire that lay within. Their lips met
again
even more intensely the second time as their hearts raced.
They broke apart abruptly as they realized someone was walking
onto
the porch by the clicking of shoes. Expecting Scarlett they were
both surprised to see Bianca standing there with a bemused
expression
on her face. They both sat up suddenly and almost
guiltily at what had been happening.
"Well I guess you two had a good
evening" she said in a dry tone as
she turned and entered the house. Erica and Jack took a moment to
compose themselves
and wipe off the smeared lipstick before
following her in.
"Bianca, we can explain" Erica began
"No need to explain,
I'm old enough to see what was going on"
Bianca said almost laughing as she started to climb the stairs.
"Wait, Bianca.
Let me tell you the facts before you go off with the
wrong idea". Jack halted her ascension.
Bianca stopped to let Jack
continue. "Really honey, it was nothing.
What you walked in on was simply us making a scene for Scarlett,
she was in
the bushes"
"Yeah right" Bianca laughed, "you expect me to believe that you had
your tongues down each others throats
solely for the benefit of the
ex-girlfriend in the bushes, I didn't see her" She sounded skeptical.
"Honest honey it
meant nothing" Jack reiterated still trying to
convince her. Not noticing Erica's expression fall at his statement.
"Go
look out of an upstairs window if you don't believe me and you'll
probably be able to see her in the bushes" Jack encouraged.
"I
must have misread him, I thought the spark was still there but
obviously he didn't feel a thing" Erica thought mournfully
for a second
and then quickly masked her emotions all of this was unnoticed by
Jack and Bianca.
"Ok, I'll go look,
but I still think there's a lot more to this" Bianca
agreed reluctantly and went to look as Jack turned to face Erica.
"Well
Jack I apologize if I got to carried away out there, I just wanted
so badly to convince that Scarlett person that you were
no longer
available" Erica said before Jack had a chance to speak.
"Gee I thought I felt the spark again but I must
have been wrong, I'm
glad she said that before I said something I'd regret" Jack thought.
"Yeah, well we gave her a
real show didn't we." Jack said weakly as
they saw Bianca coming back down the stairs.
Oh my goodness, I can't believe
it, you guys were right!" Bianca was
incredulous. "She is sitting in the bushes staring up into the
windows. Does this
woman have no shame?"
"Geez as if she still needs to be convinced after that display" Jack
groaned.
"Yeah for real,
I thought you two were really going at it very
convincingly." Bianca snickered.
"Well I guess I'll be crashing here
tonight after all right?" Jack
ignored her comment and went to plop down on the sofa and started
to remove his shoes.
"I'm
sorry I jumped to the wrong conclusion guys." Bianca
apologized. "Anyway I'm going to bed now so I'll see ya in the
morning.
Going to be here for breakfast right Uncle Jack?"
"Sure thing, night kiddo." Jack smiled at his niece as she went to her
room.
Chapter 6
"Well goodnight Erica." Jack reclined on the sofa expecting
Erica to
leave as well.
"Wait Jack, I was just thinking about this Scarlett thing." Erica said
with a scheming tone
to her voice.
"I fail to see what else we can do about that tonight." Jack said
unsure of where this was going.
"I
was thinking that perhaps we should put on one more small display
to show her what a lost cause pursuing you is before
we call it a
night" Erica grinned with a gleam in her eye.
"Oh yeah, well what exactly do you propose" Jack raised his
eyebrow
quizzically.
"A little show in front of the window of the bedroom perhaps, that is if
you're game"
"That's a little
risky isn't it, I mean you and I in the bedroom, alone...."
Jacks voice trailed off.
"Oh Jack, we're two mature adults
I'm sure we'll be able to behave
ourselves" Erica began ascending the staircase. Jack gulped and
followed though he
still was not fully convinced of the wisdom of this
plan.
They went into Erica's room without turning on the light and
peered
out the window. Sure enough Scarlett was still huddled in the bushes
staring repeatedly at the different windows
waiting for a light to come
on.
"Her persistance is almost frightening isn't it? This might be a good
idea after
all Erica" Jack sighed in exasperation at Scarlett's behavior.
"I still say she's psycho, but ready for the show to begin
Jack." Erica
shivered slightly despite the lightness in her tone.
"Sure, so what's the game plan here." Jack whispered
back in a
hushed tone. The dark room almost seeming spooky.
"Well I figured we could turn the lights on dim so she'll
focus on this
window, then go kiss and stuff in front of the window where she will
be sure to see us and then after
a moment move and turn off the light
and she'll assume we've gone to bed." Erica laid out her plan.
Sounds simple enough,
what is this "and stuff" though" Jack tried to
better pin down the plan.
"We'll just play it by ear... ready?" Erica
walked over to the door to
turn on the light.
"Ready as I'll ever be" Jack walked over behind her and mentally
braced
himself for another "pretend love scene".
Erica switched the lights on dim and turned to face Jack as they
slowly walked
to the window. Their profiles clearly visible through the
sheer lace curtains. They kissed softly keeping themselves in
check
since they had already realized on the porch how easy it was to get
carried away. Jack almost lost his balance
though when Erica slid
her hands up to slip his jacket off his shoulders and began pulling his
shirt up, he realized
she was doing it as part of the act but it still made
him feel almost weak with desire. He moved back to help her pull
the
turtleneck over his head and then took her in his arms again, wishing
even for a moment that this was real and that
he wasn't going to have
to take a cold shower later.
Erica had been doing fine with keeping her reactions in check until
she
had been pulled back into an embrace with a now shirtless
Jack. The feel of his smooth skin beneath her cheek brought back
so
many memories that she almost forgot the reality of their current
"friendship only" agreement as she melted into another
mindnumbing
kiss. It was the feel of his fingers pulling down the zipper to
her dress that brought her back to reality
as she forced herself to put
up her hand and push him away . leaving them both gasping for air.
"Jack, what's going
on here?" She gazed steadily into his eyes.
Jack was speechless for a moment as he tried to clear his head and
think.
"I'm sorry, I got carried away, I shouldn't ...."
"No, Jack, wait. I wasn't trying to blame you" she interrupted, "Here
lets
move away from the window before we destroy the plan" she
took his hand and led him away from the window and over to the
bed
where they sat down putting a good 2 feet of space between them.
"Believe me Jack, you were not forcing yourself
on me, we were just
getting much to carried away."
"Yeah, I know" he sighed, "I guess we shouldn't have tried this
considering
our history and the number of times we've given in to
temptation".
"Yeah, poor planning on our part wasn't it?" Erica
agreed and the
room was silent for a few moments.
"I wish I could say I was terribly upset" Jack chuckled breaking the
silence.
"I
know, it was a nice little trip down memory lane wasn't it........ but
why do we keep losing control Jack, is it hormones
or...." Erica broke
off
"Now's a perfect time to tell her how deeply I still feel about her... but
what if she doesn't
feel the same way.." Jack was momentarily
frozen about replying
"He's got that deer in the headlights look, oh no I've
embarrassed
him, he's probably
panicking thinking I still love him." Erica's mind was racing.
"We've always had unbelievable
chemistry, so I guess it only natural
that this would happen when we get this close regardless of our
actual feelings"
Erica quickly said to let Jack off the hook.
"Yeah, just the old hormones cranking up again" Jack maintained a
smile
of agreement though his heart sank as he tried to forget his
feelings and that she obviously did not return them.
Once
again there was almost an awkward silence......
*tap-tap* a small knock on the door interrupted the silence.
"That must
be Bianca, we barely explained the porch, forget trying to
explain this. Oh and shoot, the window. Why don't you close
the
blinds and then hide in the bathroom, ummmm no the closet" Erica
said as she hastily pulled on a robe as Jack closed
the blinds and
headed for the closet. As soon as he was in Erica went to open the
door to Bianca.
"Honey, what are
you doing up so late?" Erica tried sounding sleepy.
"I wanted to talk with you about you and Uncle Jack"
"Can't it wait
until tomorrow honey" Erica said trying to discourage
Bianca. Not that she wouldn't love to find out Bianca's feelings
on the
matter, she just did not want to do so with Jack less than 10 feet
away.
"Please Mom." Bianca put on her most
pleading expression
"OK" Erica relented as they went to sit down on the bed, Erica
suddenly became flustered as she
noticed Jacks shirt and jacket still
on the floor where they had dropped and she desperately hoped that
Bianca would
not notice.
"Mom I just wanted to say something about your relationship with
Uncle Jack and then I'll leave, but hear
me out first OK?" Bianca
started talking quickly trying to get it all out before Erica interrupted
"What "relationship",
remember honey I told you it was just an act for
that old girlfriend, there's..."
"Mom, I know what I saw, and there
was a lot more going on there
than just an act" Bianca rose her voice. Jack of course by this time
had his ear firmly
against the closet door listening to every word.
"How do you know honey, you're so young, when you're older you'll
understand
but now you'll just have to take my word for it, there is
nothing going on between your Uncle Jack and I"
"Mom, I'm
not that young!" Bianca wailed "I saw the way you were
looking at him, and I saw him looking at you the same way, I know
love
when I see it!"
"Honey I don't know what you think you saw but...."
"Wait Mom, one thing OK -- I want you to look directly
into my eyes
and tell me the truth about how you feel about Uncle Jack" Bianca's
voice took on a very serious tone as
she turned to look straight into
Erica's eyes. Erica dropped her gaze for a moment unsure of how to
proceed. "Just tell
me the truth Mom and then I'll leave" Bianca
gently pressed on. You could hear a pin drop as everyone including
Jack
was holding their breath"
"I don't want to lie to her, but I can't tell her the truth, especially with
Jack here. I'll
make an idiot out of myself. Plus if I told her how much
I still cared for him what if she got upset again because of Travis"
Erica
pondered her options carefully and with a sinking heart
prepared to lie to her daughter, feeling horrible already but deciding
it
was for the best.
"Mom" Bianca prompted again. Erica rose to meet her eyes and put
on her best poker face.
"OK
Bianca, I consider Jack a wonderful and dear friend. But the
romance is over honey. There hasn't been anything between
us for a
long time and there never will again. We just don't have that love
anymore. We're just friends honey, that's
all. I don't love him
anymore like I did many years ago." Erica emphasized those last
words to make a point to Bianca,
though she felt even more guilty
knowing she was lying to the nearby Jack as well.
In the closet Jack's shoulders sagged
and he was almost blinking
back tears at the sting in Erica's sharp words. "I really thought I saw
that look in her
eyes, I can't believe I thought I might still have a
chance...... but she wouldn't lie to Bianca like that......". He bit
his lip
as Erica's words kept resounding through his head.
Bianca studied her Mother carefully looking for traces of
a lie, but saw
none.
"OK Mom, I'll believe you, so let me just say what I came in here to
say and then I'll leave"
Erica
nodded and looked intently at Bianca praying that she wouldn't
be put on the spot and have to lie again.
"When I saw
you and Uncle Jack on the porch I honestly thought you
two had realized you still loved each other. Regardless of what
you
say Mom I think I still see a lot of sparks between you two. But I'm
not going to push you into each others arms
if you are so adamant
about not being in love with him anymore. I just want you to know
that if you do feel those old
familiar feelings again. And if you and
Uncle Jack do decide to get back together than I won't stand in your
way."
Erica's
head snapped up when she heard this and Jack also was
doing a double take in the dark closet. "Wh... what.." she stammered.
"What
happened with you, Daddy, and Uncle Jack was a long time
ago Mom. I used to be resentful then because I hated you and
Daddy
getting divorced. But now I see a lot more than just an ugly
divorce. I see how supportive Uncle Jack is, to both of us.
How he
can reach you like no other man I've ever seen, even Daddy."
Bianca's voice started to crumble so she paused
a moment. "What
you both did to Daddy was wrong..... but it was also a long time ago
and some things you just have to
move past. He moved on with
Barbara. And now he's gone.... . If not for you and Uncle Jack I don't
know how I would
have made it these past few months. But you've
stood by me Mom, even though we've had our rough times, and
Uncle Jack
has been wonderful, like a second father to me. I see
now how well you two work together and I want you both to be
happy.
And if that happiness is found in being together then go for it
and I'll cheer you on all they way. But if you find someone
else..... I'll
try to understand. Though please don't go back to David, I can't
support that." Bianca stopped feeling
as if she had said to much.
Both Erica and Jack had tears glistening in their eyes after hearing
Bianca's heartfelt
speech. "Oh honey" was all Erica could say as she
held out her arms for a warm Mother/Daughter hug. "Well it's getting
late,
I guess I should go so we can both get our beauty sleep huh?"
Bianca laughed as she hastily started returning to less emotional
territory
"Goodnight
Baby, I love you" Erica whispered as Bianca exited.
After a moment had passed and she heard Bianca's door close she
went
to open the closet door.
"Wow, is that some kid or what?" he said as exited the closet and
walked over to pick up his
clothes off the floor and pulled them back
on.
"Yeah, she's something isn't she" Erica agreed. Once again the
silence
was awkward but this time neither of them tried to break it as
they were both still grappling with what they had just heard.
"Well
goodnight, we'll talk over breakfast OK" Jack said grabbing
Erica and planting a quick kiss on her forehead as he left
the room.
"Goodnight" Erica said though he was already gone as she changed
into a nightgown, turned the lights down
and crawled into bed.
Staring at the ceiling deep in thought.
Meanwhile
Jack had removed his jacket and shoes and
laid down on the sofa
lost in thought. One thought primarily repeating itself in his mind
"She doesn't love me, I'm
only a friend.... I've got to come to terms
with that and stifle these feelings I still have for her before any more
pain
is caused to any of us..... but how?" As he drifted to sleep.
Meanwhile
"I still don't buy this story" Bianca was grinning
to herself as she lay
in bed remembering the looks of love she had seen on their faces.
"But if this is how they want
to play it then I won't stop them, they
can't avoid this forever" she sighed as she drifted to sleep as well.
Chapter 7
While Jack and Bianca had drifted off to sleep fairly quickly
Erica had
lain awake for hours thinking. Thinking about her feelings for Jack,
and what Bianca had said. She had finally
fallen into a restless sleep
filled with dreams. She woke up feeling refreshed and slowly
stretched as she turned to
look at the clock. When she realized it was
already 10 am and Bianca had wanted them all to have breafast
together she
leapt from the bed and hastily started getting ready to go
downstairs. At 10:30 she started down the stairs in a robe with
her
hair still damp from the shower.
"Anyone here?" she called out
"Well good morning sleepy head" Jack's voice boomed
as he
appeared at the foot of the stairs.
Erica was conscious of his eyes on her as she finished her descent to
meet
him at the bottom of the stairs.
"So I guess I missed the family breakfast?"
"Yes, well Bianca and I had breakfast before
she left for school. And
we talked..." Jack emphasized.
"About?" Erica said nervously
"Yes, well basically the same
thing she told you about last night, you
know about us, and Travis, and well, you know" Jack was almost
stammering.
"Oh
you mean more how she thinks we should be together" Erica
said calmly though her heart was pounding.
"Yes, that too.
She spent a good 15 minutes trying to convince me
that you and I are still in love."
"Oh really, so what did you tell
her" Erica said calmly, though she felt
as if the temperature in the room had risen 30 degrees since she had
come down
the stairs.
"Well I told her basically the same thing you did, you know that we
were just friends and there were no
lingering feelings between us"
"I see" Erica had turned to hide the look of disappointment on her
face.
"That is
true isn't it Erica" Jack said slowly, his senses were on alert
at her reaction
"Oh no, he's asking me if there's still
anything between us. I'm not
going to make an idiot of myself and act like some lovesick puppy"
Erica put on a smile
and turned back around. "Well of course that's
the truth Jack, we'd know if there was something there right?"
"Oh yes,
of course we would" Jack responded hastily "Great,she
probably thought I was coming on to her"
Jack took a deep breath.
"I thought about last night and well I think
we definitely have to be more careful from here on out."
"Oh of course,
I agree" Erica said quickly. The awkward silence rose
again.
"So what are your plans for the day Jack?"
"Well in
a couple hours I'm meeting Scarlett for lunch. What are your
plans?"
"I'm not sure yet, I need to go over to the office."
"Well
if you wouldn't mind could you keep your schedule somewhat
open in case I need you to help run interference again?"
"Sure
Jack, no problem, as far as I'm concerned I'm all yours for the
rest of the week" Erica smiled demurely
"Oh really?
Well that's certainly nice to know" Jack said flirting back
as he headed for the door.
Valley Inn Dining Room
Jack
was not surprised that Scarlett was already there waiting when
he arrived for their lunch meeting 10 minutes early.
"Jack,
how wonderful to see you" she rose to hug him as he
approached. "That woman isn't with you is she?" Scarlett said
scanning
the room behind him.
