Chapter 8: Erica's Choice

Erica and David arrived at the courthouse in time to make their appointment with the Justice of The Peace. It had taken some convincing, but Erica had reluctantly agreed to marry David in order to give them both immunity from testifying against each other should either be arrested or stand trial for Michael Cambias' murder.

Erica had protested that she still loved Jack. But David had managed to convince her that marrying him was the right thing to do for Bianca and for themselves. Jack would understand that. "Erica", he had pleaded, "I don't exactly see Jackson knocking down the door to reconcile with you. Has he even forgiven you for keeping the truth about Greenlee from him?" When Erica didn't respond, David continued "I thought not. Erica, Jack has no intention of marrying you. If he did, he would have made that clear by now. I know you still love him. I know you don't love me. But, we still care for each other. We once had a great thing going. Who knows, maybe we can get some of that back. This is the right thing to do. You know it is." In spite of her mixed feelings, Erica consented to marrying David. In the hours since she said "yes" to his proposal, Jack had called her cell phone no less than five times. She ignored the calls. Talking to Jack would weaken her resolve. She would marry David Hayward. She would pull strings to get it done today.

******

While at the courthouse, Erica and David waited anxiously in the corridor. Erica was lost in thought when David spoke to her. "Erica, this IS the right thing to do. I promise you that. Jackson will understand."

"Jackson will understand what?" came a voice from the distance. "What will I understand?", Jack continued, clearly puzzled by seeing Erica and David at the courthouse.

Erica looked up at him, unable to answer. They held each other's gaze for a moment. Erica stood in silence. Jack, still confused, looked over at David who was by now grinning smugly. "Jack, you're just in time to congratulate me and my wife-to-be on our impending nuptials. Isn't that right sweetheart?" David turned to Erica, still smiling. Erica did not return his smile. At that precise moment, she wished that she were completely invisible.

It took a moment for Jack to notice that Erica had finally taken off his engagement ring. In the next moment, he realized that they were standing outside of the room where the Justice of the Peace presided. He looked at Erica. She could not look at him. The truth hit Jack like a ton of bricks. "Please tell me that you are not going to marry David Hayward!" Jack shouted.

Erica could hear the hurt in Jack's voice. She looked up at him slowly, afraid to speak the words. "Jack, I'm sorry-"

"----How could you!!" Jack interrupted.

"How could I?" Erica replied, her resolve returning. "You were the one who gave up on our relationship Jack, not me."

Jack was still in disbelief. "I need to talk to you Erica, NOW!!"

"Well, Jack maybe you can talk to her after our ceremony-" David started. At that, Jack turned to David sharply, grabbing him by the collar and shouting at him to shut up.

Erica pulled the two men apart before they came to blows. "Jack, please. Okay, I'll talk to you now. But, I'm marrying David. You can't stop this."

"We'll see about that!" Jack retorted, still glaring at David.

****

Jack led Erica to a quiet, empty courtroom to talk.

"Jack, I'm in no mood for a lecture." Erica started.

"Good, I'm in no condition to give one. I just have a couple of questions for you."

"Fire away counselor."

"Erica, do you love me?"

In spite of everything, that was the one question that Erica wasn't prepared to answer. She looked down at the floor and turned away from Jack's gaze.

"I want an answer, Erica. An honest answer." Jack continued, standing behind her and stroking her shoulders with unexpected gentleness. She did not pull away. When she turned to reply, she had tears in her eyes. Jack pulled her close, holding her gently while she sobbed a whispered "Yes".

Jack looked at Erica again and asked his second question. "Will you marry me?"

****

The only thing more surprising than Jack's question was Erica's response. She had not taken the suggestion of marriage to Jack with the expected happiness. On the contrary, she seemed angered by the thought.

"Erica, I thought you wanted to get married" said a startled Jack.

"Well, yes I did. But, not under these circumstances, and certainly not as a preemptive strike to keep me from marrying David!"

"Is that what you think? You think I'm asking you to marry me to beat David Hayward to the punch?"

"Well, isn't that exactly what you are doing?"

"Let me ask you this, Erica---"

"I'm afraid you have already asked your quota of questions, Jack" Erica responded sarcastically, while heading for the door.

"Have you bothered to check even one of the six voice mail messages that I left you. If you had, you'd know exactly where I stand." Jack's words halted her exit.

"What? What did you have to say?" Erica asked, turning to face him.

"Well, let's play the messages right now and see." Jack replied.

Erica listened to her voice mail messages. Jack was right. There were six messages from him, all within fifteen minutes of one another.

Message One: Erica. It's Jack. I uh need to speak to you right away. Please call me as soon as you get this message.

Message Two: Erica. Jack again. Sweetheart, I really need to talk to you. Today. Please call.

Message Three: Erica. I know you must be getting these messages. I understand that you probably don't want to talk to me right now. Please call, I need to talk to you.

Message Four: Erica, I want to talk to you. No, I need to talk to you. I need to see your face. Sweetheart, please, call soon.

Message Five: Okay, Erica. I hate to sound desperate. But, truth is that I am. I'm desperately in love with you. I'm sorry about what happened earlier. I promise to make it up to you. Please, Erica, call me.

Message Six: You haven't called me back. I can only assume that you don't want to. I know you're hurt and angry. We've both been under a lot of pressure. I need you Erica. I want you. I love you. I want to spend my life with you. Whenever you're ready to talk, I'll be here waiting. I'm never giving up on us Erica.

Erica sat in stunned silence, her eyes brimming with tears. Jack's voice had sounded so sincere, so full of love and longing. Jack took the seat next to her. "Now do you believe that I want to marry you?" Erica nodded yes.

"In case you were wondering, I do forgive you. I know that you needed to hear that. I also know that you've done things that were not entirely above board. But, I realize that you did them out of love---love for Bianca and love for me." His voice was heavy with emotion as he spoke the words.

Erica nodded again "yes."

"So, " Jack persisted, "will you marry me?"

Erica looked up at Jack with tears of happiness. She pulled him close and whispered "Come here." She brushed her lips gently against his. He captured her lips with his as they sealed their deal. Years of love, passion and friendship all met in a single kiss----two souls intertwined in a dance ordained by destiny. Erica's choice was clear. No words were necessary. Her heart had found its home.



The End