Jeff smiled an hour later when John called to explain that he and Brains had decided to change places early, so Brains could get back early to go to that luncheon at Fermat's school. Jeff agreed but knew that it probably had more to do with John than Brains. He well understood John's need to be with his family right now. Thinking about that, he changed out of his uniform before going to the cockpit so he could call Alan at school and arrange a three day weekend for him. He was sure Alan would be excited and want to see his new niece and would want to be there for Scott. Depending on his class work Alan might even be able stay long enough for the funeral.
Jeff sighed, thinking about how much pain Scott still faced, at least he had Ciara. Jeff would have never made it through the loss of his wife had it not been for his sons. Scott had stepped up and taken on way more responsibilities than most boys his age would have, becoming like a second father to all of his brothers. And John, once past the terrible nightmares which Jeff never let on he knew about, had backed up his older brother. And had also, as he had gotten older, become a sounding board for Jeff when things got really hard, giving him encouragement and a different point of view when needed. Virgil had kept that special part of his mother alive in his quiet way. He had kept them all from losing the balance between life and beauty. His paintings and music had reminded Jeff the most of how his Lucy had looked at the world. Some would say that it was simply rose colored glasses, but he knew that it had been her faith filled view of the world, accepting the inevitable but still searching for the beauty and blessings. Virgil had kept that alive for them all, backed up by that fierce loyalty and protectiveness towards his family, rivaled only by his brothers. Gordon and Alan had kept things from becoming too serious. Between all the pranks and outright boyish foolishness Jeff wondered how they'd ever had a peaceful moment.
Recalling the giggles of his granddaughter, he smiled thinking of all the joy she would be bringing with her into their small chaotic world.