"No, Erica is not with me" Jack sighed assuring her as they went to
the table. She had purposely
picked a small table for two in a corner
to try for some privacy.
"Good, I finally have you alone" She grinned widely
as she leaned
towards Jack across the table.
Jack not so subtly picked up a menu and leaned backwards. "Let's
order
shall we."
After ordering Jack knew it was time to face the music as he faced
Scarlett. "I guess I owe you an explanation
and apology for what
happened..."
"No you don't" she interrupted much to his surprise
"I know what happened. You
left and the service kept you to busy to
write, and then by the time you had finished you probably couldn't
find me
because I had moved. I'm the one who should be sorry for
moving and not leaving a way for you to contact me" Scarlett said
apologetically.
"She
has convinced herself this is all her fault, I can't believe it." Jack
thought. "OK here's my chance to tell her what really
happened."
"But now we've found each other again and our love can overcome!"
She said in a happy sing-song voice before
Jack had time to say
anything.
"But Scarlett, I need to tell you....." Jack once again attempted to tell
the truth.
"Oh
I know you THINK you love that Erica woman, but trust me she's
all wrong for you"
"Scarlett....."
"Now that we are
together nothing can keep us apart again" she
continued talking right over him as she had always done.
Fed up, Jack
could not stand being interrupted again "Look Scarlett, I
have loved Erica ever since we met and nothing -- I repeat NOTHING
can
change that. We were meant to be together and nothing can
break us apart this time!" In his frustration he didn't realize
he had
said it loud enough to echo over the filled dining room and he noticed
many interested looks pointed in their
direction. "Oh no, did I say it it
that loudly" he blushed.
Scarlett was taken aback for a moment. "Well I'm sure she's
got you
fooled into believing this but..."
"But nothing Scarlett, I love Erica Kane and nothing you can say is
going
to change that, now excuse me" Jack said getting up and
walking out of the dining room. "Wow, I finally said the truth
about my
feelings in the open, If only I had the nerve to say it to Erica" he
sighed as he got into his car.
"So
he thinks Erica and he are together forever does he?" Scarlett
said scheming. "We'll see about that" she picked up her
purse and
left.
Chapter 8
Enchantment
Erica had reread the same contract several
times still not being able
to focus on it as her mind kept drifting to Jack. "When did I fall so
deeply in love with
him again..... or did I ever stop" she pondered as
she once again made an attempt to scan the paper.
She almost jumped
out of her chair when the buzzer rang. "Miss
Kane there is a Miss Hughes here to see you" Her secretary
interrupted.
"Yes,
well send her in" Erica was surprised at this development
wondering what she could possibly be doing here. She puzzled
as
she composed herself for Scarlett's entrance.
"No need to rise or greet me" Scarlett said as she opened the door
and
charged straight to Erica's desk. "We need to talk and I think
we're both adult enough here to forego the preliminaries
and cut
straight to the matter at hand."
Erica was taken aback at this approach but nodded anyway. "OK,
what can
I do for you."
"I know you're don't really love him, and I want him back because I
love him more than you ever could."
She said boldly.
Erica could not believe the gall of this woman and felt her anger
rising. "Look here Miss Hughes I
love Jackson Montgomery and I
mean real love. We are in love to our souls. I am not going to give
up the best thing
that ever happened to me just because of some
high school fling.
Scarlett could feel the icy chill in the room and knew
this was not
going to be easy. "Why Miss Kane, you actually sound like you
mean that" She said back sardonically.
I
do! Erica said boldly almost shivering as she realized herself after
speaking it that she had truly meant it. "I DO LOVE
JACK" She said
again loudly, suddenly feeling the urge to shout it out her office
window for all of Pine Valley to hear.
"Time
to pull out the stops" Scarlett thought as she plotted her next
move. "Look I know I broke his heart and he hasn't been
able to get
over that but...."
"You broke his heart?!" Erica was incredulous. "You have got some
warped perception
of reality you know that. He was the one who left
you!"
"Oh really, is that what he told you" Scarlett replied coolly.
"Let me
set the record straight." She began to tell her version of the story.
"It all began during high school. He asked
me out to a banquet, and
of course I said yes. He was so dashing and charming any girl would
have gone with him, but
he picked ME!"
Erica rose her eyebrows but said nothing as Scarlett continued.
"We dated heavily for the rest of high
school and then on prom
night... I'll never forget it, underneath the stars he gave the most
eloquent proposal, and
of course I accepted" Scarlett sniffed.as if
overcome with memories.
"We went on to college together and got an apartment
as we started
planning for our wedding. The problem came when my father found
out we were engaged."
"Wait, now back
up, you're telling me that you were engaged for
several months without telling your father" Erica felt like she had
caught
Scarlett in a lie.
"It was somewhat of a secret engagement you see, since we were so
young and all" Scarlett said calmly
though Erica thought she saw a
bead of sweat appear.
"Being a proper southern gentleman he was appalled that I had
become
engaged without bringing Jack home to meet the family.
And then when he met Jack well, he had such high expectations that
Jackson
just didn't have a chance and so he told me he would take
away my trust fund if I married a young man with so little ambition
and
drive. You see Jack was very easygoing and mellow during
college and most people didn't think he'd succeed very far. Well
I
couldn't give up millions of dollars so I told Jack that we would have
to break off our engagement until I turned
25 and could collect the
trust fund. He was so broken-hearted, he even cried while begging
me to reconsider but I couldn't
possibly lose all that money. I still
regret that decision" Scarlett actually had a tear in her eye.
"I can't believe
she expects me to believe this, she's definitely got
more than one screw loose" Erica could not believe what she was
hearing.
My
father wasn't satisfied with my claims to have broken things off
and he forced me to move back home. I told Jack I would
write him
every day and we would be married on my 25th birthday. That's
when I left. The poor guy was so brokenhearted.
Then he must have
moved because all my letters came back undeliverable and that was
when we lost track. So don't you
understand now?"
"Understand what" Erica said confused as to what the question was.
"Haven't you been listening" Scarlett
was exasperated. "Understand
that we still belong together, that finding each other after all this time
is fate. That
our love cannot be overcome" she practically wailed.
"Look, I'll tell you what I understand, you've obviously obsessed
over
Jackson ever since high school. Yes he is a wonderful person and a
true rarity among men. BUT he has moved on and
you can't accept
that. You need to get over it, move on and get a life. There are many
more men out there, but Jackson
Montgomery is mine" Erica said
sharply her words stinging Scarlett.
"Well, I never!" Scarlett jumped up, almost looking
like she was going
to strike Erica. But perhaps realizing this was someone who could
give as good as she got turned
around and stalked out of the door.
"Miss Kane, Opal Cortlandt on line #2" The secretary buzzed her
again.
"Opal,
hi there, how..."
"What do you mean cut to the chase...."
"What's going on with Jack?..... Opal who have you been talking
to?"
"He shouted it out over the dining room..... everyone heard..."
"I see Opal, look I'll tell you about it later....."
"Yes
I heard you, he still loves me.... right... bye Opal"
Erica was shocked at this latest development. What in the world is
Opal
talking about, I'll have to ask Jack about this later. A small
charade is one thing but broadcasting it to PV is another,
I can't have
the whole town think I've rejected him again. I'll be committed.
Chapter 9
Erica walked down the path of the park until she reached the
bench
where she had asked Jack to meet her. Standing a few feet off, she
watched him, leaning back in the seat with
his eyes closed. Gosh, he
is so handsome. I love how his hair catches the sunlight, Erica
thought, as she continued
walking.
Clearing her throat softly, Erica stood beside the bench, waiting for
Jack to notice her. Jack shifted his
head down, then opened his
eyes. Well, well what do we have here? Yes, those are definitely her
legs, Jack thought as
his eyes slowly headed up her body. Oh, and
without a doubt, those are her hips. Gosh, I would love to wrap my
arms
around that waist right now. Those lips, yep, I'm in heaven!
"Jack, thank you for meeting me here," Erica said, after his
eyes had
met hers and she sat beside him.
"No problem. With all you are doing for me, the least I can do is meet
you
at a park. I assume this has to do with Scarlett. So what did she
do now?" Jack asked, staring into those beautiful brown
eyes of
hers.
"Well, actually Scarlett came by my office this afternoon. She
informed me of why you two broke up.
Her story was the exact
opposite of yours. It was so obvious she was lying, but that is not
why I asked you here. I
dealt with her just fine." Erica fidgeted
nervously with her purse, avoiding Jack's glance.
"Then why did you ask me
here, Erica?" Jack knew it was bold, but
he ran his finger under her chin and lifted her face to meet his glaze.
"Well,
Opal called me this afternoon. So did Edmund and Tad. I
didn't understand their calls at first, but finally called back
Opal to get
the full story." Erica thought to herself, is it true, Jack? Tell me if it's
true. I know you said you loved
me, but was it just for show?
"What did Edmund and Tad call you about?" Jack was almost afraid
to ask. He knew the brush
off would be coming. Opal has probably
told her about my outburst, and well, now Erica is going to try and "let
me down
easy." God, I hate this. I can't help it that I accidentally
yelled the TRUTH!
"They congratulated me. I didn't get
it, but then Opal called and told
me that Tad, Edmund, and her were all at the Pine Valley Inn for
lunch today. And
well, she told me what you said Jack." Erica was
trying to work up the nerve to ask him if it were true.
"Scarlett and
I were talking, and well, you know how she is. She
wouldn't back off, and before I knew it, I was yelling that where
everyone
could hear."
"Jack, tell me what you yelled. Opal told me, but I want to hear it
from you." Yeah, that's a good way
to see if he really means it. You
will be able to tell by his voice. Come on, Jack, tell me you love me.
Tell me, please
tell me.
Jack lowered his face, looking down at his shoes. "Well, I was telling
Scarlett, that I have always loved you,
and look I am sorry Erica. I
know that this was only suppose to be for Scarlett's benefit and now
the whole town knows.
I am sorry."
"Yes, the whole town does know, Jack, but sometimes people have a
hard time dealing with certain emotions,"
Erica said, as Jack's mind
wandered, Here's the big kiss off. She is going to say that I am
having a hard time dealing
with the emotions of being this close to
her. I need to beat her to it. That's it, I'll say it before she does.
But…what
if?
Jack interrupted, "Erica, since Scarlett came to town, I know I have
been "using" you to brush her off. I mean we
have been awfully close
in trying to convince her, of course."
"Yes, of course, trying to convince Scarlett. I mean,
it is certainly
understandable why someone might have a hard time dealing with
the emotion of it all, especially considering
our past."
"Yes, our past," Jack said solemnly. "With all that we have been
through together, it would be hard for someone
not to feel that old,
um, familiarity."
Erica didn't know what to say. Familiarity, familiarity just kept playing
over
and over in her mind. Last night was more than just familiar,
Jack. Last night was, oh, so wonderful. Your touch, your
kiss. I
haven't felt so alive, so real, since the last time we were together.
But it was just "familiar" to you.
"I'm
sorry that my past with Scarlett has affected your life so much,
Erica. But we did have fun last night at SOS, right?"
Jack's eyes
danced with the thought of the porch swing.
"Yes, I had a very nice time. It has been a while since I have
been
out on the dance floor," Erica stated, as she thought of that kiss.
"Back to the issue at hand though, Erica. I
hope I didn't embarrass
you too much with my outburst at lunch. I can promise you that I will
try and be a little more
discrete. What exactly did Opal say?"
"She told me that you were having lunch with another woman and
asked me if I knew.
I said, yes, that she was an old friend of yours.
Then she said that your conversation started getting heated and
before
she knew it you were raising your voice, claiming your love for
me."
"Well, I was claiming…" Jack looked up and
over Erica's shoulder, he
spotted Scarlett headed their way. She was a good 20 feet off.
"Erica, this isn't exactly
the time or place I was going to do this, but…"
Jack kneeled down beside the bench. Taking Erica's hands in his,
Jack
pulled a box out of his pocket. "Erica, this whole mess with
Scarlett has just made me realize that I should have done
this long
ago. Erica, I have loved you for such a long time now. I realize that
we should be together. So, I guess what
I am trying to say is. I need
you in my life for the rest of my life. You are the only woman I want.
Please do me the
honor of being my wife." Jack opened the box, and
Erica gasped as she saw the ring he gave her when he first
proposed.
"He really does love me. He really does want to marry
me. Oh, he kept the ring. Oh, Jack!" Erica thought, as she suddenly
heard,
"NOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
Scarlett came running up to the bench. "No, no, you can't. You just
can't."
Chapter 10
"Can't what, Scarlett?" Jack said as he automatically slipped
the ring
on Erica's finger. Erica was just sitting there stunned as Jack rose to
talk to Scarlett.
"You can't marry
her, Jack! You just can't. She doesn't love you.
She admitted it today in your office. She doesn't love you. She could
never
love you like I do," Scarlett squealed.
Hearing this caused Erica to rise. She placed herself between Jack
and Scarlett,
glaring into Scarlett's lying eyes.
"You are lying, and you know it, Scarlett Hughes. But I guess a
woman, as hopeless
as you, has to resort to such low and dirty
tactics to try and steal a man. You know what I said in my office
today.
And you know what Jack said at lunch, so just accept it.
Jackson has moved on and upward for that matter. He is no longer
in
some two-bit high school farce of a romance. He is in a real
relationship with a real woman that loves him very much.
So deal
with it, Miss Scarlett Hughes, because trust me deary, even on your
most cunning day, you could ever get Jack
away from me. The
reason why is that we have true love, something you wouldn't know if
it bit you in the…"
Jack
placed his hand over Erica's mouth and kissed the back of her
head. "I think it is time for us to go, baby." Jack took
Erica's hand in
his and led her to his car, leaving Scarlett just standing there with her
mouth hanging open.
At
Erica's House
The entire car ride back to Erica's was silent. Jack kept his eyes on
the road ahead, while Erica stared
at the ring on her finger. When
they pulled into the drive, Jack stiffly got out of the car, walked over to
Erica's
side, opened her door and held his hand out to her. As he
helped her up, their eyes met for the first time since he started
the
proposal. Feeling uncomfortable, they both quickly looked away and
started up to the front door.
Once in the
house, Bianca came bounding down the stairs. "Did you
tell her, Uncle Jack?"
"Tell who what?" Jack asked, looking at
Bianca in a dazed and
confused state. Erica's silence had him scared. He was so worried
he had screwed up his only chance
of turning that proposal into a real
engagement by rushing it for Scarlett's sake.
"Did you tell Mom about your little
confession at the Pine Valley Inn?
I told you both that you still love each other, now there is proof."
Erica had seated
herself on the couch. "Bianca, Jack doesn't love
me. He said that to Scarlett in an attempt to get her to leave him
alone.
Jack doesn't love me." Erica's voice trailed off at the end, and
she just stared down at her hand.
"Mom, I heard how
he said it. I have seen the two of you, last night
and for quite sometime now. You two look at each other with love in
your
eyes. There is no doubt that you love each other. I am sorry,
but you both are wrong. The sooner one of you just admits
your
feelings, the better off we will all be." With that Bianca ran back up
stairs.
Jack stood on one side of the
living room, staring at Erica, while she
sat on the other side, staring at her ring trying not to cry. Finally
deciding
that the silence was too much, Jack crossed to Erica, sitting
beside her.
"Are you okay, honey?"
Refusing to look
at him, "Sure, why wouldn't I be?" Erica asked,
quickly rising and walking over to get a glass of water. "Do you want
something
to drink, Jack?"
"No, honey, I don't. I want you to come and sit with me. I want to talk
about what has you so upset."
"I
am not upset," Erica, turned and flashed Jack her "see I am fine"
smile. Jack got up, slowly walking over to her, and said,
"You are
upset about what happened at the park, right?"
"I told you, I am not upset, Jackson. Did I do a good job telling
Scarlett
off?" Erica asked in a futile attempt of changing the subject.
"Yes, baby, you did a great job. Are you upset because of
the ring,
Erica?" Jack put his hands on her shoulders, forcing her to look at
him.
"I just don't understand, why
you used this ring for a pretend
proposal, Jack? Why this ring? Why use a ring that has such
meaning to me for your
little show for Scarlett? You could have
gotten a cubic zirconium ring. Why this ring?" Erica was now glaring
him straight
in the eye, with that twinge of fire in her eyes.
"I don't know. I'm sorry it upset you."
"Jack, this ring has so many
memories. Were you trying to hurt me?
How could you use this ring to try and get rid of that woman?" Erica
questioned,
before she ripped herself out of his reach and headed
upstairs.
But it wasn't a pretend proposal. I used the ring because
I know what
that ring means to us both. I love you, Erica. Jack thought, as he
stood there watching her flee from him.
Chapter 11
Jack waited for three hours for Erica to come back down. Bianca
came
and went. Then she left to go out with Leo and Laura for the
night. Finally around nine, Jack decided Erica had to eat
something.
