They are an hour or so out of Bay City traveling to Chicago in Jake's newly purchased black suburban. They have been discussing their wish items for the house.

Paulina reads from her notepad, "So, this is the final list: open floor plan with high ceilings; no less than six bedrooms and seven bathrooms; an office for each of us or to share; a dedicated play/game room; media room; master suite facing the barn with the largest tub ever manufactured."

Jake is a bit timid, but decides to go forward. "Can I ask you something?"

"Anything."

"Before… When we were together, you never mentioned Remy. Why?"

Paulina is a little caught off guard, "I… ahhh… I honestly blocked that whole time out of my life. It's just… such a horrible thing what I did." She turns to look at him, "When Kirkland was in our lives, I won't lie. Flashes started to reappear. I just felt so much torment and anxiety."

He reaches across the armrest to lay a hand on her thigh for solace. "Wouldn't you think of all the people in Bay City, that I'd understand." He squeezes her hand. "You were a child yourself and now you have a grown daughter who is kind, smart, and is apart of you." She runs her hand up and down his arm. "I hope you know you can talk to me about her, or anything, anytime."

Paulina takes this as a great opportunity, "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

After they laugh at the comedic billboard about air conditioners and hot wives, Paulina broaches the topic. "Money was always a sore subject with us before. I don't want that to come between us again."

"Neither do I."

She glances at how well her hand fits in his; that's never changed. "Can you give me the highlights on your finances now? I mean is money going to be another issue. For me, I only have my inheritance income."

"No. I'm in good shape."

"That's the title of your memoir, McKinnon. Give me more details." She turns to face him.

"Okay. Okay. I built everything I am on my own. Just like I promised, just like I told you I would. My publishing company sold well. As you know, I'm the Editor and Owner of City Times, which continues to be profitable even moving into the digital world. I have stocks in a paper in Oakdale called The Herald. I'm also on the board. And, I own about a half dozen different real estate properties."

Full of curiosity, "What kind of real estate?"

"Mostly commercial properties like warehouses, multi-purposes buildings. I do have a loft I renovated last year, but I think it's time to put that back on the market."

"You like construction, don't you?" He nods yes. "I like to see your work before you sell." Jake relishes just how much Paulina is interested in his career.

"There's also Vic's life insurance. It'll be used specifically for the girls. She had already set up trusts for the boys when they were babies."

The drive continues smoothly without any weather or crazy traffic. However, Jake cannot get that smell out of his head; it is intoxicating. "When did you start wearing that perfume?"

Paulina squints trying to recall, "I don't know. Not that long, why? Do you not like it?"

"Are you kidding?" Jake inhales deeply, "It's amazing. I would have to say that is my new favorite smell."

Paulina takes note of this. He kisses her palm as they enter Chicago city limits planning to stop for a quick bite before checking into the hotel.

Once their coffees and orange juices arrive, Jake continues their conversation from the car. "I know you want a career of your own, Cupcake. Your own happiness. Do you have any ideas?"

As Paulina decides between Swedish pancakes and the Garden Scrambler, she answers pushing the menu to the side. "All I know is that I want to make a difference. I want to be proud of what I do in this life. I have been thinking philanthropy, something with kids, maybe." She removes the paper straw, "Or maybe writing a children's book..."