Tony beams as he smiles and says, "Yes. She's the game changer for sure. And the reason why as long as there's breath in my lungs. I will be here for her emotionally, mentally, and physically for whatever she needs always. She's forever going to be my partner in love and life; so she will never want for anything. As long as she will have me; she will be taken care of in every way, and beyond."
Admittedly, he likes what he's hearing from him. His commitment is ever present. And he's confident he's being honest with him. But he still asks, "What about this baby? What have you two planned for how that's going to work with your current situation?" Tony responds, "Honestly, that's a curve ball neither one of us saw coming. But we're adjusting as we go. I wish I could tell you there's a concrete plan in place, but there isn't one. We're working with a crisis manager to help us through it."
Earl's eyes perk up as he says, "You mean like the character Kerry plays on the show?" Tony takes a swig of his beer and then says, "Yes. Like that. She's working out some angles for us to consider. It's a play it by ear type of plan so far. But we trust her to figure something out. She's done really well for us up to this point." He realizes at this point that everything possible is being done to manage the situation, and he says, "So, I guess you two aren't as reckless as I thought." Tony responds, "No, not at all. And knowing your daughter; you couldn't think that was possible." Earl takes a swig of his beer and says, "Touché."
With the mood being much lighter now, then when they began talking. Both men take a breath, and process what's been said. Earl never thought he'd be in a better place mentally, after talking to Tony man to man. But he is. He has more answers now than he had before, and by all accounts it appears his intentions to do right by his little girl are clear.
With thoughts of her and her condition being another concern, he says, "Tony, I know you and Kerry have put together some ideas to manage this situation. But, what about her stress level? This can't be good for her, or the baby."
Tony responds, "I agree, it's not. And we're doing everything possible to manage that. Right now it's fine, because nobody knows about the pregnancy, but the further along she gets. We will have to work smarter at keeping her calm. I am ready to do whatever it takes for that to happen." Earl nods as he says, "I believe you. I am trusting you with my most prized possession here Tony; don't make me regret it." Tony responds, "I appreciate you giving me the honor of doing so Earl, and I won't let you down. You have my word." They cling beer bottles, and take a drink, in resolution of their angst.
Suddenly, they hear a sound of something hitting the window, and then they see the blinds move. Both of them chuckle, as Earl says, "Looks like we have a few peeping toms." Tony replies, "Yes it does. Let's go inside and relieve them of their concerns, dinner is probably ready anyway."
He agrees and follows him inside. As they sit down to dinner, Tony and Earl openly talk with both Kerry and Valerie about their conversation. Earl reaffirms his concerns, but advises he's less worried now than before. Because he trusts in Kerry and Tony's planning.
Kerry makes the moment even better, by saying to her father, "Thank you daddy for respecting my decision. I really appreciate it, along with your support." He sees the love and appreciation in his daughter's eyes, and he knows he did the right thing by letting go of his anger, and being willing to hear them out. He doesn't have to like the situation or love it. But he does have to respect it. After all, she's well past 18, despite always being his little girl.
Over the course of their meal, they chat about current events. And by dessert the mood in the dining room is relaxing and free flowing, as normal. They end the evening with a night cap of tea and coffee, and Tony gives Kerry and her father some time alone.
While she chats with her father, he sits with her mother. Valerie smiles at him, as he passes her another cup of tea. She sits back on the sofa, and says, "You know, I was wondering when you two were going to come clean." He almost chokes on his coffee. But manages to recollect himself. She chuckles and says, "No need to be shy about it now dear. I've known about you and my daughter for quite some time. Even before I forced it out of her a week ago." Tony replies, "She mentioned you have a sixth sense about some things, so I can't say I'm surprised."
She nods as she says, "She's right. And that sixth sense is telling me that you two love one another very much. But, I need you to know that loving my daughter when all is well is easy. But when things get complicated, so does loving her. Therefore, my advice to you is to buckle up. Because there's no doubt that with your given situation, things are going to be very complicated very soon, and for a very long time. Especially with Shonda pulling her stunts, like inviting your ex-wife to the white house correspondence dinner."
Tony didn't think Jane's appearance at the dinner would be a topic of conversation. But clearly he was wrong. He doesn't know what to say in response, and Valerie picks up on it. She quickly says, "Relax Tony, my husband doesn't know about that detail. And he won't. Because he doesn't need to know. However, I trust that this fixer you two have employed will find a way to neuter her; so these types of antics will cease, for everyone's benefit. Am I right?"
He nods as he says, "Yes. Of course. After our last conversation. I think it's fair to say she won't be ringing that bell again." Valerie nods and smiles as she says, "Yes. I hear you rose to the occasion swiftly in helping her see the error of her ways." Tony grins as he says, "You could say that. I won't tolerate her putting Kerry in harm's way. It's not an option." Valerie replies, "I agree. Especially now." He nods as he says, "Yes. Especially now. You have my word that I will take care of her. Even when she fights me." Valerie replies, "That's a good attitude to take, because I'm sure you've figured out that being involved with her isn't a walk in the park." He smiles as he says, "Yes, I've figured that out. But, I've also figured out that it's so worth it. She's so worth it."
She beams as she sees the love he has for her daughter fill his eyes, and how he glows thinking and talking about her. This man loves her baby girl, and despite the drama that will ensue around them; she knows her little girl is in great hands. Which does a mother's heart proud.