He went into the kitchen, pulled a couple of sandwiches, some fruit
and veggies together. Taking a tray,
he headed upstairs. He had
finally pulled together exactly what he was going to say to her.
Erica realized how much
she truly loved Jack when she felt the sting
of his fake proposal. How could he propose to me like that and not
mean
it? But he didn't mean it. It was all a show for her. Why, Jack,
why don't you love me? She cried and thought about it
over and over
again until she finally fell asleep.
Jack knocked softly on the door, but when no one answered, he
opened
it. Erica was lying curled up on the bed with tissues all over
the bed around her. She had changed into her robe and her
hair was
in a loose ponytail. She looks so peaceful and beautiful lying there,
Jack thought. He set the tray on the
nightstand, cleaned up all the
tissues, then sat on the bed beside her, just watching her.
Jack was kneeling beside
her in the park. He had just finished
proposing to her, when she opened her mouth to say yes, all that
came out was
Scarlett's whinny voice. Erica was suddenly standing
to the side of Jack, watching Scarlett kiss him and put on her ring.
"No,"
Erica yelled. "No, Jack, no! I love you, not her." Erica awoke
with a start. She bolted upright, only to be sitting face
to face with
Jack.
"It's okay. I'm right here," Jack said calmly. He wrapped his arms
around her and pulled her close
to him. Erica was satisfied with
laying her head against Jack's chest and sobbing.
"Ssshhh, it's okay. I'm right here.
I am not going anywhere.
Ssshhh," Jack whispered in her ear.
Pulling back slightly, Erica wiped her tears away. She
looked into
Jack's eyes, and then started to cry again. Jack pulled her back into
his embrace.
"Baby, baby, ssshhh,
why are you crying? That must have been
some dream, baby. You woke up yelling and then started crying.
Please, Erica,
tell me what is wrong." Jack continued to speak very
softly.
Sobbing, "You…You gave my ring to her. You…You
proposed to
her, not me."
"Oh, baby. Oh, Erica, I would never, ever give this ring to anyone but
you," Jack said,
as he took her hand. Gently kissing her ring finger,
right above the ring. "Erica, this ring has belonged to you and only
you,
since before I met you. I swore to myself, I would never place a
ring on a woman's finger unless I truly loved her with
all of me. I can
honestly say that I have only broken my vow once."
"Today?" Erica asked, pulling back, having calmed
down. Jack left
his hand resting on her hip.
"No, not today. The only time I ever placed a ring on a woman I didn't
love
with all of me was when I proposed to Laurel. You see, I never
gave Scarlett a ring. Do you realize that means you are
the only
woman I have ever given a ring to that I meant it?"
Erica shook her head no, and then said, "What about today?
You
didn't mean it today." Erica pulled off the ring and placed it in Jack's
hand. "I can't wear this ring, knowing
you didn't mean that proposal.
I only want to wear your ring, if it ever means anything to you again. I
can't wear this
ring, now. Not after today's show. I have too much
pride, too much dignity for that," Erica was now staring Jack straight
in
the face. "I love you. I am sorry. I know you don't love me, but I
do. Yesterday just affirmed what I have been feeling
for so long
now. Jack, I never stopped loving you."
"Erica, look into my eyes. Look very closely. Tell me, honestly
what
you see?" Jack's eyes were showing his feelings brightly. There was
no way Jack could deny his love for her now.
"Oh,
Jack! You do love me!" Erica exclaimed throwing her arms
around his neck. "I have missed you so much. I never stopped
loving
you, Jack, never."
"Erica, I have something I need to ask," Jack's tone was serious.
Erica pulled back, happy, but now
worried.
"What Jack?"
"Will you please put our ring back on? I want you to be my wife.
Regardless of this Scarlett
mess, I have always wanted you to be my
wife. Please know that my proposal this afternoon was real. I used
this ring
to show you how true and real my proposal was and is.
Marry me, Erica Kane. Become Mrs. Jackson Montgomery." Jack
watched
her face, as he slid the ring on her finger.
"Yes, Jack, Yes! Oh, Jack, I love you!" Erica was sobbing, and Jack
quickly
silenced her cries with a soft, gentle kiss.
"Jack, I did think at first your proposal was real until I heard Scarlett,
then…"
Erica trailed off, as they lay in bed eating sandwiches.
"It was real, but I had bad timing. I am so sorry, sweetheart.
I never
wanted you to doubt my seriousness of wanting you to be mine."
Jack finished up his sandwich, and kissed her
forehead.
"Oh, Jack, I love this so much! I know we should probably talk more,
but could we just curl up in bed for
tonight. I just want to feel your
arms around me tonight," Erica said as she scooted down under the
covers and Jack
moved the now empty tray. Jack then slid down in
the covers beside her, wrapping his arms around her.
"Yes, of course
we can, but nothing more. Not yet anyway," Jack
whispered in suggestion. "I want to get Scarlett out of our lives
before
we make love. I want you to have no doubt that I am with you
because of us, not her."
"Jackson," Erica turned to face
him. "I know you love me. I see it in
your eyes, now that I am not trying to explain it away. I love you, but
tonight
is too soon. Besides, how could I explain it to Bianca? All I
want tonight is to wake up in the morning with your arms
around me."
Jack kissed her forehead lightly, and they drifted off to sleep.
Chapter 12
The sunlight streamed in the sheer curtains, lighting up the
room.
Jack was lying on the bed, watching Erica sleep. Watching the soft
sunlight illuminate her face, Jack was overwhelmed
by his love for his
beloved. Leaning over, Jack softly brushed his lips across her
cheek. This caused Erica to stir.
"Mmm,
Jack," Erica moaned lightly. She stretched slightly and
opened her eyes to look straight into his.
"Good morning, honey,"
Jack said with a softness that could only
speak of love.
"Mmm, good morning, Jack." Erica wrapped her arms around his
neck
and brought his handsome face down for a kiss. Their lips met
gently with a sweet tenderness. Erica ran her fingers along
the nape
of Jack's neck, as the kiss started to deepen. Jack's tongue slowly
licked Erica's lips, as their first kiss
of the morning became filled with
greater desire. Their bodies responding to this deepening kiss
started to wake up
much faster.
Jack rolled onto his back, bringing Erica on top of him. Pulling back
from their breath-taking kiss, Erica
placed light, airy kisses all over
Jack's neck. Nuzzling her way over to his earlobe, she rasped, "I
love you, Jackson."
"I
love you, Erica," Jack proclaimed, as he switched positions with
her. Now gently lying on Erica, Jack had her neck area
exposed to
him. Brushing the opening of her robe aside, Jack leaned in and
started kissing her collarbone.
"Mmm,
Jack," Erica moaned, as Jack reached her ear. Pulling back
slightly, Jack ran his fingertips along her cheek. Lightly Jack
kissed
her forehead, then each cheek. As Jack was leaning in to capture
Erica's mouth with his, there was a soft knock
on the bedroom door.
"Mom, Uncle Jack," Bianca called softly. "Are you up?"
Jack whispered in Erica's ear, "We have
got to do something about
her timing." Then he slid off of Erica and straightened his shirt, while
Erica pulled her
robe back over her shoulders.
"Come in, Bianca," Erica said once they were settled.
Bianca walked in the door, not surprised
by the couple in bed
together. She sat down on the foot of the bed. "Mom, Uncle Jack,
are you going to admit it now?"
Jack
laughed. Erica just held out her left hand and said, "Does it look
like we have admitted it to you?"
"Oh, Mom. Wow,
oh, wow! Really?" Bianca jumped up and hugged
her mother's neck. Then ran to hug Jack. Once Bianca had calmed
down,
Jack spoke.
"Are you sure you are totally okay with this?"
"Of course I am," Bianca stated calmly, still admiring the
ring. "But
what about your psycho chick, Uncle Jack?"
"She's not psycho, just high-strung," Jack defended.
Erica
looked him in the eye and said, "Jack, she is psycho. I am
sorry, but she is psycho. She may not have been back in college,
but
she is now."
"Anyway, I am not going to debate that with either one of you. I think
your mother and I need to
discuss how to handle Scarlett. Although,
it shouldn't be much of an issue in a few more days."
Bianca stood up. "Well,
I do have to get to school. I just wanted to
tell you both goodbye."
"Yeah right, you just wanted to rub it in that
we were wrong," Jack
teased.
"Bye guys," Bianca said, ignoring his comment as she walked out the
door.
Jack leaned
over and kissed Erica's neck again. "Now, where were
we?"
"Wait a minute, Jack." Erica pulled back quickly. Getting
out of bed,
"I think we need to get ready for the day and get to our respective
places of employment."
"But, Erica…"
"I
also think you need to decide how you are going to get that woman
out of our lives." Erica said walking into her bathroom
and shutting
the door.
Later that day…
"Ms. Kane, Mr. Montgomery is here to see you," Val said as he
showed
Jack in.
"Val, Jack can show himself in from now on. No need for you to
make such a formal introduction for the man
I am going to marry.
After all, all he has to do is walk into the room and that is introduction
enough," Erica gushed,
as she got up from behind her desk and
walked over to Jack by the couches.
"Yes, Ms. Kane. No interruptions, unless
your daughter, I assume."
"Correct. Thank you Val." Erica watched Val close the door, then
turned to face Jack. "This
is a nice surprise. Everything okay?"
Erica asked, while motioning for them to sit.
"Of course, what could be wrong?
You are going to marry me." Jack
kissed her left hand softly. "Scarlett called my office 5 times before
10. I finally
left. I decided I would get more work done after we just
deal with her."
"Val has been intercepting her calls for me,
telling her I am not in yet.
Jack, are you going to tell her the truth?"
"Yes, I just want you there. I am tired of
Scarlett attacking me when
you aren't around. She doesn't come on to me as strong when you
are around. But after yesterday,
I am sure she will never mess with
you again," Jack ran his fingertip along her cheek. "You really
blasted her."
"Well,
what can I say? I love you. I wasn't about to let her lie to you
about me."
"I love you, Erica," Jack leaned in and
pressed his lips softly to hers.
As Erica entwined her fingers in Jack's hair, her office door burst
open. Scarlett
stormed in with Val hot on her heels.
"I told you they were in here," Scarlett claimed, as Jack and Erica
quickly rose
from the couch.
"Do you want me to call Security, Ms. Kane?" Val asked, standing by
Erica's phone.
Jack spoke up,
while Scarlett and Erica glared at one another.
"Scarlett, your timing is lousy. Val, security won't be necessary, but
if
you hear any raised voices, call immediately."
"Yes and Val, please alert them that we might have a dead
advertising
executive before long," Erica said coldly, never taking her
gaze off Scarlett.
"Yes, Ms. Kane," Val said, as he quickly
retreated, closing the door
behind him.
Erica walked over to behind her desk. "Now, why did you burst into
my office
unannounced, Scarlett. It can't be for business."
Jack sat down in one of the chairs in front of Erica's desk, enjoying
the
exchange between the women. He loved watching Erica defend
him. He would see that passion growing in her eyes and realize
that
he never wanted it to die. Jack would never try to change the petite
fireball he loved so much.
"Actually, it
is business. I am moving to Pine Valley. I am not going
to let you win this easily, Ms. Kane. You may think you scare me,
but
you don't. Jack will soon realize that you are not worth his time and
that I am the woman he wants. I most certainly
am not leaving town
until he does."
"Ha, Scarlett! What is on my finger?" Erica held out her hand. "That
is an engagement
ring, something you never got. Now listen and
listen well. You never got a ring because your relationship was
nothing
like his and mine is. We are serious about one another. We
are going to be married. If you are the woman Jack wants, why
was
he in my bed last night? Why did I wake up with his arms around me
and not you?"
Jack stood up, as he noticed
Erica's temper was about to blow. Erica
walked to the door of her office. As she held it open, she said, "Get
out of
my office. Get out before I have you arrested for trespassing."
Scarlett looked at Jack for help. Jack said, "I think you
should go,
Scarlett."
"Come with me, Jack. We need to talk alone, away from your
possessive she-devil. Please, Jack
come with me. Give me a
chance to just talk. I promise I won't try anything else."
Erica continued standing by the door,
not wanting to interfere. "If he
wants to go, I should let him go. He is a grown man," Erica thought.
Jack looked over
at his lovely fiancee. "No, Scarlett, I am engaged to
Erica. It would not be appropriate for me to go anywhere with you.
I
love her. Please understand that. I have moved on. I love Erica
Kane. Please don't dwell on this."
Scarlett looked
at Jack. "You still have that soft spot for me, Jack. I
can see it in your eyes. You do still love me, at least a part
of you.
Jackson, I am not leaving until you realize that we still belong
together."
Scarlett then sat down in the
chair, still staring at him. Jack and Erica
exchanged looks of exasperation.
Chapter 13
Erica shut the door back. Jack told her with his eyes that
he wanted
her to come stand beside him. Erica was stunned and didn't know
what to do. She just stood beside him, until
Jack reached out and put
his arm around her. Kissing the top of her head, Jack finally spoke.
"Ladies, I think I need
to be honest with both of you. Why don't we sit
on the couches and let me tell the truth." Jack suggested, leading
Erica
over to them. Sitting down together, Erica was not worried
although she was unsure of what he may not have told her. Scarlett
sat
down across from them.
"Scarlett, I owe you an apology. When we were together in college, I
was not the kind of man
you wanted or needed. Although I am the
kind of man you need now, I love Erica. When I left college to go into
the army,
I told you I would write you. I never did, I didn't even join
the army. Scarlett, the truth is I was running from you.
You wanted a
commitment, and I was far from ready for that. I wanted to play the
field."
"Erica, you were the first
woman I ever wanted to settle down with. I
have wanted to be your husband for 13 years now, but we never
could get the
timing right. We are together now, thanks to Scarlett.
This has all made me realize the mistakes I made in my past. And
for
those that have affected both of you, I am truly sorry."
Scarlett finally looked up, meeting Jack's eyes. "But I
love you,
Jackson. I never stopped. I kept waiting for you to return. Then I
decided I had to move on, but knew that
someday you would return to
me, and you have."
"No, Scarlett, I haven't. I have not returned to you. I have finally
got
things just right with Erica. I refuse to throw away my relationship
with her for one that occurred a long time
ago."
"Scarlett," Erica found her voice. "I know it hurts to lose Jack. I have
lost him a few times myself, but you
see Jack and I have always
belonged together. We love each other deeper than either one of us
has ever loved. Now that
you know the truth about the end of your
relationship with Jack, can't you allow Jack and I to be happy? I
promise not
to hurt him, to always treasure his love and never take it
for granted."
"Erica, I still love him though. I don't know
if I can stop."
"Scarlett, part of you may always love him, but you can't make him
love you like you do right now. Trust
me, I have tried with him. He
has to come to it on his own; or else all it would be is your coercing
him into it. That
is not real love and not the kind of love you deserve."
Val slowly walked in. "Sorry to interrupt, Ms. Kane, but Mr. Adam
Chandler
is waiting for you in the lobby."
"Oh, shoot, I forgot. The Enchantment Board Meeting. Val, tell him I
will be with
him momentarily." Erica went to her desk, gathered up
the reports. "I'm sorry. I have to be there."
Jack stood up and
walked her to the door. "Go, I think we will be
okay now." Erica kissed Jack's cheek as she headed out the door.
Turning
back to Scarlett, he noticed a drastic change from the weepy
woman sitting there before Erica left to the seductress standing
before
him now.
"Now that she is gone you can stop pretending Jackson. I know this
relationship has all been a farce. You and
Erica haven't been
together in ages." Scarlett sauntered up to Jack, draped one arm
over his shoulder and said, "Enough
with the games. I understand
that I screwed up when we broke up, but haven't we paid enough?"
Scarlett pressed her lips
to Jack's hard and with full passion. Not
wasting any time she wrapped both her arms around his neck and
kept kissing
him. Erica, having left the budget report on her desk,
walked back in. Waiting to see how long it is before Jack pulled
back,
Erica just stood there watching. Not long after Erica walked in Jack
pulled back and pushed Scarlett away. As
he did so, he said, "No,
Scarlett," then turned to see Erica.
Chapter 14
An eerie silence fell upon the room as both Jack and Scarlett
stared
at Erica, nervously awaiting what she might say or do. Erica did look
at either one of them as she walked straight
to her desk and picked
up her missing report. Erica opened the report as she turned around
and walked back out, while
reading her report and ignoring both Jack
and Scarlett and the awkward situation she walked in on.
Jack's eyes never
left her until the moment Erica shut the door
behind her. Scarlett watched Erica for a bit, but as she saw that Erica
wasn't
going to say anything, she started focusing on what to do now
that she had assuredly broken the "happy" couple up.
Jack
felt Scarlett's hand on his shoulder. He turned around furious
and scared. "What the hell did you kiss me for Scarlett?
