Jonathan decided to use his car service, so they got into the limo and went to her doctor's office.

They arrived about 15 minutes early.

She signed in and filled out some forms.

"Did you bring anyone with you?"

"Yes, a friend".

"When the nurse calls you back, bring them with you, ok?"

She nodded.

She went and sat by Jonathan.

"So, I was planning on you waiting for me in the waiting room, but the nurse wants me to bring you back with me when they call me. I hope you are ok with that".

"It's fine. Whatever you need".

A few minutes later, they were called back and shown to the doctor's office.

"Hi Jennifer."

"Hi Dr. Watkins, this is Jonathan, my friend".

She was beginning to hate that word.

"The reason I wanted to see you today was that I prefer to tell you these results in person. I was going over your latest test results. And I noticed that you have some elevated levels. So, I took another look at the scans we did last time when we did your pap smear and ultrasound. And I zoomed in, so that I can see it a lot clearer. I am seeing a lot of scar tissue built up, otherwise known as endometriosis. That, along with the other elevated levels that I am seeing, leads me to believe you have something known as Pelvic Inflammatory disease. This condition is usually treatable if caught early. However, I suspect that you have had it awhile. I hate to tell you this, but having children might never happen for you, because of this. I am not saying it's impossible, just that it's not guaranteed."

Jennifer nodded.

"I suspect that once upon a time, you had some sort of infection in the uterine area, and it never really went away. That is most likely the cause behind this".

She nodded.

"So, I don't have to see you again till 6 months from now, for your mammogram."

Jennifer nodded.

"Thank you".

She and Jonathan got up and left.

After she checked out, they headed back to the car and headed to the airport.

As soon as they were in the car and on their way, he turned to her.

"Wanna talk about it?"

"No thanks. I'm fine".

She gave him a weak smile.

"Thank you for going with me, I hope that you weren't too uncomfortable".

"I'm fine, I'm worried about you".

"I'll be ok, once I see my father. I should warn you-he's pretty tough on the guys I bring home. He's not a fan of public displays of affection and he's not one for subtlety, or keeping his opinions to himself".

"Got it. I can handle whatever comes my way".

They got to the airport, and pulled around to where his plane was. After they were done unloading the car, he tipped the driver and then they boarded the plane.

"Jack, this is Jennifer Edwards. Jennifer, this is my pilot Jack".

"Nice to meet you. Thanks for doing this on such short notice".

"No problem, ma'am. Happy to fly you and the boss anywhere".

He brought Jennifer into the main cabin.

"So, this is it. I have a bathroom, kitchen, bedroom and shower in the back. Take a seat wherever you like".

"This is so nice".

He took a seat and she sat next to him.

They buckled up and then took off a few minutes later.

"How long is the flight?"

"When I fly commercial, it only takes about 2 hours".

"Perfect."

"I think I am going to lie down".

"Well, you are in the perfect seat for that, because that one reclines. Hit that button on the armrest".

As soon as she hit it, the feet popped out.

"Very nice".

"Hit that black button, and you will lean back".

She did, and got comfy.

"I've been missing out".

He chuckled at her.

He reclined his seat as well, and within a few minutes, they were both asleep.

They stayed asleep till about 20 minutes before the flight, when Jonathan got up to go to the bathroom.

He popped up into the cockpit to check on Jack.

"I was just about to call you-we are due to land in about 10 minutes".

"Oh, great. I will go tell Jennifer".

He came back and sat beside her.

"Jennifer".

No response.

He picked up her hand and laced his fingers through hers.

"Jennifer….wake up….we are about to land. Jennifer….wake up".

She slowly stirred, and looked at him.

"Hey, sleepyhead. We are about to land, and we have to sit up".

She nodded.

She sat back up, and he leaned over and got her a bottle of water.

"Thank you".

He held her hand through the landing, and then they started getting their things together.

"We need to rent a car, it's about a 40 minute drive from the airport".

