Eddie paced the living room floor waiting for Jamie to return after his summer session ended. She usually looked forward to his visit but today couldn't sit still waiting for him to walk through the door. Frank watched with an amused smile from his chair as the young woman made a path along his floor.

"Eddie, relax sweetheart," Frank finally said with a smile, understanding her anxiety.

"I can't I know he's doing to be upset but I feel strongly about this. " Eddie sighed looking out the window one more time before sitting on the couch.

Folding the paper in half Frank leaned forward, taking her hand in his. "He'll be surprised but Jamie will support whatever you want to do and so do we. It isn't his choice it's yours and he needs to understand that."

Before Eddie could respond a car door closed and a minute later the front door opened followed by Jamie's voice. "Anyone home?"

Both Eddie and Frank rose greeting him with matching smiles as he appeared in the doorway. "Hey dad, Eddie," Jamie dropped his suitcases rushing to lift Eddie off her feet hugging her tightly and placing a gentle kiss on her lips.

"I missed you Jamie," Eddie admitted wrapping her arms around his neck once they pulled away.

"Me too," Jamie replied softly kissing her again. He let go only to hug his father before pulling Eddie down on the couch with him. Frank mumbled excusing himself, giving them time alone to catch up.

Jamie hugged Eddie tight letting his hand rest on top of hers looking her over. Her curly blond hair was let down to fall against her delicate round face but it seemed thinner since he last saw her, weird as Eddie liked to eat. "Are you feeling okay Eddie, you look like you lost weight. Were you sick?"

"No Jamie I'm fine, I do have to talk to you." Eddie paused trying to find the right words even after rehearsing with Henry and Frank to prepare for his arrival. Now that he was here in front of her she couldn't remember anything they went over.

Jamie frowned hoping the bad feeling in his stomach was nothing more than a feeling. "What's wrong Eddie, talk to me."

"I got into the police academy Jamie, just got my letter a few days ago. We have to report next week." Jamie stared at her blankly knowing nothing about her applying or even mentioning that she wanted to join the NYPD.

"When did you decide this Eddie because we talked every day and you never mentioned it to me," Jamie said fluttered. There was no way she was becoming a cop, he'd already lost Joe he was not losing her too.

Eddie took a deep breath ready for his reaction, knowing he wouldn't be happy about it. "I want to do this Jamie, and I didn't tell you because I knew how you'd react. You know what I've been through, and I think that my life has lead me to helping other people from making the mistakes I did."

"That's fine but you can become a social worker instead why a cop? Eddie, I just lost my brother, I worry about Danny every day now you too? I can't lose you Eddie I can't." Jamie shook his head letting go of her hand.

Having listened to the conversation from the kitchen Frank stepped in handing them a beer each before sitting in his chair followed by Henry. "Son, we understand your concern believe me we have the same one. Eddie is like a daughter and a granddaughter we certainly don't want to lose her," Frank spoke up.

"But at the same time if this is what she wants to do that's her choice Jamie not yours," Henry added trying to emphasize understanding of both sides. He was shocked when Eddie came to them but would always be supportive of their decisions.

Jamie looked down at his hands listening to his father and grandfather, angry they knew about this before he did while reserving a deep concern for Eddie's safety. "I don't like it Eddie, knowing you'll be out on the street like Joe. I can't lose you."

"I know Jamie, but I want to do this and I hope you'd be supportive." Eddie sighed starting to stand up so she could pace again but Jamie taking her hand stopped her.

He sighed getting to his feet and placed a hand over his cheek staring deep into her eyes. "Eddie, promise me you'll come back home to me. If I ever lost you, I don't know what I would do. I love you Eddie."

They all knew no matter how many times she promised there was no guarantee in Eddie coming back safely but she still did to help ease his far. "I am not going anywhere Jamie; we still have a lot mores together." She smiled leaning on her toes to kiss him softly.

Jamie opened his mouth to accept Eddie's kiss. He sighed against her, feeling his body respond to her. She was his best friend, his soulmate and now filled his arms like no other woman had or could.

Jamie let his hands roam over Eddie's back, into her hair, "Eddie..." He sighed against her mouth. He needed her to understand why and that his reason wasn't because she couldn't handle it.

"Let's go upstairs," Eddie murmured. "I'm ready Jamie. I am ready for this. I'm ready for us. Are you?"

"I am." Taking her hand Jamie led her upstairs to his old bedroom to talk in private away from his father and grandfather's listening ears.

Jamie wrapped his arms around Eddie's waist as she lay on his chest, tracing a finger down. Catching her hand Jamie played with the promise ring he gave her smiling. "Eddie, I'm not sorry for worrying about you. Joe just died, I can't loose you too it's not because your incapable. "

"I know he was like my brother too.. I'm going to do this but I'd love your support Jamie If we plan on having a life together."

"I do want a life with you more then anything." Jamie met her lips brushing them softly with his. "I'll always support you but I'll still worry."