Damn it,
you know I am engaged."
"Engaged is not married, Jack. And married is not the priesthood.
Erica looked really
angry. I am sure she just didn't want to embarrass
herself by admitting her defeat in front of me."
Jack's jaw was clenched
tightly. "Scarlett, don't ever mention Erica's
name again. You are not fit to even mention such an incredible
woman's
name. Not only that, but you could never defeat the likes of
Erica Kane. Get out of my sight!" Jack suddenly left the office
to try
and find his bride-to-be, praying she would still be his.
Around 9 that night…
Jack had searched all
of Enchantment with no avail. He went to
Myrtle's and Opal's trying to find her. He checked the Pine Valley
Inn, his
apartment, SOS, BJ's, the park and finally gave up and went
back to Erica's. Sitting on her couch for the past two hours
had been
complete torture. Jack tried to work, he tried to eat, but nothing
worked. Finally the fear took over he became
worried she had been
in an accident. Having called Derek, who had no information on
Erica, Jack was greatly relieved
when the door finally opened. He
was then disappointed when it was Bianca, who knew nothing of
Erica's whereabouts.
Jack
started pacing the floor at ten. It had been five hours since the
debacle with Scarlett, and the look of terror hadn't
left Jack's face
since Erica shut that office door. She was eerily silent, he recalled.
God, please bring her home to
me. Just then the door opened and
Erica walked in.
Jack ran to her, threw his arms around her, holding her tightly against
him.
"Oh, thank you God. Thank you. I was so scared."
Pulling back Jack looked deep into her eyes. Searching for the love
that
shone so brightly from those brown eyes before she walked in on
Scarlett and him. Erica pulled back before he could get
a good look.
Walking to the couch to put her bag down, Erica was still eerily silent.
Turning to face him, she finally
spoke, "I am worried you might be
mad at me after you hear what I have done, so I would like for you to
sit and not
interrupt me until you hear me out."
Jack started to speak, as he headed to the couch. "Erica, I could not
be mad at
you. I need to explain…"
"Jack, please let me go first." Jack sat there silent, watching her
every move for any
hint he could get.
"I am sorry you couldn't find or reach me this evening. I had some
business to attend to. What my
business pertained to is what I worry
you might be mad at me about. I went to see Ryan Lavery about
IncredibleDreams.com.
As you know, Enchantment is a very large
sponsor, and I personally invested quite a lot in the IPO. I offered
Ryan my
top advertising executive from Enchantment, if he would fire
Scarlett. I told him I would pay for it and everything, but
that I wanted
her out of town by sunset tomorrow. Ryan couldn't pass up the offer,
so Scarlett will no longer have job
in Pine Valley after tomorrow
morning. Then Jack, I did the really horrible thing. I called every
business owner within
a 100 mile radius that could possible hire
Scarlett, and convinced them not to for one reason or another."
Erica sat
down on the couch facing Jack. Jack held his breath.
Taking his hand in hers, she said, "I then paid Marian Chandler
$100,000
not to sell Scarlett any property in town and to keep her
from having another realtor find her something. Jack, I know
I was
mischievous, but I can't have this woman here any longer. I want our
lives back to normal."
Jack kissed her
hand. "Is that all? Did you break into her room?"
"No, I decided what I did was bad enough, and you might really hate
me
if I did that."
"Erica, I could never hate you. What about this afternoon? What
about what you walked in on? Do you
hate me? You were so silent
and then you left. I can't lose you because of someone like Scarlett,
Erica. I love you
and only you. I pulled away."
"This afternoon. Oh, that kiss. Jack, that doesn't worry me. I know
you love me and,"
Erica looked into his eyes. "I love you too. I was
silent because I wasn't going to give Scarlett the satisfaction of a
reaction.
I trust you, Jackson. I always have and always will. The
likes of Scarlett Hughes or any other woman from your past could
never
frighten me."
Erica leaned in and pressed her lips softly to his. Pulling back, where
she could still feel his breath
on her cheek, Erica said, "I love you. I
also plan on kissing that ridiculous woman's lame attempt at a kiss
away by
morning."
The suggestion in her tone was enough to drive any man wild. Jack
leaned in, starting at her cheek he kissed
his way to her mouth.
Possessively claiming him hers, Erica's tongue slipped into his mouth
to tempt Jack further. Jack
slowly started leaning back on the couch,
pulling Erica on top of him.
Chapter 15
The constant pounding on the front door and ringing of the
doorbell
aroused Jack and Erica from sleep. Jack looked at the clock, seven
in the morning. Erica quickly went to the
window to see, whose car
was parked out front.
"Your psycho is here, Jackson," Erica cooed as she slowly walked to
the
bathroom to fix her hair before heading down to answer the door.
"She is probably here to kill me for sandbagging her in
Pine Valley."
Jack got out of bed wearing his trusty blue pajama pants. "Erica, I
can handle this. Why don't you just
get a nice hot bath going for us?
I'll be back to join you shortly."
Erica came out of the bathroom with her hair pinned
up, wearing
Jack's pajama top. "I can draw us a bath, after we deal with Scarlett
together. There is no way I am going
to let her rant to you for my
doings."
Wrapping his arms around her waist, "Are you sure you want to go
down there
dressed like this?" Jack leaned down and kissed her
exposed neck.
"Yes, it will emphasize my point. Time for Scarlett
to stick her tail
between her legs and run home, wherever that may be." Jack
wrapped his arm around her waist and they
headed down stairs.
As they neared the front door, they could hear Scarlett. "Jack, I know
she's in there. Open this
door. I have a bone to pick with you, Ms.
Erica Kane."
Erica started laughing. Jack moaned, sarcastically, "Great, this
ought
to be fun."
"Oh, it will be," Erica laughed again, as she opened the door. "Good
Morning Miss Hughes, what
can I do for you?" Erica was standing
where the door was only partially open, but Scarlett could see Jack's
bare chest
and the state of Erica's clothing very well.
"You can call all your friends back and tell them you were wrong,"
Scarlett
angrily said.
"Now why would I want to do that?" Erica bit back. "I want you out of
Pine Valley before sunset or else
I will have to start calling more
friends." Erica smiled at Scarlett.
"You aren't that powerful." Scarlett tried to
look past Erica to Jack,
but Erica kept bringing Scarlett's focus back to her.
"Do you really want to test me, Miss
Hughes? Do you really want to
try my patience? You have flung yourself of Jackson every chance
you have gotten since
you swooped into town. Every time he has
turned you down. We are engaged, and you still kissed him. Don't
force me to
ruin you completely."
Jack laid his hand on Erica's shoulder. Scarlett was finally able to
make eye contact with Jack.
His eyes had nothing but coldness
toward her as she searched for any hope of a chance.
"Scarlett, I think you should
go," was all that he said to her. "Come
on, honey." Jack said, as Erica turned to him and he shut the door
behind them.
Later that day…
Jack was sitting at the Pine Valley
Inn waiting on Bianca and Erica to
meet him for lunch after their shopping trip. He was reading the latest
news on Alex
and Anna Devane in the Pine Valley News, when he
heard her voice.
"May I speak with you for a moment?"
Looking up,
Jack saw Scarlett standing next to his table. He
motioned for her to sit, as he put the paper away.
"How is it that
you have so much coldness in your eyes when you
look at me, Jackson? We were once so in love."
"That was a very long
time ago, and to be completely honest, I was
never in love as much as you were Scarlett. You were my first
girlfriend,
and I did love you, but…" Jack paused. He was
determined to tell her the truth.
"But what, Jackson?"
"I never
really joined the army Scarlett. I left school for two reasons:
1) I didn't like it then; 2) I had to get away from you.
You were talking
marriage, and I was waiting to play the field. I wasn't ready to settle
down with you or anyone."
"You
lied to me to get away from me. I pushed you away," Scarlett
looked down at her hands as she started to cry.
"I am sorry,
Scarlett, but you needed to know the truth. I love Erica.
She is the only woman I was ever not afraid to settle down with.
I
know that she and I have what it takes to go the distance. Please be
happy for me, and let us go on with our separate
lives."
Scarlett looked up, seeing Erica standing behind Jack. "Okay," she
said, as she quickly rose. Walking up to
Erica, "You won. Treat him
right and don't ever let him go."
"Erica," Jack quickly rose. "How long where you standing
there?" He
asked as he hugged her.
"Long enough to know we are spending the afternoon alone." Erica's
hands ran along
Jack's back and the flash in her eye could have
seduced any man.
"Mmm, where's Bianca?"
"She met up with Laura at
the mall. They wanted to do some
shopping alone, so here I am with a suddenly clear afternoon
schedule. Do you have
any plans?"
Erica pulled back from Jack and went to sit. He quickly pulled out her
chair for her, then sat back down.
Jack felt Erica's foot slid up his leg.
"Nothing I can't cancel." Jack took her hand and kissed it softly.
Chapter 16
Lying in bed, Jack held Erica close to him, as she played
with his arm
hair. After a playfully seductive lunch, Jack couldn't take it anymore.
He realized there was no way he
would be able to resist taking her in
his arms until they made it out to her house. Since his apartment was
closer and
less likely to have interruptions, Jack drove Erica to his
place. A painfully slow elevator ride with Erica leaning back
against
him, her whole body pressed up against him, amid the crowded
elevator. Jack unlocked his door and they stepped
into the dark
room. After shutting the door, Jack pressed Erica up against it,
unable to resist any longer. Now, lying
with her in his arms, Jack
tried to remember how they actually made it to the bedroom and
when they did. Replaying the
entire scene over in his mind, Jack felt
Erica leaned back against him more.
"Jack," Erica whispered softly.
"Yes,
honey."
"I am so sorry for all that happened between us these past few years,
keeping us apart so long. I am so sorry
about that thing with Mike. I
loved you and although I screwed up, I never stopped loving you,
Jackson."
"Erica,
why are you apologizing for any of that? It is all over. None of
it matters. We are together." Jack leaned up and kissed
her cheek.
"And I am never letting you go again."
"Jack, make love to me again. It's been so long since we have been
together.
I've missed the other part of me. I've missed you. I've
missed being with my soul mate."
Erica turned to face Jack.
He ran his finger along her cheekbone,
down her chin, past her collarbone. Jack's hand was caressing every
inch of her
body slowly. Erica's eyes locked with his, as she ran her
fingertip lightly along his chest.
"I've missed you Erica.
You have no idea how many nights I have
woken up from a dream that you were here with me only to be
disappointed that
it was a dream. But tonight when I wake up in the
middle of the night, I am going to have your hair on the pillow beside
my
head. I will have you sleeping in my arms. I love you, Erica
Kane."
"Oh, Jack," Erica moaned as his hand that had rested on her
back
pulled her even closer. Jack's lips captured hers in a breath-taking,
tongue-dueling, never-ending kiss. Pulling
her on top of him, Jack
and Erica continued to kiss, as their bodies slowly melded into one.
One body, One soul, One
heart, and One love.
THE END
MEANT TO BE
by Anne Boleyn
Summary: Jack and Erica find their way back to one another.
Rating: PG
Timeline: Future
Disclaimer: Don't own them, never will.
Feedback appreciated
Chapter 1
"Mom, you just don't understand. Rain is my friend. That's all. It's not like we're dating or anything." Bianca's
voice showed her exasperation.
"I know you think of her as just a friend honey. But she wants more than that. I can tell. And Rain is not the
kind of girl you should be involved with. Bianca, I met the nicest man at my parent's group the other night. He has a beautiful
daughter who is 18. She's a freshman at Harvard this year she loves horses just like you do, she'd be someone you could really
enjoy getting to know. I gave Richard your e-mail address to pass on to her.
"Mom, I can't believe you did that!" Bianca rolled her eyes.
"Oh Bianca, you'll like her. Don't worry. Now if you and Jack will excuse me, I need tofix my lipstick." Erica
smiled and left the table. She, Jack and Bianca were having dinner at the Valley Inn.
"Uncle Jack, what am I going to do with her?"
"You're asking me?" Jack laughed and patted Bianca's hand across the table. "Come on kiddo, isn't this
better than having her cover her ears every time you say the word gay?"
"I'm not so sure." Bianca laughed too. "Can you imagine mom fixing me up with another girl? God only knows what
kind of girl she'd choose for me!"
"Oh I don't know," Jack grinned. "Your mother has been known to have pretty good taste from time to time." His
smile faded as he saw David Hayward leaving the restaurant with Dixie Martin. " Then again, she has been known to have absolutely
appalling taste at times too."
"You never liked David did you?"
"No I didn't. I'm sorry sweetheart. I know that you did."
"Uncle Jack, I barely knew him. Mom broke up with him practically the day I came to Pine Valley. "
"But your mother mentioned several times how much you liked him. I assumed you must have gotten to know each
other through phone calls or letters." Jack looked puzzled.
"When Mom told me she was dating him I told her that I remembered him from the hospital and that he seemed nice.
After that, every time I talked to her she kept saying how glad she was that I was so fond of David. It made her so happy
that it was just easier to let her think I was crazy about him. You know how Mom is."
"Oh yes, if there's one thing I do know, it's your mother." Jack smiled to himself remembering just how well
he knew Erica.
Suddenly there was a scream from the doorway. A man was pointing a gunat one of the waitresses.
"Did you think I was just going to let you take my kids and walk out? Did you think you could get away with
this?" he shouted, waving the pistol wildly. Panic broke out in the dining room as people dove under tables and ran for the
kitchen exit. Jack pushed Bianca tot he floor and grabbed the man with the gun, twisting his arm behind him andwrenching the
gun from his hand. Two hotel security guards ran in and pulled the man out of the dining room. Jack found himself surrounded
by the other diners, congratulating him, thanking him, calling him a hero.
Bianca pushed her way to her uncle's side and hugged him tightly.
"God, you were so awesome!" she said proudly. "I can't believe you were so brave. Mom, did you see what happened?
Wasn't Uncle Jack wonderful?"
Jack and Bianca turned and looked at Erica who was standing near their deserted table. Her face was a white
as a sheet and she was shaking.
"How could you be so stupid Jack?" Erica's voice was furious. "I can't believe you could do something so incredibly
idiotic! You could have been killed!" She turned and walked rapidly from the dining room. Jack and Bianca followed her. They
caught up with her as she was talking to the clerk at the desk in the lobby. " Yes, could you please call a limo for me? I'd
like to leave as soon as possible."
"You don't need a limo Erica. I'll take you home." Jack's voice was gentle.
"Mom, why would you be so awful to Uncle Jack?" Bianca was angry and it showed. "He saved people's lives and
you're treating him like..."
"That's enough Bianca," Jack said calmly. "It's all right. Let's just go home now."
Chapter 2
No one spoke on the ride home. When Jack pulled into the driveway Erica barely gave him time to stop before
she was out of the car and fumbling with her keys to unlock the front door. Her hands were shaking so much she couldn't get
the key into the lock. Jack wordlessly took the keys from her and opened the door.
"I'm so proud of you Uncle Jack," said Bianca, glaring at Erica who had gone straight to the living room and
was sitting in the corner of the couch clutching a pillow.
"Honey, there's nothing to be proud of. It wasn't something I thought about. I just reacted. If I'd thought
about what I was doing I'd probably still be hiding under a table." Jack was watching Erica closely. He could tell she was
close to tears. He walked over to the couch, sat down and took her hand.
" Nothing happened Erica. Bianca's safe, I'm safe, everything's all right."
Erica tried to smile. " I know. Bianca, after such an awful experience don't you think you should try to get
some rest?"
"Mom, I'm..." Bianca stopped talking as she saw Jack shaking his head at her. "OK, I'll go upstairs." Bianca
still wasn't sure exactly what was going on with her mother but that was nothing unusual. She went upstairs and called Leo
to tell him what had happened.
Jack waited until he heard Bianca's bedroom door closed. Then he said, "Do you want to yell at me some more
about how stupid I was?" But he was smiling and his voice was tender.
"I'm sorry Jack. I didn't mean that. No, actually I did mean it. Why would you risk your life like that?"
"Honey, I didn't stop to think. It just happened."
"You and your knight in shining armour complex. You saw someone in trouble and you had to help." Erica was still
on the verge of tears. "But Jack, Bianca and I could never have gotten through these last months without you. You were there
for her so many times when I wasn't. You kept me from going completely off the track over and over again. Since Travis died,
you've been more than just a father figure to Bianca, you've been a real father. We....she needs you so much. How do you think
she would have felt if you had been killed right in front of her eyes?"
Jack reached out and took Erica into his arms. He only meant to give her a reassuring hug but when he felt her
trembling against him his arms tightened around her instinctively. Erica found herself clinging to him without even realizing
what she was doing.
They had stayed there a long time just holding on to each other when Bianc came downstairs. Erica pulled away
from Jack, smoothing back her hair and saying, "Bianca, what's wrong? Can't you sleep? Do you need something sweetheart?"