"I already have one arranged".

She opened her wallet and handed him a credit card.

"No, that's not necessary".

"Jonathan, this is my fault. We are in this mess because of me, it's the least I can do".

"Jennifer-this isn't your fault and it's fine. I promise".

She finally put her credit card back in her wallet. She leaned over and kissed his cheek.

"Thank you".

They deboarded the plane, and took the shuttle to the car pickup, and picked up their car.

She gave him directions, and pretty soon, they were at her father's estate, in Hill Haven, Maryland.

They parked in the driveway, and grabbed their bags from the backseat.

Walter came out to help them.

"Hi Walter!" she ran to him and gave him a big hug.

"Walter, this is Jonathan Hart. Jonathan, this is Walter. He kind of runs the house".

The men shook hands.

"Where is Pa?"

"In the living room. He's been expecting you".

She took Jonathan's hand and walked him in there.

"Hi Pa!"

She gave him a huge hug for several minutes.

"Hi my sweetheart. It's so good to see you".

"Pa, this is Jonathan Hart. Jonathan, this is my dad, Stephen Edwards".

"Nice to meet you, son".

"Thank you, sir. Nice to meet you as well".

"Pa, we need to talk to you. Let's sit down".

"Oh, it's going to be one of those talks, is it?"

"No, it's not what you think. Jonathan and I were on a date the other night, and I went to the bathroom. While I was in the bathroom, something happened. I overheard something I shouldn't have, and now the FBI is involved. They are making me go into the witness protection program".

"What did you overhear?"

"A conversation, between a man who owed someone money and the person who wanted to collect. And I heard a gunshot and they saw my face and I saw the gunman's face, and as it turns out, he is connected".

"How long will you be gone?"

"I don't know. Until they catch him and bring him to trial, I guess".

"How am I supposed to contact you?"

"You can't even try". She dug into her wallet and got out the business cards.

"If there is an emergency, you can call this agent and he will contact me".

"I don't like this. But your safety is important. So, I can only hope that you will be safe and protected and won't be gone long".

"I will".

"Where does your friend fit into all of this?"

"Well, they are making him go too because he was with me that night".

"I see."

"Jennifer, is there a bathroom I can use?"

"Yes, top of the stairs, end of the hall. Make yourself at home".

After he was out of earshot, Stephen looked at Jennifer.

"So, tell me, just how serious are you about this young man?"

"Pa, we aren't exactly in a relationship yet. It's complicated".

"Try me".

"Well, we know we want to be more than friends, but we don't know what we are, yet. We were on track to figure it out, and then all of this happened. But, I do know that he is a perfect gentleman, he has been more than generous, and I'm so thankful to have to go through this with him as opposed to anyone else".

"How generous has he been?"

"Well, the police suggested that I move out of my apartment for a few days and into a hotel, and he insisted on going to my place with me to help me pack, and then let me stay with him in his suite at the Plaza. I had my own room and shower. Other than that, we flew here in his private plane, and he insisted on paying for the car we rented. Trust me, he's very generous".

"Well, if he makes you happy, then I'm happy".

"Thanks, Pa."

She kissed his cheek, just as Jonathan came back into the room.

"Son, thank you for watching over my Jennifer and helping her get here".

"It was my pleasure, sir. She's incredible".

"She takes after her mother, that's for sure".

He stood up then.

"I am going to go see if Walter has dinner ready, yet".

He left the room, leaving them alone.

Jonathan came and sat next to Jennifer.

He picked up the picture on the table.

"Is this your mother?"

"Yeah, I was about 4 years old here. She passed away when I was 12".

"I'm sorry".

"Don't be. It was a long time ago".

She turned to him and put her hand over his.

"Pa really likes you, you got off easy".

"He's rather easy to talk to. I was a little nervous, but now I'm not sure why".

He put an arm around her.

"You are so beautiful".

"Thank you".

He leaned forward and kissed her, and she rubbed his cheek with her hand.

