Eric was thankful to Ambassador for helping him get the teaching position lined up and for giving him a ride to airport. The Ambassador had told Eric it was the least he could do since Eric had helped his son get into Harvard. Eric was flying first class because he wasn't planning on leaving Point Place for a long time if ever again. After twenty hours of flying Eric was thankful to be walking off the plane. Lexi had been a good baby. She was eighteen months old now and loved to babble but Eric had gotten her to be quiet.

Jackie was waiting for them at the gate. Eric had always thought Jackie was hot but now, she was more beautiful than anyone other than Marie. Jackie waved at Eric and he made his way to her. He introduced Lexi to Jackie and instantly Lexi was hugging Jackie and smelling her hair. Eric knew Lexi missed her mom and Eric could tell now. Jackie didn't act like the old Jackie would have. Eric knew she was a nurse and she had just left the hospital to take a job with a local pediatrician.

Jackie was instantly in love with Lexi. She was so cute. Jackie babble with Lexi while Eric grabbed the bags from baggage claim. Lexi looked up at Eric and shouted "DADA!"

Eric took his daughter and tickled her. Lexi was instantly laughing and Eric smiled like Jackie had never seen. Eric had changed in Africa and Jackie was happy her friend had grown up. At that time Eric held Lexi above his head and Jackie saw Eric had developed muscles. Damn when did Eric get hot?

Eric paid for a cart and pushed it while Lexi walked holding Jackie's hand. Eric was walking behind them. Eric had to admit looking at Jackie was nice. Why was he thinking about Jackie like that? He had just buried Marie six months ago. Jackie got Lexi laughing as Eric loaded the bags in Jackie's Camry. Jackie had bought it because her old Lincoln died and needed something reliable. Red Forman had helped her get a good deal. Jackie had already hooked the child seat in the car and Eric loaded Lexi into the seat. She was babbling away and blowing kisses at Eric and Jackie. Eric was thankful he always kept a smile on his face around his daughter. He wanted her happy even if he wasn't. Every night for six months after he put her to bed he cried himself to sleep. He missed Marie and how she always made him smile.

Jackie parked in her assigned spot and helped Eric get Lexi inside. While he hauled the bags in Jackie was playing peak-a-boo with Lexi. Jackie made dinner which was shake and bake chicken with Mac and Cheese. Eric cut up Lexi's chicken for her and Lexi loved the Mac and Cheese. She soon was sleepy and Eric put her to bed. Jackie was beat too and told Eric she was going to bed. Eric made his way to the couch and started crying. Jackie wasn't asleep yet when she heard crying. Thinking it was Lexi she stuck her head out of the door. It was coming from her living room so it wasn't Lexi, but Eric. Why was he crying?

Jackie moved quietly down the hall. She heard Eric say "Why did you take her? I needed her. I am lost without my Marie!"

Poor Eric thought Jackie. "Eric, are you ok?"

"Jackie? Were you eavesdropping? "

"No I heard you crying. Talk to me please. I want to help you."

"Jackie, I have to do this on my own. I don't know if I can raise my daughter by myself."

"Eric, did you think I wouldn't help you if you asked? I will help you raise Lexi as Aunt Jackie, but I Have one request."

"What?"

"I get to be god mother. I am great with Betsy and I will be even better with Lexi."

Eric hugged his friend and said "You are so right Jackie! I am sorry for not telling you and being so mean to you growing up."

"Eric we were stupid kids! Now, talk to me, we need to get you happy, I mean really happy. This can't be good for you. Have long have you been doing this?"

"Since it happened!"

"GOD Eric! Talk to me and let's get through this depression you have. You put up a good front but now we stop it."

They spent the next three hours talking. Eric felt much better now and Jackie was amazed that Eric could flip a switch.

Eric slept better than he had in six months. Jackie woke with a sense of purpose. Eric was in her kitchen making breakfast. Lexi was sitting her in booster seat that Jackie had bought even though Eric hadn't asked her. Lexi was eating dry cut up apples and bananas. Eric made bacon and eggs for himself and Jackie. Jackie was impressed with his cooking. She told him they would arrive at his parents at 4pm. She would go in first while he sat in the car for five minutes.

They spent the day playing with Lexi. While Lexi was napping Eric and Jackie talked some more and Jackie saw more of her old friend returning. Well the newer version of the old friend. Eric felt like the ton of bricks her was carrying on his shoulders was lifting. He hugged Jackie as thank you. IT felt good to do that. Jackie smelled like vanilla and lavender. Eric liked that smell.

Finally it was time to head out to his parents. Jackie parked at the curb like she always did and walked up the driveway. Red saw her enter the kitchen. "Loud one, you are always right on time. How have you been?"

"Better now. Last week was rough with leaving the hospital but my new job will be so much better."

"Glad to hear that and I know Kitty will be too. Come on she's in the living room."

They headed in the living room. Jackie said "I have an early Christmas present for you guys but you have to close your eyes. Can you do that?"

Red grumbled but since he liked Jackie, he went along with it. Eric was walking in the kitchen when Jackie pushed back in the kitchen and was holding a finger to her lips. She took Lexi and sent Eric into the Living room. There sat his parents with their eyes closed. He said "Mom and Dad I am home!"

"MY BABY!" Kitty was wrapped around Eric instantly. "Welcome home Eric! So dumbass was Jackie's surprise."

"Good to see you too Dad! This is only part one of your surprise. Jackie come on in!"

Jackie walked in holding Lexi. Red's mouth dropped and he was speechless, Kitty spoke for both "Eric?"

"Mom, Dad, this is your granddaughter!"

"Granddaughter? Of all the dumbass things."

"Dumbass" Lexi spoke right back

"Great Dad, thanks I was hoping Daddy would be her first word!"

"Dada!"

"Come here Lexi!"

Jackie set her down and Lexi tottered over to Eric. She was learning new things every day and was way ahead of the learning curve.

Eric told his parents the story that he told Jackie over the phone. Red didn't say anything but understood his son had become a man. Kitty was hurt Eric didn't tell them about being married or Lexi.