"I'm fine Mom. You're the one who was upset, remember? Uncle Jack, I thought you were gone."
" I was just leaving." Jack stood up and picked up his coat from the chair. He kissed Bianca on the cheek and
walked back to the couch where Erica was still sitting. "Will you be all right now?"
Erica smiled up at him. "I'll be fine. You always make me feel better." She reached for his hand and squeezed
it. "Goodnight Jack." Jack walked to the door, turned around and looked at Erica one last time, then left. Bianca looked at
the door then looked at her mother and grinned.
"I have a really good feeling about this," she thought to herself.
Chapter 3
Jack looked at the clock. 2:30. " Anyone might have insomnia after an encounter with an armed gunman," he thought.
But he had to be honest with himself. The incident at the Valley Inn wasn't what was keeping him awake. He couldn't get his
mind off of what had happened at Erica's - how fragile she seemed, how good it felt to hold her in his arms after so long.
It was getting harder and harder to keep his feelings under control. " How can one woman arouse every single emotion known
to mankind?" he asked himself as he poured another scotch.
He knew that if Bianca hadn't come downstairs when she did he might have told Erica just how much he still loved
her. But that would have been a mistake. Jack remembered how she had reacted the last time he told her that he loved her.
She had immediately let him know that he was a valued friend but nothing more. Right now things were good between them. He
didn't want that to change. "You can keep this going," he told himself. "Being her best friend is better than not being in
her life at all."
Across town Erica gave up and turned on her bedside lamp. A long hot bath and a cup of herbal tea usually helped
her sleep but not tonight. She kept seeing Jack struggling with the gunman and the image made her feel sick inside. "God,
Jack, what if I had lost you tonight?" she whispered. Looking back, she couldn't remember the exact moment when she realized
she had fallen back in love with Jack.
He had been a tower of strength for her and for Bianca since Travis's death. When Bianca came out, Jack was
there to offer her the love and support she needed when Erica couldn't. He was there to mediate between them when it looked
like their mother/daughter bond might be broken forever. He was loving and supportive when Erica was finally able to accept
her daughter's sexuality. The three of them had formed a family unit that grew stronger as the days went by. Gradually she
had realized that she was happy whenever aJck was nearby, that she missed him when he wasn't, that she was thinking about
him constantly, fantasizing about him when she should be concentrating on Enchantment. Tonight, she had wanted him to go on
holding her forever, to carry her upstairs and.....
Erica got up and looked at herself in the mirror. "I'll need lots of concealer in the morning," she said as
she examined the circles under her eyes. "I've got to do a better job of controlling my feelings. The last thing Jack wants
is for our relationship to change. If I start acting like a lovestruck teenager, he'll pull away so fast he won't leave any
tracks behind." She remembered the night that Jack had told her that he couldn't live with her day to day because it was like
being too close to the sun. He didn't want that kind of relationship again. "I can do this. I can keep everything the way
it is now. I won't ruin things by telling him how I feel. I'm not going to lose him again."
Chapter 4
Are you sure you won't come in for coffee or a brandy?" Erica asked. She and Jack had just come in from having
dinner at Courtland Manor.
Somehow Opal had managed to retain the elegance of the dining room even though half of the downstairs was taken
up by the Glamorama.
"I'd love to stay but I really need to get some work done tonight," Jack replied. "I have closing arguments
tomorrow in the Crawford trial and I want to make sure everything is in order."
Erica smiled at him. "I won't say good luck because you won't need it. I'm sure you'll be brilliant as usual."
"It's too bad you aren't on the jury." They both laughed. Jack leaned down to kiss her goodnight. He meant to
kiss her on the cheek but somehow her lips were there. His heart started pounding as he felt her arms slip around his neck
and her lips open under his. Their kiss deepened. Just then the phone rang. They sprang apart, shaken.
"You get the phone. I have to go." Jack was out the door in a split second.
He stopped on the porch and leaned against a pillar. "Way to go Montgomery. You swear to keep things at friendship
and you end up with your tongue halfway down her throat. What am I going to say to her about this?"
Erica looked down at the Caller ID to see just who it was that she hated more than anyone else in the world.
"Hello Val, you're fired! No I'm not serious but your timing is awful. Tell me what's going on with the campaign." Erica listened
to Val but her mind was racing. "God, could you be more obvious? You were all over him! No wonder he couldn't get out of here
fast enough." As she listened to Val tell her about the unacceptable way the newest Enchantment model was behaving on a publicity
tour she had an idea.
"Val, I think I should go and handle this myself. I'll join the tour tomorrow and take care of everything personally.
Will you please make all the arrangements?" She hung up the phone and said to herself," I'll put some distance between us
until I can get myself back under control. It's the best thing for everyone."
Chapter 5
"Bianca, you're perfectly welcome to come with me on this tour. You can afford to miss a few days of school
and you could see the business end of Enchantment rather than the modeling side."
Bianca was watching her mother pack her bags the next morning.
"Mom, I'd rather stay here. I have tests coming up and a history paper to write and..."
"And you're afraid I'd find a way to stick you in front of the cameras."
"No I'm not." Bianca laughed. " What is the problem on the tour?"
"The spokesmodel for the new fragrance apparently has started to believe she's as wonderful as her press notices.
She's showing up late for personal appearances, has been rude to the press, and she's giving the company bad publicity. But
I can take care of her. You know the old saying, it takes a diva to handle a diva." Erica paused for a moment then said,"
Honey, while I'm gone I want you to stay with Uncle Jack."
"Mom, I'm almost 17. I don't need a babysitter."
I know sweetheart but I don't want you in this big house all alone. Jack would love to have you and I'd feel
so much better knowing he was taking care of you. You love spending time with him don't you?"
"Yes, it's almost like being with Daddy again." Bianca smiled a little sadly. " I guess I can stay at Uncle
Jack's ."
"Wonderful. I'm really glad the two of you are so close." Erica hugged her daughter. "I'm going to miss you
terribly sweetheart. I'll be back in a few days."
Later that afternoon Erica looked out the airplane window. She hadn't wanted to face Jack after last night so
she had left a message on his answering machine telling him about her trip and asking him to look after Bianca. She had thought
about apologizing for the kiss but then thought better of it. "Maybe if I never mention it, he'll forget about it," she thought.
Jack listened to the message on his answering machine for the 6th time. Erica's voice sounded odd, almost formal.
He was glad to have Bianca stay with him but he still felt terrible. "You drove her out of town," he said to himself. "You
know she doesn't want anything but friendship from you and you couldn't keep your hands to yourself. If you don't get yourself
under control she's going to push you out of her life."
Chapter 6
Jack and Bianca sat in the airport waiting for Erica's flight to arrive. She had been gone for a little over
a week and Jack had missed her more than he thought was possible. She had called Bianca every day and Jack almost always talked
to her too. At first their conversations were a little awkward but gradually they lasted longer and longer, discussing Bianca,
Erica's work on the tour, his court cases, anything else that crossed their minds. Almost anything else. Neither of them ever
mentioned the kiss. The last two nights Jack had been concerned. Erica had sounded very tired and she had been coughing .
When he questioned her about it, she told him that everyone on the publicity tour had a touch of the flu and the CEO of the
company was no exception.
"She's here," Bianca said as she saw the first class passengers disembarking.
"Mom, over here." She waved and ran to hug her mother. Jack followed slowly, allowing mother and daughter a
few private moments. Erica looked as tired as she had sounded on the phone last night and she was still coughing.
"Jack, it's so sweet of you to come to the airport with Bianca," Erica reached up to hug him. She held on for
longer than she had planned. She was so tired and his arms felt so strong.
"My pleasure ," he answered. His cheek brushed against hers and he pulled back and put his hand on her forehead.
"Sweetheart, you have a fever. Have you seen a doctor?"
"I don't need a doctor Jack, it's just this silly flu thing. I'll be fine once I get home and get a good night's
sleep."
Jack's concern deepened by the time they arrived at Erica's house. Bianca had chattered away in the car, filling
her mother in on all that happened in Pine Valley while she was gone. Erica hardly responded and finally fell asleep waking
up only as the car stopped in front of the house.
"Mom, Coral has all your favorites for dinner tonight, "Bianca said. "You can tell us all about your trip while
we eat."
"I'm sorry sweetheart, I'm not very hungry. I ate on the plane." She coughed again. "That's not really a lie,"
Erica thought. " I did take a bite of the salad."
"You two go ahead and eat. I think I'll go to bed early. I have a terrible case of jet lag on top of this bug
and I'd be awful company." Erica was feeling worse by the minute. Her head was pounding, she was chilled, and her chest hurt
every time she coughed. She hated for Jack to see her looking like this. "Vanity is stronger than the flu, " she thought.
After she went upstairs Bianca looked at Jack. "She really looks sick Uncle Jack."
"Don't worry honey. I'm sure some rest will do her a world of good. But just in case I'll make an appointment
for her to see Joe Martin tomorrow. You can make sure she goes."
"Thanks a lot. Give me the hard job." Bianca laughed. Jack laughed too but he had to admit to himself that he
was worried.
Chapter 7
Erica awoke the next morning to find Bianca standing by her bed with a tray.
"Breakfast in bed, Uncle Jack's orders." Bianca set the tray down on the bedside table." You're supposed to
spend the morning in bed. Coral is making chicken soup for your lunch and I'm coming home after 6th period to drive you to
Dr. Joe's office. You have a 2:30 appointment."
"Jack certainly is taking over isn't he? I suppose I should humor him and keep the appointment." Erica started
to laugh but coughed instead. She had to struggle to catch her breath.
"Mom, are you okay?" Bianca's voice was anxious.
"I'm fine baby. I probably need some antibiotics but I'm sure Dr. Joe will take care of that. Now you'd better
hurry or you'll be late for school."
After Bianca left Erica looked at the breakfast tray. She just couldn't handle the thought of eating right now.
Maybe she would just wait for lunch and the chicken soup. She smiled a little sadly remembering a time when Jack's suggestions
of a morning in bed wouldn't have included chicken soup and doctor's appointments. "Those days are over. You might as well
deal with it," she thought. She felt like her fever was getting worse but the thought of getting up to get an aspirin was
too tiring. She finally drifted off into a deep sleep.
Jack looked at his watch wondering if he should call Erica again. When he called earlier Coral told him that
Erica had been asleep all day. She had promised to wake her up in time to keep her appointment with Joe Martin.
"I should go over there myself and make sure she's all right, " he thought. As he started out the door his phone
rang. "Uncle Jack". It was Bianca. He could tell from her voice she was very upset.
"What is it?"
"I'm at the emergency room. Mom is so sick Uncle Jack. When I got home Coral couldn't wake her up. Her fever
is so high. We called an ambulance and she's in with Dr. Joe now. Uncle Jack, I'm scared!" Bianca was crying.
"Honey, I'm on my way. Don't be scared. Everything will be all right. I promise." As Jack raced to the hospital
he thought, "Please God, don't let that be a lie."
Chapter 8
"Dixie, did you ever stop to think that maybe it would be good for Jr. to stay with his father for a while?
Boys need their fathers. I know how much I needed my father at that age. Look, Dixie, we'll talk about this later, I'm being
paged." David hung up the phone. He wasn't being paged but he was tired of the conversation. Somehow the idyllic life he had
envisioned with Dixie once he broke up her marriage hadn't worked out quite the way he had planned. Maybe if that bratty son
of hers was out of the way things would be better. Bringing up his father had been a master stroke. That always made Dixie
feel sorry for him.
She was still his strongest champion. He enjoyed watching her take on Palmer, the Martins, Dimitri, everyone
who questioned his integrity. Sometimes listening to her defending him he almost forgot that he was guilty of everything he
was being accused of. He walked out into the hallway where the nurses station was buzzing. He heard the words "Erica Kane"
and "emergency room". David began to smirk. So Erica was up to her old tricks. He remembered how when they were together she
would leave emergency messages with his service and even came to his office complaining of chest pains. "I wondered when she'd
show up for another fix in her David addiction," he thought. "She lasted longer than I thought she would but I knew she'd
be back."
As he started down the hall he saw Bianca and Jack Montgomery in the waiting room.Jack seemed to be comforting
Bianca. This was unexpected. Erica must bea patient on this floor. David turned and went back to the nurses station.
"Give me Ms. Kane's chart," he ordered.
"Is Ms. Kane your patient?" asked the floor supervisor.
"Don't question me until you have an MD after your name!" he snapped. He looked at the room number on
the chart and headed down the hall.
"Dr. Joe says Mom has pneumonia Uncle Jack. Her fever was over 104 and she was having trouble breathing. " Bianca
was shaking. "I keep thinking about the night Daddy died. Do you remember when I told her I wished that she had died instead?
What if she's thinking about that now? What if she thinks I want her to die?" Bianca burst into tears in Jack's arms.
"Bianca look at me." Jack tilted her chin up to where she was looking into his eyes. " Do you remember what
your mother did after you said that? She opened up her arms to you and held you. She loves you more than anything and she
knows you love her. She knew you didn't mean it."
Jack looked up and saw David Hayward opening the door to Erica's room. He was surprised at the surge of anger
that went through him. Some of his friends in the DA's office had tipped him off that Hayward was about to be brought down
in the Libidozone incident. The last thing Erica needed right now was that lowlife moving back in on her.
"Bianca, I'm going in to see your mother now. Will you be all right here.?"
"I'll look after her Jack." It was Leo who had just arrived at the hospital. Bianca hugged Leo as Jack left
the waiting room.
Erica was drifting in and out of consciousness. She knew she was in the hospital but she couldn't remember how
she got there. All she knew was that she felt sick and scared. She opened her eyes when she heard someone say her name.
"Erica, it's me. David."
Erica closed her eyes. She didn't want David. There was only one person she wanted. She forced her eyes open
again and whispered, "I want Jackson."
"I'm sorry Erica. He's not here," David replied surprised that Erica was asking for another man.
"The hell I'm not," Jack said from the doorway. He pushed David aside and took Erica's hand in both of his.
"I'm right here sweetheart. You knew I would be." Then he looked at David. "You can leave now. She doesn't need a cardiologist."
Erica was struggling to stay awake. " Jack, please stay with me. Please don't leave me."
"I'm not going anywhere," he said, stroking her hair. "I promise I won't leave you."
Just before she fell asleep she whispered, " I love you so much Jack. I know you don't want me to, but I can't
help it."
Chapter 9
You're doing much better Ms. Kane," the nurse said as she took Erica's vital signs. "I wouldn't be surprised
if you get to go home in a few days."
Erica leaned back against the pillows. The first few days she had been in the hospital were hazy. Her fever
had been high and it took a second antibiotic before the infection began to recede. She vaguely remembered fighting the oxygen
mask, feeling like it was suffocating her. She knew that Bianca had been there frequently and she recalled hearing the voices
of Myrtle, Opal, Palmer, Dimitri, even Leo. But the one constant had been Jack.
It was his name she had murmured every time she woke up, his hands that she clung to, and his voice that reassured
her when she felt like she might die. For the last two days Erica's condition had improved steadily. Jack had still been by
her side every minute until last night when she insisted that he and Bianca go home and rest. She had teased them that they
looked worse than she did. "I've got to start weaning myself away from Jack," she thought. " He's too wonderful to stop me
from leaning on him while I'm sick but I'm better now. I've got to stop clinging to him."
Jack opened the door to Erica's room. He had a strange expression on his face.
"Good morning beautiful," he said. "How do you feel?" He leaned down and kissed her, first on the forehead,
then on the lips.
"Much better, Jack. I'm a lot stronger this morning."
"Good. Do you think you're strong enough for us to have a talk?"
Erica nodded her head, afraid of what he might say. He was probably going to let her down gently. She wondered
if she was really strong enough to hear him tell her that they could never be together again.
"Honey, do you remember what you said to me the first night you were here?"
"Not really Jack. I'm not sure what was real and what wasn't."
"Well, I remember. I've replayed it in my head a thousand times. You said 'I love you so much Jack. I know you
don't want me to but I can't help it."
Erica looked down at her hands. This was going to be worse than she thought. She remembered thinking that but
she hadn't realized that she actually said it.
Jack continued, "Do you remember what I've said to you over the last few days? How I told you that I loved you
more than anything in the world? How I said that my life was empty without you and that I needed you to be with me forever?"
Erica looked at him in amazement. "I thought I dreamed that!"
"No sweetheart, all of that was real. And all of it was true." Jack caressed her face with the tips of his fingers."
Erica, why did you think I wouldn't want you to love me?"
"You said you couldn't live with me Jack. You said you didn't want that kind of relationship again. I thought
if you knew I loved you, that you'd pull away from me. " Erica's eyes filled with tears. " I had to have you in my life, I
couldn't risk scaring you away."
