Jackie was in a bad mood and whoever was at the door was about to get it. She swung open the door and said "What?"

"Surprise!"

"Oh my god Eric! How in the hell did you make it tonight?"

"I got off the train in Raleigh because it broke down. I took a cab to the airport and there was a flight to Milwaukee and I took the train up. If I had known I could make it like that I so would have done that to start with. Now come here!" Eric said as he grabbed her. He gave her the best kiss she had ever received. All of her bitchiness she was going to unload on whoever was interrupting her night melted away.

As the kiss ended she said "Get in here Forman!" His sea bag was thrown to the side of the door and she was staring at him in his uniform. God he looked good in that uniform. That didn't last long as she quickly attacked his mouth again. She soon found herself lifted off the ground as Eric carried her towards her bed. It was a repeat of the night of the ball. His uniform was scattered around. The only difference was there wasn't any hesitation by either of them.

When they finished, Jackie was snuggled up against Eric. She had her Marine back. She missed him. Eric rolled to face her and looked into her beautiful eyes. He said "How did I get so lucky to get you?"

"Eric, we are both lucky. We found are way to each other! Now I made a decision and I hope you like it." She took a breath and continued "I decided we aren't hiding our relationship. When we get to your parents tomorrow, we are walking in holding hands and if no one notices you better kiss me. "

"Whatever you want darling! I know better than to argue with BOSSY JACKIE. Now what I am going to do all day with the knowledge you are right downstairs but can't have you?"

"I dunno but you better behave or Red will know you are already back." Jackie retorted

"Not worried about that. Worried mom finds out. She is going to flip out when I don't come in with my bag."

"Where is it going to be?"

"Right here. Since I only get you for a month. I am hoping that is ok with my girlfriend?"

"She wouldn't have it any other way. Now what did you bring me?"

"Oh you think I brought you presents huh?"

"You better have or you can go stay with Red!"

"Ouch! You would wouldn't you?"

She nodded not trusting her ability to resist him. Eric said "Well then I guess it's a good thing I brought you some."

She smiled and he went to his bag. He found what he was looking for and turned to come back to the bed. He froze when he turned around. She was wearing his shirt. The Polaroid hadn't done her any justice. She was beautiful but something about her wearing his shirt just made him fall harder for her.

She did just what he dreamed she did. She was wearing nothing but his shirt and used one finger to summon him back to her.

He pulled one gift off the pile and gave it to her. She ripped it open like a little kid on Christmas. It was a framed picture of them from the ball. She loved it. The next was snow globe with USMC on the marine insignia. It was cheesy but she still liked it. She liked snow globes. The last gift was unicorn beach towel. She was shocked he would buy something like that but touched that he remember things about her.

Jackie pulled him onto the bed and decided it had been a long day. She needed sleep and she had her man. She kissed him and said "Good night Devil Dog!"

"Night Angel!" came the reply.

Moring came too early for either of them. Jackie had to get ready for work and Eric was going to be bored. Jackie was unlocking the shop when Red pulled up.

"Morning Red!"

"Morning Loud one! You're in a good mood. I bet I know why? My dumbass son comes home today."

"Actually I got in last night Dad!"

"Eric?" both Red and Jackie said together

"I couldn't hide all day Jackie. He deserves to know. How are you dad?"

"Good but you better stay hidden or everyone will know you are back if your mother finds you."

Jackie was trying to shoo him back upstairs. Eric went but not before he caught his dad and gave him a head nod to come up.

"Jackie, were you going to hide him the whole time he was here?"

"If I could get away with it, I would! I wouldn't let him go back if I had my way."

"Ok. Start the coffee. I need to go talk to my dumbass son."

Red wandered up the stairs and walked right into the apartment

"Eric! I am surprised the Marines haven't killed you yet!"

"Actually I doing great Dad! I just made Corporal!"

"Well do me a favor and stay up here and hidden. I will act like I haven't seen you. If your mother hears you're here then we'll never hear the end of it."

"Ok dad I will stay hidden. I hate being stuck without anything to do. At least without a real good reason."

"Well Eric consider your mother the enemy that you are trying to evade because if she catches you then you and Jackie are dead. Maybe even me too!"

"Alright Dad! I will stay up here with the door locked. Can you or Jackie bring me some lunch?"

With that handled Red went back downstairs to get his coffee and work.