(15 years later)
Jackson ended up telling his sons that he was their father. He seemed surprised that they accepted that. Of course, the road had been bumpy at the start. But they worked things out.
Daley wrote a novel about Jackson's experience and it became a number one seller. Jackson had read it and felt horrible about the things that he'd said and done. He hadn't even remembered a majority of it. But he said that it was okay to publish it as long as she changed his name and his children's name, which, of course, she already planned on doing.
Alex, Aaron, and Damon went to college. All of them had scholarships. Alex went on to get married. Jackson was extremely proud of his sons. He treated them well. He loved them, and they loved him, too.
Jackson stands in front of the large glass window, looking in on the nursery. His fingers gently touch the glass as he keeps his eyes on a baby girl: Alex's newborn child. Jackson is excited to be a grandfather.
Jackson: D*mn. I'm getting old.
Me: You're only forty-one.
Jackson: Yeah…. She's so beautiful.
Me: Very.
Jackson: Melissa would've been proud. (turns to me after a moment) Hey, Nathan?
Me: Yeah?
Jackson: I don't think I've ever told you this. But…thanks.
Me: For what?
Jackson: For everything. You saved my life. I'd probably be dead if you would've have given me that kick in the *ss that showed me that I needed to straightened my life up.
Me: (smiles) Well, you're welcome. Daley told me you'd eventually thank me. It only took fifteen years.
Jackson: Sorry. I just never really felt it until now.
Me: That's understandable. (pats the man's shoulder) Well, congratulations on becoming a grandpa.
Jackson: Thanks.