Jack pulled her into his arms and held her tightly. "I thought you only wanted friendship from me. I've been
fighting telling you how I felt for so long."
Erica leaned back on the bed pulling Jack with her. "I can't believe it took a raging fever for us to finally
be honest with each other." She kissed him, loving the feeling of his mouth on hers. "Jack, I want this to work this time.
I want you in my life every day. I'll do whatever it takes to be the woman you can spend your life with."
Jack kissed her deeply. " You don't have to do a thing but be yourself. I know I said being with you was like
flying too close to the sun but I've learned that life isn't worth living without the sun's warmth and light."
Erica looked him straight in the eyes. "Are you sure you're willing to risk it? You're not just saying this
because I've been so sick?"
"I don't think I've ever been this sure of anything in my life," he answered.
Chapter 10
Jack there is one thing we haven't talked about."
Jack was sitting on the bed with his back against the wall holding Erica against his shoulder. He smiled down
at her. "Do you want to know if I stil like to sleep on the left side of the bed?"
Erica laughed. " You can sleep on whichever side of the bed makes you happy."
She reached up to kiss him. "I'm serious Jack. This is going to be a big surprise for Bianca. I don't know how
she'll react. She loves you so much. If anything she may resent having to share your love with me but..."
"But I'm still the man who broke up her parent's marriage all those years ago, "Jack finished her sentence.
"Our being together may bring back some of those angry feelings she had as a child."
"I hope not but I think we have to consider it," said Erica. "She's coming by after school and I'd like to tell
her alone. Do you understand why?"
"Perfectly," Jack said. "She needs to feel free to express any reservations without having to worry about hurting
my feelings."
"I think she'll be fine with this darling," Erica touched his cheek with her fingertips. "But it may take her
a little time. I just hope she doesn't feel blind-sided. I'm sure our getting back together was the last thing she expected."
"Mom, you look so much better." Bianca bent down to hug Erica.
"I feel so much better," Erica answered. She held on to her daughter and stroked herhair for a moment. "Bianca,
there's something I need to tell you."
Bianca looked frightened." There's not something else wrong with you is there? The doctor's didn't give you
bad news?"
"No baby, this is something wonderful. At least I hope you'll think it's wonderful. Bianca, Jack was here for
a long time this morning."
"Mom, he's always here."
"That's right Bianca. He's always been here and he always will be." Erica chose her words carefully. "Honey,
you know that Jack and I have loved each other for years. No matter how many times we tried to fall in love with other
people and move on, something always pulled us back together. We realize now that we just can't stay apart any longer."
Erica looked closely at Bianca's face trying to gauge what her daughter was thinking. "Baby, I know this has
been a shock for you. I realize it's going to take you some time to get used to the idea."
Just then Opal appeared in the doorway. "How's my best gal pal doing?"
"Much better Opal. But this isn't a very good time for a visit. Bianca and I were discussing something important."
Bianca got up and picked up her backpack from the corner. She took out a five dollar bill and handed it to Opal.
She was grinning from ear to ear. "You win," she said.
Opal beamed at Erica. "You and Jackson are back together! I couldn't be happier girlfriend."
"What? How did you know?" Erica looked puzzled.
Bianca laughed. " Opal and I had this bet Mom. She said that you and Uncle Jack would be back together before
you ever left the hospital. I thought it would take a couple of weeks. Myrtle thought you were both so stubborn it would take
a month."
"Hey everyone, look who I ran into in the elevator," Jack said as he and Leo entered the room. Leo was carrying
a bouquet of balloons. Opal waved the five dollar bill at him.
"Damn, you two couldn't wait three days! Binky, do you have any money I can borrow? I spent my last dime on
these balloons."
"Pay your own debts Leo," Bianca said good naturedly. "Opal probably takes IOU's."
"What's going on?" Jack asked.
"Apparently there's been some betting going on about when we would get back together," Erica told him. "Just
who else was in on this?" She looked sulky.
Oh, let's see," Opal was enjoying this. "There was Val, Coral, Dimitri. I thought Dimitri might win actually.
He said you'd give in some time in the middle of your first night back home."
"Don't forget Olga, Stephanie from your office Uncle Jack, and the whole 4th floor nursing staff," Bianca added.
Everyone in the room laughed.
"Hey, are you pouting?" Jack traced Erica's lips tenderly with his thumb.
"No." But she didn't sound very convincing. "I just don't like the idea of being so transparent to everyone."
"Sweetheart, if it makes you feel any better, Brooke told me months ago that she knew I was still in love with
you."
"But that's different." Erica smiled as she said that realizing how silly it sounded.
"Oh, so everyone can know that I was eating my heart out over you but no one should guess that you were pining
away for me. Is that it?" Jack was laughing.
Erica tilted her head to one side and smiled up at him. "Exactly." The room was filled with the laughter of
their family and friends. Later as everyone drifted out, Jack stopped Bianca. "Is this really OK with you?"
"Who do you think organized the betting pool?" Bianca looked very happy.
"And guess what? No one was betting against the two of you getting together. Everyone knew it was meant to be."
Chapter 11
"Jack, you know I love having you with me every second, but darling if you don't go in to the office soon you'll
lose all your clients. I don't want to be responsible for the collapse of your law practice."
Erica and Jack were sitting in the solarium at the hospital. Walking down there had tired Erica more than she
wanted to admit and she was glad for a chance to rest before going back to her room.
"I'm not worried about the practice. You see, I know this very wealthy woman, world famous, runs her own company.
She's crazy about me. I'm thinking about ditching the law and letting her support me."Erica laughed. "So that's your plan?
Becoming a kept man? Though if I don't get back to work soon I might not be able to support you in style."
Jack looked serious. "We're not even going to talk about you going back towork until your 100% better."
"Now that's what I like to hear," Joe Martin said, walking up to where they ere sitting. "I have good news for
you Erica if you'll promise to cooperate. You can go home tomorrow but with a few conditions. You have to promise that you'll
rest for at least three days. Then come back in for a check up before you resume any activities at all."
"Joe you don't mean bedrest do you? Just taking it easy?"
"I mean absolutely no strenuous activity. Nothing more than walking from the bed to the couch. Jack, I trust
you'll see that she sticks to it." Jack looked at him with raised eyebrows. Joe grinned. "Opal hit me up this morning for
my five dollars."
"I think Opal made enough money off of us for a trip to Tahiti," Jack said inamusement. "Don't worry Joe. I
can handle Erica."
As Joe left the solarium Erica smiled at Jack seductively. "I can't wait to get home so you can show me just
how you plan to handle me."
David slammed into his office and threw a stack of folders off of his desk.He was in a terrible mood. Jr. had
moved out of Dixie's suite at the Valley Inn last night and she had cried like he was going to another planet instead of across
town to the Chandler Mansion. When David tried to calm her down she had even yelled at him that sex wasn't a cure for everything.
Of course when he pulled his hurt little boy routine and told her how much he needed her, she fell right into his arms but
afterwards she went back to her own suite instead of staying with him. She said she wanted to be home if Jr. called. One of
the things that had attracted David to Dixie was her devotion to her son, but was it asking too much for her to show him the
same kind of devotion? Then when he got to the hospital the whole staff was buzzing about true love and romantic reunions
and how Opal Courtland had won that stupid bet. He'd like to place his own bet with all these sentimental saps on how long
Erica stayed with Jack before she came back to him for the best sex she had ever known.
Now he had a message from Dimitri Marrik asking for a meeting with him tomorrow morning about the Andrassy
Foundation.Things hadn't been going well for the foundation. No new projects had been developed. Drug companies were reluctant
to use the foundation facilities after the Libidozone scandal and other hospitals weren't referring patients to the studies
that were ongoing. David glared at his empty appointment book. Several of his patients had asked for referrals to other cardiologists
and he hadn't picked up any new patients to take their place. The Martin's were blackballing him in medical circles; he was
sure of it. Could this week get any worse?
Dimitri, Alex and Edmund were talking over lunch at Wildwind. "I still think we have every right to ask for
David's resignation. His reputation is hurting the foundation.,"Dimitri said. "It carries my family name and I won't stand
for seeing it tarnished."
Edmund looked at his brother, wondering if he meant to sound so pompous."I agree that he needs to be removed.
But do you need grounds to do it? I think we should ask Jack about the legal steps we need to take before Davidb finds out
we're trying to get rid of him."
"Edmund's right Dimitri. We may need something concrete to keep David from suing the foundation for dismissing
him. I know he was responsible for drugging an entire boatload of people with Libidozone at Ryan's party but I can't prove
it. And my word isn't strong enough to convince anyone. Not after I was missing for weeks and couldn't explain my whereabouts
when I returned. I promised the British government I would never say a word to anyone but my family about the time I was gone."
"All right then," said Dimitri. "Edmund, you call Jack and see if we can set up an appointment with him this
afternoon. Let's get the ball rolling to get rid of David Hayward."
Chapter 12
Thank you for coming over tonight Jack," Edmund said as he led Jack into the living room at Wildwind.
"No problem," said Jack. "I wanted to take care of this tonight. Erica's coming home tomorrow and I want to
be with her."
"I stopped by to see her this afternoon. She looks like she's making a full recovery. She also looks very happy,
" Dimitri added.
"I intend to make sure she stays that way," Jack told him. He and Dimitri would never be friends but they had
reached an understanding over the years.
"Jack, we need your input on how to dismiss David Hayward as director of the Andrassy Foundation." Alex was
ready to get down to business. "If we ask for his resignation on suspicion only are we opening up ourselves for a lawsuit?"
Jack hesitated for a moment. "Can I count on everyone to keep what we say here completely quiet?"
"Of course, " Dimitri said. Alex and Edmund chimed in their agreement.
"I'd like for you to hold off doing anything right now. You know I still have a lot of contacts in the DA's
office. PVPD is working right now on gathering enough hard evidence to get an indictment on Hayward for the whole Libidozone
mess. Adrian Sword called some old friends as a favor to the Martins and they've located the lab technician who has been missing
since the scandal broke. If he can be persuaded to testify, then along with some circumstantial evidence they've collected,
they'll have a pretty solid case."
"What kind of evidence?"asked Edmund.
"Jake Martin found an audiotape that he believes David destroyed the day his records were audited. The tape
has been mangled but ..."
"I think I can help here," Alex interrupted. "There is technology that can recover what was on a tape under
almost any circumstances. Let me make a few phone calls. There are people in England who owe me a few favors."
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
"This is wonderful Bianca. What did you say it was called?" Bianca and Leo had sneaked a picnic basket into
Erica's room. Erica couldn't bear one more day of hospital food. "Death by Chocolate. It's the best dessert the Valley Inn
makes." "You'll have to try eating dessert once in a while Erica.
It's amazing what they can do with a huge amount of calories, " Leo grinned at her. "Hey Bianca did you tell
her who you've been e-mailing lately?"
"Who?" asked Erica with a trace of concern.
"Do you remember giving my e-mail address to one of your friends from your Parents of Gays group? You
wanted to fix me up with his daughter. Well, she heard from her father that you had been sick and she e-mailed me to ask about
you. We started IMing and we do have a lot in common. We're going to try to get together on her next break from school."
"Oh sweetheart, that's wonderful. Sometimes I actually do something right don't I?"
"I guess so," Bianca smiled as she said it. "Getting back together with Uncle Jack was one of your better moments."
"I agree with you there," Erica's smile was radiant. "I'm glad it makes you happy baby. More than anything I
want the three of us to be a happy family. I've always regretted that I never gave you that."
Leo felt a little envious. He knew that he had stayed at Erica's house too long and that moving out was a step
towards independence for him. But he couldn't help wishing that he was going to be a part of that happy family that Erica
was talking about.
Chapter 13
Ohh, it's so good to be home." Erica sighed happily and leaned back against Jack. That morning when Jack carried
her through the door she had been touched to see the house full of her favorite flowers. Bianca had skipped her first few
classes of the day to welcome her mother home and Myrtle's presence had been almost like having Mona there.
"I think it's time I took you up to bed," Jack said. He was trying not to hover over her but he couldn't help
watching every move she made and she was starting to look tired again.
"That sounds wonderful," Erica turned to face him with a flirtatious smile on her face.
" Don't look at me like that Erica. There are only so many cold showers a man can take."
She laughed delightedly, enjoying the effect she had on him. "Joe didn't say we couldn't make love."
"He said absolutely no strenuous activity and lady believe me, what I have in mind for you lends new meaning
to the word strenuous." It was Jack's turn to be seductive. "But for now, I plan on tucking you in and watching you sleep.
We have plenty of time for making love when you're strong enough to keep up with me."
He picked her up from the couch and carried her to her bedroom, placing her gently on the bed. For all of her
bravado, she really was exhausted just from the effort of leaving the hospital. She fell asleep almost instantly. Jack watched
her for a moment, wondering again if your heart could explode out of your chest from loving someone so much. Then he lay down
next to her, wrapping his body around hers.
Leo was surprised when he opened the door of his new apartment to find Dixie Martin standing there. He knew
that she was involved with his brother but he couldn't imagine what she wanted with him. "Come in Dixie," he said. " Is there
something I can do for you?"
"It's not for me, it's for David. Today's his birthday. Did you know that?"
"No, I can't say that I did."
"I wanted to do something special for him, maybe have a few people over for a little party and I hoped you'd
come."
"Dixie, David and I don't get along. We never have. I don't think he'd consider me on his A-list of party guests."
"But Leo, you're his brother." Dixie looked upset. "Can't you put your differences aside for one night? I know
he cares about you. He was so concerned last year when your mother let you be arrested for killing Paolo."
"David wanted revenge on Vanessa, that was all. Family doesn't mean a thing to him. Dixie, I've probably had
five conversations with him in all the time I've lived in Pine Valley. Besides, Erica just got out of the hospital today and
I want to stop in and see how she's doing" Leo felt sorry for Dixie."
Look, you should just invite some of your friends over and forget about trying to make David and me into the
Brady Bunch."
"But we don't have any friends," Dixie thought as she walked out into the hall. It wasn't like when she was
with Tad and they could have a huge party full of family and friends at the drop of a hat. All of her old friends hated David,
accusing him of all kinds of awful things. They just didn't know him the way she did. She could imagine their reactions if
she called to invite them to a birthday party for him. David's colleagues at the hospital didn't like him either. Some of
them might come but it wouldn't be the sort of warm happy gathering that she wanted for him. She had hoped that Leo would
come and maybe bring Laura or Bianca. " I'll just have to do everything I can to make the day special for him," she thought.
It made Dixie sad to think of what David's birthday might have been like if she wasn't in his life. "He really needs me,"
she said to herself. "I'm all he has."
Chapter 14
Erica came into Joe's office from the examining room. "Tell me Joe, am I fully recovered?"
"You're doing very well Erica. I think as long as you take things slow you can go back to your normal routine."
"Would you tell that to Jack? He's been treating me like I'm made of porcelain for the past few days. I'm surprised
he didn't actually carry me into your office." Erica was smiling affectionately.
"Let's call him in here," Joe said. He pushed the button on his intercom.
"Carrie, would you send Mr. Montgomery in please?" Jack was in Joe's office instantly, trying to look unconcerned
but not succeeding very well. " Is everything all right?" he asked.
"Everything's fine. I was just telling Erica she could resume her normal activities as long as she remembers
to rest when she feels tired."
"And if my normal activities include making love to this wonderful man...."
"Erica!" Jack laughed and covered her mouth with his hand. "Is it okay Joe? I don't to rush things if you don't
think she's strong enough."
"Normal activities include sex. There shouldn't be any problem."
Erica and Jack left Joe's office with their arms around each other. As soon as they reached the parking lot
Jack pulled out his cell phone.
"Stephanie,cancel all my appointments this afternoon." He looked at Erica and smiled."Hell, cancel all of my
appointments for tomorrow too."
Not long after Erica and Jack left Joe's office Derek Frye entered. "Good news Dr. Martin. Adrian's friends
at Interpol have located Gordon Feemster. He's willing to testify if he's granted immunity for his role in the Libidozone
scandal. He says he knows enough to hang Hayward from the rafters.The DA's office agreed to immunity and Gordon's on his way
back to Pine Valley."
"That's wonderful Derek! I can't wait to get that man off of my staff. I know I resent him for what he's done
to my family but this isn't a personal vendetta. I've worked most of my life building the reputation of this hospital into
something to be proud of. I'm not going to let Hayward destroy it."
Erica was snuggled in Jack's arms,absolutely and totally happy. They had made love all afternoon - the first
time they barely made it in the front door before they gave in to the passions that had been building for such a long time.
The next times were slower, sweeter, each one doing everything they knew gave the other pleasure. Now they were lying as close
as two people could be, unable to stop touching even for a moment.
"Happy?" Jack asked just to hear the answer.
