The next month flew by for both Eric and Jackie. Both started new jobs and were busy with that and getting ready for moving. Jackie wasn't exactly ignoring Eric but torturing him in her own way. She wore tight clothes all the time and would rub up against him all the time. Eric was still talking to Jackie about his problems but still wasn't over Marie yet. Eric knew Jackie wasn't going to stop with her hints to him that she was still interested.

The day of the move came and they had everything moved. Eric let Jackie have the master bedroom because he wanted to be close to Lexi and Jackie needed some privacy. Jackie thought it was nice gestured but not needed. She didn't fight him though.

Eric was in his office or what Red used for his den. He was emptying the boxes Ambassador Collins had brought to him. One was the photo albums, it had his wedding album and Lexi's first year. How had he forgotten those? He found the letters that Marie insisted they write just in case. He sat there staring at the letter Marie had written. He was trying to decide if he was ready to read it.

Jackie and Lexi came into the mom. Lexi ran up and said "Daddy hungry!" Eric never fought on being with his daughter. He put the letter down and picked Lexi up and headed into the kitchen.

Jackie saw the letter and the one addressed to Marie from Eric. Jackie left them alone, she couldn't and wouldn't invade his privacy like that. Jackie heard Lexi shouting her name. Yes Jackie had taught Lexi her name.

After Lexi was fed and cleaned up from lunch they moved to the living room. Lexi was playing in an empty box in the living room. Jackie said "Eric go read the letter. I will play with Lexi. You need to read it that letter because Marie wrote it to you."

"How?"

"You left it on the desk with the one you wrote her. Eric, she wrote it to you so you owe her to read it."

Eric didn't argue with Jackie, who could he? She was right. Marie had wanted him to read the letter. Eric opened the letter.

Dear Eric,

If you are reading this then something has happened to me. I know you are missing me dearly and while I love that about you. It's not healthy for you or Lexi for you to lock away your heart. You taught me that when you broke mine open. I was determined never to love because of what happened with my parents. I know your love for me will never die or diminish. You have a big heart, find a girl worthy of your love and worthy of our daughter. Promise me you won't hide from love when it finds you, no matter how quickly it finds you. Reconnect with your friends and parents. Apologize for keeping the secret from them. They will forgive you. Oh and Eric, I never told you this but your friend Jackie looks a lot like me. You could find yourself attracted to her. I know you two weren't close before you came to Africa but those letter you two shared made you close. If it happens, it is okay! I will forgive you when we meet again.

Your loving wife

Marie

He needed pictures to compare. He grabbed the photo album and one of Jackie holding Lexi. Marie was right as usual. She always was right!

Lexi came in pulling Jackie. She said "Daddy potty!" Why she was pulling Jackie Eric didn't know but she was. Potty training was going well. Soon he hoped no more diapers. Jackie headed to unpack her stuff and ignored the letter.

Jackie found Eric and Lexi watching Sesame Street and singing "C is cookie" with Cookie Monster, well mostly Eric singing but Lexi was clapping and saying C and Cookie. Jackie thought it was such a dad thing for Eric to be doing.

Eric caught Jackie watching them and grabbed her and began tickling her. Jackie couldn't help but laugh. Eric said "Lexi come help daddy tickle Aunt Jackie!"

"Okay!" and the little girl came running over. Jackie fought Eric but Lexi got free reign on tickling her and she knew that's why Eric called Lexi. Soon Lexi had Jackie laughing so hard she could barely breathe and had to pee. Damn Eric, did not play fair! Jackie managed to convince Lexi to get Daddy. Soon Eric was being tickled and Jackie escaped to the bathroom.

Later that night when Eric was sleeping. Eric's Dream

Marie came walking into Eric's bedroom. She woke Eric saying "Wake up Eric!" "Marie?"

"Yes Eric! Listen to me. Stop fighting the feelings you are having to steal a line from your father DUMBASS! You have a beautiful woman, who you know has feelings towards you and throwing herself at you. Jackie is what you and Lexi need. Why else did you ask her for the favor or to live with you? Think about it Eric. You have accepted I am gone. You buried some of me in Africa and some here so you and Lexi wouldn't forget about me. More Lexi than you. Be strong enough to move on. Life is short Eric! You know that now. I am not saying get married right away but start living again. Release that hopeless romantic inside you!"

Eric jerked awake losing Marie. Eric was stunned Marie would say anything about him moving on. She knew him better than he ever thought she did.

Jackie hadn't made any demands on him or tried to kiss him again but Eric knew she would soon. Eric had decided to listen to Marie, even if he wasn't fully ready. She knew him too well and he always listened to her advice. Eric had to make a plan and impress Jackie. This was not Donna and high school.

Eric's plan didn't take him too long to come up with. The best part Jackie would not know what he was to. Eric was being sneaky.

He just had to keep it a secret until Valentine's Day. Would he be able to do that?