"That will be just about enough of that".

They broke the kiss.

"Pa, it was just a kiss".

"Walter says dinner will be ready in about 20 minutes, so we should probably get ready. Son, you will be staying in the guest room, Jennifer can show you where it is. Jennifer, your room is ready as well".

They stood up and headed upstairs with their bags.

She showed him to the guest room, and then went to her own room.

He came across the hall a few minutes later.

"Would khaki pants be ok for dinner?"

"Sure. I'm not changing, as I didn't bring anything else to wear today".

"Got it".

She put her hands on his chest and gave him a small kiss.

"I'm sorry that my dad caught us kissing. You were a good sport".

"And you are a marvelous kisser".

He kissed her again and then left to get ready.

'Get a grip, Jennifer, you two are going to be separated tomorrow', she told herself.

They walked down the stairs together, and into the dining room.

After a lovely meal, they went to the study to have a brandy after dinner. Walter had built them a fire, and Jennifer and Jonathan sat in front of the fire.

"You have a lovely home, Mr. Edwards".

"Thank you, son. It's a shame you two can't stay longer, or Jennifer could take you riding. We have a large amount of riding trails".

He turned to Jennifer.

"So, you ride horses?"

"Yes, well I did all the time when I lived here. I haven't ridden seriously in years, but I can still hold my own on a horse".

"Jonathan, what about your family?"

"Well, I don't really have any. I was raised in an orphanage, and never knew my parents that I can remember. I was never adopted. I do have Max, my houseman. I should probably call him tomorrow".

"How do you know Max?"

"Well, I was about 12 when the orphanage decided I was too old to be adopted. So, they insisted that I get a job. So, I got a job selling papers. I stood on the corner every day selling papers, and Max, he came by every day and bought a few. He's really big into gambling and horse races, so he always wanted the racing forms. And he is the only person in my life to have stuck around. He is responsible for me getting an education, and after I got my business going, I hired him as a way to pay him back. He drives me places when I need him to, he takes care of the house, he does whatever".

"He sounds great".

"He is. He really is".

"Well, I think I am going to turn in. I will see you two in the morning".

"Goodnight, Pa".

"Goodnight, Mr. Edwards".

"Goodnight".

Jonathan and Jennifer stayed in the den by the fire.

"I'm going to miss this place."

"It might not be that long before you get to come back".

"I know, I think it's the not knowing that is getting to me".

She turned and looked at him.

"I'm going to miss you too".

"Same here. But, we have to make the best of it".

"I keep kicking myself-I should have stayed in the stall, or waited till we got home. Anything, but instead, I almost got myself killed, I turned your life upside down, my life upside down…"

"Now, listen. It's fine. Who's to say if you had stayed in the stall that it would have ended up better? You might have ended up worse off than you are right now. And right now, you are alive".

She nodded.

"I know. You're right. I just feel bad for dragging you into this".

"You didn't drag me. I jumped in, with both feet".

"You should probably call Max and tell him what's going on".

"Yeah, I should. I will from the penthouse when we get back".

She laced her hand through his.

"Promise me something."

"Anything".

"As soon as we are able to contact each other, we will? Whatever that looks like-if they send me back to New York, I will head to your apartment. If they send you back to New York, you head to mine. If we can't do that, we will see each other at the trial".

"Promise".

She rested her head against his shoulder for a bit, as he tried to reassure her that it would be ok.

Finally, they headed upstairs.

She told him goodnight in the hallway, and then went to her room. She had just changed into her nightgown, and was about to get into bed when she heard a soft tapping at the door.

She went and opened it and found him standing there.

She quickly pulled him into her room and shut the door.

"If my father hears you in here, he will flip his lid".

"I'm sorry. I just wanted to talk to you for a second".

"What is it, are you ok?"

"Yes. I just wanted to….well…. I-"

He stopped talking, and grabbed her face and pulled her in for a very long, very intense steamy kiss.