"Happier than I've ever been in my life. I love you so much Jack. I want to spend the rest of my life proving
to you just how much I love you."
"You're doing pretty well so far," he said teasingly. "But if you'd like to make your point one more time I
suppose it would be all right." His hands started caressing her as he kissed her, feeling her body responding to his touch
one more time. Soon they were completely lost again in making love.
Chapter 15
Erica stood at the window watching Bianca back out of the driveway, closing her eyes as her daughter narrowly
missed hitting Jack's car. She still didn't like the idea of Bianca driving but she was 16 and so proud of her driver's license.
Jack came up behind her, wrapped his arms around her and kissed her on the neck. She turned and smiled up at
him. "Don't you have to go to work?"
"I took the day off, remember?"
"I didn't think you were serious."
Why don't you let me show you just how serious I am?" Jack lifted her of the floor to where her lips were even
with his. Just as he moved to kiss her the phone rang. They both looked at the phone and then at each other as it continued
to ring. Jack set Erica on her feet and looked down at the caller
ID. "It's your ex-husband."
"Which one?" Erica grinned at him.
Jack picked up the phone. "This had better be important Dimitri."
"It is Jack. The lab technician who did Hayward's dirty work is going to make his statement to the police at
10 this morning. I'd like for you to be there as a representative of the Andrassy Foundation. The Libidozone Hayward used
came into this country with the understanding that the Foundation would be using it. I want to make sure we can't be held
accountable for any of the consequences of Hayward's actions."
"I don't know if that will work Dimitri. It's not exactly according to procedures to mix private interest with
police business."
I know that. But between the two of us we should have enough contacts so that exceptions can be made."
"You're right about that." Jack thought for a moment."All right, I'll be there at 10."
Jack hung up the phone and looked at Erica. "This really is important honey."
"It's all right. I'll find something else to occupy my time. I really need to get back to work myself." Erica
wrapped her arms around Jack's waist. "Just remember where you left off and we'll continue this tonight."
Jack listened carefully, taking notes from time to time as Gordon nervously continued his story. He knew that
he had been granted immunity from prosecution but he was afraid if David Hayward found out what he was doing that his life
might be in danger. "Hayward called me from the Fidelity that night and told me that a patient was being brought in to the
ER, a young woman suffering from hypothermia. He said that I needed to make sure that all traces of Libidozone were erased
from her bloodwork and from anyone else's bloodwork that came in that night. Hayward had already threatened me that my involvement
was deep enough to bring me down with him if I told anyone. "
"How did you get involved in the first place?" asked Derek.
"Hayward was taking the drug himself. I took the blood samples to analyze how different dosages affected him.
I thought it was really a part of a legitimate study until I realized that he was using it for his own purposes."
"When was that exactly?"
" I suspected it when he told me an experiment had failed and he needed more of the drug. I checked in the computer
and no test results had been recorded for any studies conducted by the Foundation. Then about two hours before the party on
the Fidelity I went to his office. I overheard a woman talking to him. She sounded upset, confused and angry. She was telling
him that she didn't know what had happened the night before, that she had felt so out of control and she wanted to know why.
He was blowing her off but I knew that what she was describing were the effects of Libidozone. I realized that he must have
drugged her to have sex with her."
Derek leaned forward. This woman might be another potential witness. "Do you know the woman's name?"
"Oh yeah," Gordon answered. "It was Erica Kane."
Chapter 16
Jack's hands gripped the steering wheel as he headed for Pine Valley Hospital. He was trying but failing to
get his anger under control. He kept remembering that afternoon at the Valley Inn when Erica had been so seductive with everyone
- him, Dimitri, David, even Palmer. He recalled how when Erica was sitting on his lap, David had been trying to persuade her
to go home with him. "I knew something was wrong. Why did I let her leave with him?" he thought. He parked the car and headed
for the fourth floor and Hayward's office.
David was standing at the nurses station going over charts and giving orders to anyone in sight. It was time
for a shift change and the area was crowded. He didn't notice Jack approaching until Jack called his name. He looked up in
time to be sucker punched in the stomach, in the jaw and kneed in the groin. David collapsed on the ground. Jack kicked him
in the abdomen and walked toward the elevator without looking back. David was writhing in pain on the floor. He tried to whisper,
"Call security" but no one heard him. As he lay there he heard the sound of applause, first one pair of hands then two, then
more until gradually the whole staff was clapping and cheering.
Jack walked through the front door and went straight to pour himself a drink. He was glad that Erica wasn't
home yet. He knew that he had to tell her what Gordon had said. He couldn't count on this not leaking to the press and she
would be devastated enough without the tabloids being her first clue as to what had happened to her. But he couldn't bear
the thought of hurting her when she had been so happy for the last few days. When he heard the door open he prayed for the
strength to do this right.
"Darling, you're home. Couldn't wait for tonight could you?" Erica was
laughing until she looked at Jack's face
"What's wrong? Is Bianca all right?"
"Bianca's fine. But I have some bad news for you." He took Erica's hand and led her to the couch.
"Jack, you're scaring me."
"I'm sorry Erica. Honey, David Hayward is going to be arrested this afternoon for the Libidozone drugging on
the Fidelity as well as some other charges."
"That's too bad, but Jack you can't think that I'd be upset about it. Darling, David's been out of my life for
a long time.'
"I know that. But the guests on the Fidelity weren't the only people who David drugged with Libidozone. I sat
in on a questioning session with a former lab technician at the hospital. He knew of a time earlier that week where Hayward
drugged a woman and then..." Jack paused as he saw the truth dawning in Erica's eyes.
"Oh my God," she said in a whisper. "That day at the Valley Inn." She turned pale. "I even told him I felt drugged.
I couldn't understand what was happening to me. But he just laughed at me. He even told me I was addicted to him." Her voice
was bitter. Then she tightened her grip on Jack's hand.
"Oh Jack, I'm so sorry!"
"Sorry? Baby what do you have to be sorry for?"
"It must have been so humilitating for you, to sit there and hear about David and me."
"Erica, none of this was your fault! The only thing I felt was rage, that he could treat you like that." He
tilted her chin up to where she was looking into his eyes. She was in so much pain that it broke his heart.
"Honey I know how this must hurt. I know that you loved him."
"Did I? I was certainly infatuated with him. But I never trusted him and you can't really love someone that
you can't trust. " Erica shuddered as images from that day flashed through her head.
"It's not so much that it was David that used me, its just, Jack I feel almost the way I did when I was fourteen
years old. It feels almost like I was raped again. I think subconciously I felt that way even when it was happening. I remember
that I couldn't wait to take a bath when I got home."
She started to cry softly. Jack reached out, pulled Erica into his lap and cradled her in his arms. She nestled
against him and put her head on his shoulder while he stroked her hair gently. "It's going to be all right sweetheart. He's
going to pay for everything he's done."
David was holding an ice pack to his jaw when he opened the door to his hotel room.
"David, my God, what happened to you?" Dixie looked worried. David couldn't stand up straight and his face was
bruised and swollen. "Jack Montgomery happened. The man assaulted me Dixie."
"Jack? Why would Jack do something like this?"
"I don't know. Erica probably called out my name in the heat of passion.
It's a good thing Montgomery's a lawyer because I'm going to press charges."
There was a knock at the door. David opened it to find Derek standing there.
"Derek, you're just the man I wanted to see."
"Somehow I doubt that." Derek took out his handcuffs. "David Hayward you have the right to remain silent. Anything
you say can and will be held against you in a court of law."
Dixie watched horrified as Derek read David his rights and escorted him from the room.
Chapter 17
After a while Erica lifted her head from Jack's shoulder. "Will I have to testify?" she asked.
"I don't know honey. But if you do I'll be right there beside you."
Erica smiled slightly. "Do you think they'll let me sit on your lap on the witness stand?"
" Hmmm, I'll see what I can do." Jack was relieved to see her smiling.
"You're feeling better now?"
"In a way it helps to know I was drugged. Jack, every time I thought about that day I felt such self-disgust.
I didn't want to be with David yet there I was. I couldn't believe I had so little self control. But now I know why."
Erica looked adoringly into Jack's eyes. "Besides, you make me feel so loved and so secure that I can handle
anything."
Jack kissed her softly. " I punched him out you know. After I heard Gordon's story I went straight to the hospital
and let him have it. I'm not sure but I think I got a standing ovation from the nursing staff."
"Oh God Jack! He didn't hit you too did he?" She looked at him anxiously.
"No, Hayward's like most bullies. He picks on people who are weaker than he is but never stands up to someone
bigger and stronger."
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
It was morning when David and Dixie returned to his hotel room. He had spent the night in the Pine Valley jail
while Dixie contacted a lawyer to take his case and arranged bail. She was very quiet on the ride home but as they entered
the room she began to question him.
"David, how can they arrest you for something you didn't do?"
"Everyone in this town is against me. The Martins hate me, Alex and Dimitri despise me. All of these people
have power and they must have pulled strings. You're the only one who believes in me Dixie."
"Why am I the only one David? Is there something I don't see that everyone else does?" Dixie was starting to
have doubts.
"No Dixie. You're the only one who does see the truth. You're the only one who knows what I'm really like. I've
opened my heart to you. I told you about my father. No one else has ever heard that story. You know it's why I became a doctor.
Do you believe that the little boy who watched his father die would risk his medical career by drugging a whole roomful of
people?"
David put on his most sorrowful look.
Dixie melted at the sight of his sadness. "No, of course not. I do know you better than anyone. I'll help you
fight this David. I won't stand by and let them ruin your career." Dixie threw her arms around David and held him tightly
as he smirked over her shoulder. "Works every time," he thought.
Chapter 18
Don't worry Erica. I'll see that Bianca gets home after her ride. I'm a little surprised she didn't drive herself
over though." Dimitri and Erica were standing at the doorway of Wildwind.
"Believe me, she wanted to. But I was afraid it might get dark by the time she was ready to leave and I'm just
not comfortable with her driving after dark yet. "
As Erica turned to leave, Dixie came up to where they were standing.
"Dimitri, I need to talk to you about David. He needs your support. Yours too Erica."
"I'm sorry Dixie. I can't possibly support David I know him well enough to know that he's guilty." Erica started
to walk away.
"But you don't know him. You never did. If you knew what he'd been through as a child, what his mother put him
through, how his father..." Dixie stopped suddenly. She couldn't betray David's secret.
"Do you mean how Vanessa goaded his father into committing suicide?"Erica asked.
Dixie was stunned. "You can't know about that. He said I was the only person he ever told!"
"Dixie, you can't trust David. That's something everyone he comes in contact with has to learn. Now, I really
have to go." Erica walked away.
Dixie turned toward Dimitri. "How can you turn your back on him after he saved your life? Surely you don't believe
he's guilty."
Dimitri led Dixie into the house. "Hayward saved my life and was amply rewarded for it. In turn he betrayed
the foundation and risked the reputation of the hospital for his own purposes. "
"There's no proof of that." Dixie was still clinging to her faith in David but it was getting harder.
"Actually there is. I'm sure David's lawyers have already filled him in on the case against him. There's the
statement from the lab techician who David bribed to falsify hospital records."
"He could be lying," Dixie insisted.
"There's a video tape showing David dropping a flask into the punch bowl on the Fidelity."
"That doesn't mean it was Libidozone." But Dixie's voice was shaking.
"And there's an audiotape where he calculates the exact dosage that he needs to drug someone. Someone you know
Dixie."
"Who?" she whispered.
"Tad," Dimitri told her gently. "Tad was the intended victim. Drugging everyone at the party may have been accidental
but David intended to drug Tad from the beginning."
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
When Jack got back to his office after his day in court Erica was there waiting for him.
"What a nice surprise," he said kissing her. " What brings you here?"
"I couldn't remember if I told you this morning how lucky I am to be with you," she said. "So I thought I'd
come over here and show my appreciation for having you in my life." She began to unbutton his shirt.
"I do love it when you're in an appreciative mood," Jack's voice was low and seductive. He reached around to
unzip her dress.
"Don't you think you should lock the door?" Erica asked as her dress slipped to the floor.
"I'll do better than that." Jack locked the door and then pushed the couch in front of it. He turned and lifted
Erica into his arms and laid her down on his desk. "Now tell me again how much you appreciate me."
"I'd rather show you," she murmured pulling him down to her.
Chapter 19
You know Jack, it's after 10:30. We really should get up now."
Erica and Jack were still in bed on a Sunday morning. They were lying with their arms around each other,
their legs intertwined, and her head on his chest.
"Why? We don't have to go to work. Bianca always sleeps in on the weekends." Jack's voice darkened. "Besides,
I don't want to read the paper this morning. The less I hear about Hayward's plea bargain the better."
"It really bothers you doesn't it?" Erica stroked his chest.
"It shouldn't but it does. As a lawyer I know the best thing was to let him plead guilty to a lesser charge.
This way there's a lot of publicity for a couple of days and then it will all blow over. If he went to trial, it could have
dragged on for months and the Foundation and the hospital might have suffered. But a shorter sentence in a minimum security
prison just isn't enough punishment in my opinion."
"He lost his medical license too. Besides, you wanted him drawn and quartered. I don't think they do that anymore,"
she said teasingly.
"They could have brought it back just for him," Jack answered. "Sweetheart, did it help at all to know he didn't
mean to drug you, that it was really meant for Tad?"
Erica looked thoughtful. "Not really. He still knew that I had been drugged and he still took advantage of the
situation. And he still let me think that what happened was all my doing. "
Jack kissed the top of her head. "Well, if there's any justice in this world, right about now Dr. Hayward is
meeting his new cellmate. I'll bet he's about 6'5, around 350 pounds, shaved head." Erica began to giggle. Jack continued,
" His name is Bubba and he's been really lonely in prison. He's probably very excited to have a roommate after all this time."
Erica was laughing now. "You're so mean! I'll have to remember not to geton your bad side."
She moved to where she was lying on top of him and began kissing her way down his chest.
"Mmm baby you're definitely on my good side now," Jack groaned.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.
Dixie was still in bed in her suite at the Valley Inn. She couldn't bear the thought of getting up and facing
the world. After David's sentencing yesterday, everyone knew what a fool she had been. "Be honest Dixie," she thought. "Most
of them already knew." She thought back over the past months and couldn't believe that she could have been so blind. When
Leslie was arrested for stalking Tad, she had told the police that David encouraged her to go after Tad and even told her
that Tad was interested in her. But David had laughed and said that Leslie was insane and she had believed him.
When Alex came back and told everyone that she knew David was using Libidozone for illegal purposes, David had
told her that Alex was a woman scorned. He recounted the story about how Alex had pursued him in medical school and turned
on him when he rejected her. Dixie had believed him then too. There was a knock at the door. Dixie pulled the covers over
her head but the knocking continued. "Dix, open the door. It's me, Tad."
Dixie couldn't believe it. What was he doing here?
"I'm not leaving until you open the door. Come on baby, let me come in. I'm worried about you."
Dixie put on her robe and went to the door. When she opened it, Tad took her in his arms. Neither one of them
said a word, they just held on to each other.
>>>>>>>>>>>>
Erica sat at her dressing table brushing her hair. It was almost noon and she and Jack had decided they probably
should get up before Myrtle arrived for lunch.
"Jack, do you know what I think we should do next weekend?"
"I certainly hope you're not planning on waiting until next weekend," he said putting his hand on her shoulders
and kissing her neck.
"Don't you ever think about anything else?" she laughed hitting him playfully with her hairbrush. Then she stood
up and turned to face him. "I want us to drive up and visit Lily at school. I think it's time I really got to know your daughter."
Chapter 20 - Conclusion
"I think that's everything," Tad said as he brought the last of Dixie's suitcases into their bedroom. Dixie
turned and smiled. She was hanging her clothes back into the closet next to his suits. After 3 months of marriage counseling
they both felt they were ready to live together again. Counseling had been painful at times for both of them. Tad had to admit
that he had never really considered Dixie a partner in their marriage and that in some ways he was more comfortable with Liza
because he wasn't afraid of disappointing her.
Dixie was forced to face the fact that her sexual attraction to David was so strong that she had deliberately
shut her eyes to the truth about him. But one fact had emerged from the sessions. Tad and Dixie had never stopped loving each
other. With the therapist's help they were going to build on that and try to make their marriage work this time.
"I wish the boys were moving back in too," Dixie said a little sadly. While both Jamie and Jr. were happy that
Tad and Dixie were trying again, neither one of them had chosen to move home at this time.
"I know, so do I. But I can understand them being leery. We've put them through a lot in the past. It's natural
that they'd be a little wary of trusting us to make things work. But we'll prove to them that we've learned from our mistakes
this time." Tad kissed Dixie on the forehead. "One of our mistakes was not communicating and I'm changing that right now."
"What do you mean?" Dixie asked.
"Do you remember when I decided to leave television? I told Dad before I told you. Well, baby you're the first
person to hear this. I'm quitting my job at Chandler."
Tad, are you sure?" Dixie couldn't believe her ears.
"Liza only hired me in the first place to make Adam crazy. And I can see now what my working with her so closely
must have done to you."
"I don't want you to give up your job for me," Dixie said.
"I'm not giving it up for you. I'm giving it up for us. Besides, I really don't like the corporate world. It's
just not me."
"I never thought it was." Dixie hugged Tad tightly. "I'm glad you're leaving the job. What do you think you
want to do?"
" I've thought about this a lot and I realized that the only job I really loved was being a private detective.
I'd like to go back to that. What do you think? I'll get a trench coat, maybe a deer stalker cap, it'll be great."
"That sounds wonderful Tad. You know, I've been thinking about going back to work myself. "
"Hey, you can be my assistant! We'll get you your own trenchcoat."
" I'm flattered sweetie, but I really want to go back to teaching. It's what I should have done in the first
place instead of taking the job at the hospital with David."
"Dix, you'll be a great teacher. Hmmm, I like this idea a lot." Tad got that devilish sparkle in his eyes. "I'll
come by after school and you can make me have detention. Maybe if I'm a really bad boy you can get out the paddle."
"Or if you're a good boy I'll let you clap my erasers," Dixie laughed.
"Is that what you call them? Mrs. Martin, you sure have a nice set of erasers.
" Tad reached out for Dixie, both of them laughing. Laughter quickly turned to passion as they fell back on
to the bed.
Jack stood by the fireplace watching Erica brushing Lily's hair. Repetitive actions like hair brushing were
very soothing for Lily. Her first week long visit home had been a great success. Lily was only two years younger than Bianca
but she was small for her age and her lack of verbal skills made her seem much younger. She and Erica had quickly established
a strong rapport during visits at school and that helped her adjust to being in a home setting.
To everyone's surprise she was crazy about Leo. He had come for a visit the first morning, bringing his dog
Happy with him, and had ended up staying most of the week.
"There sweetheart, do you want to take this back to your room?" Erica handed the brush to Lily.
"I'll take her upstairs Mom," said Bianca.
"Come on Lily, we can listen to music in my room." Bianca winked at Jack as she and Lily walked upstairs.
"Oh Jack, I wish she didn't have to go back to school tomorrow," Erica said sadly.
"So do I, but you know her teachers say she needs a highly structured environment. It's been so good having
her here.You're really wonderful with her," Jack said sitting down next to Erica.
"Bianca says I get along so well with her because she doesn't argue with me," Erica said smiling. " Now what's
on your mind? I can tell you're up to something by that look on your face."
"Erica, there's something I want to talk to you about. Something I want to give you." Jack took a small box
out of his pocket.
"Oh Jack! Is that what I think it is?" Erica's smile was radiant.
"It's not an engagement ring, if that's what you're thinking." Jack watched as Erica's smile disappeared. He
couldn't help teasing her a little. "After all, you've still got more than one of mine around here somewhere. You never gave
any of them back."
Erica looked at him and her eyes flashed angrily. "Do you want the combination to the safe? Go look in there
and take them back if you still remember what they look like! Or pick out the ones you like best. You're not the only man
who's ever given me a ring you know!"
"Aaahhh, an Erica Kane tirade! We haven't had one of those in a long time. Are you finished?" Jack was laughing.
Erica joined in.
"I can't stay mad at you," she said kissing him.
"Now, don't you want to see what's in the box? "
Erica opened it. She looked at Jack in astonishment. "Wedding rings?"
"Honey, we've tried being engaged before. Something always went wrong. I'm not willing to risk letting that
happen again. I want us to get married tonight, with just the two of us and our daughters here."
"Is that possible?"
"I know enough people in the legal system to make it possible. I've already talked to the girls. Bianca's thrilled
and I think Lily is too. If you say yes, the judge will be here in an hour."
Jack knelt in front of Erica and took both of her hands in his. "Erica, we belong together. We both know
it. Will you marry me tonight?"
Erica had tears in her eyes. "Of course I will." She threw her arms around
Jack's neck.
"I've made so many mistakes Jack. Sometimes I can't believe you would still want me after everything I've put
you through. But I know that the love we share is unbreakable. I think I've always known that somehow we would end up together.
After all, as Bianca told us, it was meant to be."
The Christmas Angel
by Posse Gal Pam
Erica slept peacefully, blissfully wrapped in Jack’s sports coat. She hadn’t intended to fall asleep
at his loft, but in the stillness of the night, her thoughts of only him, sleep had overtaken her. Smiling to herself, she
imagined herself cloaked in the warmth of his arms, the smell of his cologne intoxicating her. If only he were there with
her....
“Erica. Erica wake up” came a familiar voice. The voice at first seemed faint. But as it continued,
it became more forceful, louder, like the beat of a drum. “Erica. Erica. Ericaaa.”
Erica opened her eyes slowly, shaking off the fog of her slumber. She smiled as she looked up at the face before
her. But as she focused on the face, her smile dropped and she sat up with a start. Sleep’s haze gave way to clarity,
then utter confusion.
“Travis? Travis, is that you? How? Am I— ? Oh my God, I’ve died and gone to Hell.”
The visitor laughed. “No Erica, you’re not in Hell. You’re in Pine Valley. There is only a
fine difference between the two, I’ll admit. But Hell’s hotter in Winter. And, no, I’m not Travis. I’m
the Ghost of Christmas Past.”
“Ahh, I see. The Ghost of Christmas Past. Of course that’s who you are. And how do you know my name?
Did Greenlee send you? Is this some sort of sick joke? And why do you look so much like Travis?” Erica was clearly becoming
unhinged.
“Look, I told you. I’m not Travis. I’ve only chosen his physical form because it’s familiar
to you. I’m the Ghost of Christmas Past. Here, I’ll prove it to you.” With that, the Ghost of Christmas
Past turned on the television with a wave of his hand.
“All right.. Nice trick. But turning on a television is not-----.” She stopped abruptly when she
focused on what was on the television. “How? What the—?“.
“Christmas season circa 1989,” the Ghost offered. “A year of big hopes and even bigger hair.
Oh, look there’s Jackson. Frankly, I think Travis was better looking.”
Erica glared at the ghost. “Are you absolutely sure you’re not Travis?” Then she turned
her attention to the television. It was Jackson all right. He had come to give her the earrings that his Aunt
Dina left him. She watched as her past played out. She re-lived Jack’s first “I love you” and all of the
love and tenderness they showed each other that Christmas. Erica was filled with emotion. When she spoke, her voice trembled.
“That seems like so long ago. We were so in love. We were going to get married----“ Her voice broke off. “Please,
I’ve seen enough.”
“Oh no, you don’t get off that easily. Let’s fast forward a year or two. Ahh, here we are.”
Erica turned her attention to the screen again. She and Travis were married. But, she was having an affair with
Jack. She was promising Jack that they would be together, that she would ask Travis for a divorce right after the holidays.
Erica winced at the memory. But, the ghost showed her no compassion. “So it appears that yet another holiday hope is
dashed . Tell me, what is that you have against Christmas?”
Erica could barely speak, her voice a whisper. “I was trying to protect my daughter. I meant well. I loved
him so much. I always have. I-----“ Erica began crying softly. “Why are you here? Why are bringing up all of these
painful memories?”
There was no answer to her question. “Let’s move on. Oh, here’s a good one. Christmas season
1996, was it? You had just been released from the slammer. And here you are at the Crystal Ball. Roll tape!”
This time, Erica closed her eyes. She couldn’t watch. But the memories played on in her head. She and
Jack dancing, holding each other gently, kissing. They had professed their love for each other later that evening. Months
later he would propose again—a proposal that she would happily accept.
“So full of hope.” came the ghost’s voice.
“Yes”, replied Erica softly, opening her eyes. “But, you never answered my quest—“
When she opened her eyes, she realized that the ghost was gone and the television was off. Erica’s mind
was reeling from what she had seen. So many years right there before her. So much love. So much hope for the future. Had they
lost sight of that?
Erica was startled out of her reverie by the opening of the front door.
“Oh, Jack! Oh I’m so glad to see you!!” She ran to him with open arms, grabbing him
into a hug. “You won’t believe what just happened here. In fact, I think you’d better sit
down. And, by the way, why did you stay away so long? I have so much to tell you—“
Her voice trailed off once she realized that Jack was not reacting. He had not returned her embrace. His face
was emotionless.
“Jack, is there something wrong? Is it Bianca? Jack?”
“I am not Jack. I am the Ghost of Christmas Present.”
“Christmas Present? The Ghost of Christmas Present? Look, whoever is behind this is doing a bang up job.
Let’s just call off this charade. If—no, WHEN—I find out who is putting you people up to this, you will
be sorry that you ever met me!” .
“I’ve already been told that would be the case, Ms. Kane. I must say that you certainly live up
to the legend.”
Unamused by the visitor’s sarcasm, Erica replied “Please let me show you the door. I think you need
to go before I call the police.”
“I’ll go, right after you have seen this.” The Ghost of Christmas Present handed Erica a large,
sealed envelope. “Open it.”
Erica tore open the envelope. It was filled with photos of Jack which had been taken over the past 48 hours.
They depicted a fatherly Jack with Greenlee, offering advice and comfort; a compassionate Jack hugging Bianca and Reggie ;
a concerned Jack advising distraught Kendall; and a loving Jack holding Erica close.
“Why do all of you lean on Jackson for support?”, the ghost asked somewhat rhetorically.
Erica did not hesitate with her reply. “Because we trust him. Jack always does the right thing. I may
not always agree with him. But, in the end, Jack always follows his heart —and his conscious.”
“Has he ever let you down?”
“Yes----and No. He has refused to lie for me. He has forced me to be honest with myself and with others.
In those moments—during Bianca’s custody dispute and during my
kidnapping trial—my narrow view was that he had betrayed me. But, in looking at the broader picture, and
with the maturity of hindsight, I know that he has only wanted the best for me. He wanted me to be able to love the person
that I see in the mirror every day.
Other men have loved me superficially. They’ve fallen for the image of Erica Kane. But, Jack loves me–the
real me. He loves who I am, not what
I am. I had difficulty seeing that before. But, I see that now. And look at him, in these
photos. He loves us all.”
“But look at him. He’s being pulled in so many different directions. How can you be sure that his
love for you will never fade?”
Erica was stunned by the question. It was as if he had been reading her thoughts. “I, I don’t know.
That’s what scares me, I suppose. Jack and I have been through so much together. He has never, ever failed me. I wish
I could just allow myself to be loved by him. I wish I could just have enough faith in his love for me.”
“Faith. Yes, that is a difficult concept for you isn’t it Ms. Kane?”
“I beg your pardon? What exactly do you mean?”
“Well, you just said that Jackson has been there for you through some very tough times.
You’ve also said that he has never truly let you down. Yet, you are still insecure in his love for you.
Is that right?”
“Yes, yes, I suppose it is.” Erica replied softly.
“Tell me, Ms. Kane. What would it take for you to have faith in Jackson—to believe in his love so
strongly that you would never doubt it, not even for a second? Does he need to constantly reassure you of his love?”
“He does that.”
“Okay then, does he have to commit to you by asking you to marry him?”
“He has done that, several times.”
“Well, maybe he should live a life devoted to only you.”
“No, that would be–“
“Selfish?”
“Yes. And ridiculous. Besides, he’d never go along with that.”
“I agree. So what is it that you need from him exactly?”
Erica turned away and pondered the question. She searched her heart for the answer.
Then it dawned on her. She needed nothing more from him. He had given himself to her entirely, completely. Had
she done that for him? In that moment, Erica realized that she had been her own worse enemy. Sure, she had faith in Jack.
But it had been superficial: faith that he would always be there when she needed him, faith that he would always offer the
right advice. But, the faith that she had lacked was deeper than that: faith that the depths of his love for her were endless,
that she could give her heart to him without fear or reservation. Her eyes were open now. She would do everything in her power
to show Jack that she did have faith in him and in his love for her. Erica turned to thank the Ghost of Christmas Present,
but he was gone.
There was knock at the door. Erica opened the door to a beautiful raven haired little girl with pale blue eyes.
She looked as if she was no older than 10 or 11. She seemed curiously familiar, somewhat reminiscent of Bianca at the same
age, with Jack’s blue eyes.
Erica smiled at the girl. “Hello sweetheart. Are you lost?”
“No. I’m not lost. Actually, I’m here to see you. I’m the Ghost of Christmas Future,”
the girl responded, sounding much older than she appeared.
“I think I know the drill now,” Erica replied laughingly. “So, what does my future hold? Is
Jack in it? And, will I ever find my—“
“Whoa! Lady, I’m not a fortune teller. I’m the Ghost of Christmas Future. I’m here to
clue you in on what your future might be like
if you don’t start steering your ship in the right direction. Haven’t you ever read Dickens’ ‘A Christmas
Carol’?”
Erica laughed. “My, you are a bit precocious aren’t you?”
“A bit. Actually, I come from a long line of highly intelligent women—though you wouldn’t
know it from some of the choices they’ve made. Which brings me back to my reason for being here.”
“Ah yes, that. Well, what visual aids did you bring? Let’s see, we’ve done television photos,
what’s next, a Broadway musical all about me?”
“Wow, what an ego. No, this one won’t be about you at all. It’s about Him.” The girl
pointed to a nativity scene that Jack had placed in the corner, on a small table.
“Jesus?”
“Why not. That’s who Christmas is about, isn’t it?”
“Well sure, but what does that have to do with my future? Where’s the lesson for me in the birth
of Christ?”
“Hey, you’re the adult. You tell me. But first, answer this question for me: Do you really buy into
that whole ‘virgin birth’ story? Sounds pretty fishy to me. What do you think?”
“Well, you’re awfully cynical!”
“Hey, I’ve watched reality TV—your generation’s creation by the way---- I know a fishy
story when I hear one.”
Erica was amused by the enchanting little girl. “Well, I’m not deeply religious, but I think that
whether you believe the story behind his conception or not is irrelevant. I think the real miracle of Christmas is the notion
that a when a child is born, the world is given a Divine gift. A child is a blank slate, a well of untapped potential. The
birth of Jesus gives us hope that every new life can make a difference.”
“Wow, that’s really beautiful. So, what your saying is that no matter how he got here, the world
is a better place because He was born into it.?”
“Yes, that’s it exactly. And every child has the potential to effect great change—either positive
or negative— on the world into which they are born.”
“Oh, I think I get it now. But, what determines whether a child grows up to do good versus evil?”
Erica thought about it for a moment. She thought about her own life—about how differently Kendall and
Bianca had seemed initially, and how Kendall had changed and grown over the past year. “I don’t want to sound
corny, but I think that love is what makes the difference. If you show a child love, unconditional love, then love is what
she gives in return.”
The girl smiled at Erica. “Thank you for the education on the power of love. I think my work here is done.”
Erica smiled back. “I don’t understand. I thought that I was supposed to learn the lesson.”
“You have. You will. You’ll see. Until we meet again.....”
“But, wait—“ Erica reached out to hug the girl, but she vanished, leaving a confused Erica
to ponder the gifts of wisdom that her visitors had bestowed upon her. When she drifted back to sleep, the voice she heard
was Mona’s:
Erica, you have always had all of the answers. But, it’s all right to admit to being confused and scared.
Tonight you learned that what the Bible tells us is true—that of these three things —faith, hope and love----the
greatest of these things is love.
Erica, our trials give us hope. Our triumphs give us faith. And the people who stand beside us through it all—they
teach us to love. And, my sweet angel, that is the greatest of all gifts. I have always wanted to see you happy. I think you
know who and what makes you happy. Erica, don’t be afraid to fulfill your destiny. With Jack by your side, you will
not fail. I love you.
Erica awakened suddenly, reaching out to her mother. Instead, when she opened her eyes, she found herself in
Jack’s embrace. He had returned. “You were having a dream—“ he started.
“No, it wasn’t a dream, Jack. It was so real. I can’t even begin to tell you how happy I am
to see you.” Her eyes welled up with tears. Jack didn’t ask any questions. He just held her, loving her as he
always had and always would.
The End
|
The Christmas Angel
Add your content here
|
|
|
Add your content here
|
Add your content here
|
Add your content here
|
Add your content here
|
Add your content here
|
Add your content here
|
Add your content here
|
|
Add your content here
|
Add your content here
|
Add your content here
|
Add your content here
|
Add your content here
|
Add your content here
|
Add your content here
|
Add your content here
|
Add your content here
|
Add your content here
|
|
Add your content here
|
Add your content here
|
Add your content here
|
Add your content here
|
Add your content here
|
Add your content here
|
Add your content here
|
Add your content here
|
Add your content here
|
Add your content here
|
|
