A/N—I was having some difficulties in responding to reviews, so if I missed you, I apologize—it wasn't for lack of trying. Thanks so much for reading! Also, an early posting as I have errands to run later today.

Disclaimer in chapter 1

13

Jack stood in his kitchen making a sandwich, distracted when he heard objects being moved around on the hall table.

"Charlie?"

"Dad, where are the keys to the truck?"

"In my pocket." Jack continued fixing his snack. "I want to talk to you about something."

Jack could hear Charlie's sigh a room away. "Dad! I'm already late to pick up Allison! Can't this wait?"

"Not really, no," he said around a mouthful of sandwich. He chewed and swallowed. "I think you should call Allison and let her know you're going to be late."

"But Dad!"

"You keep telling me you want to be treated like an adult. I'm trying to do that by taking your feelings into consideration and talk to you before I just go ahead."

Charlie stuck his head into the kitchen, looking worried. "Is everything okay?"

Jack felt a grin spreading across his face. "Yeah. It's great even. Go on. Call Allison. I'm sure she'll understand when you tell her later." Without another word Charlie walked into the living room, dialing Allison's number as he went. Jack could hear bits and pieces of his son's conversation as he tried to placate his girlfriend.

"I don't know what he wants! I told you! I'll be there as soon as I can, okay?" Jack could see Charlie from the kitchen, pacing in circles. "Yeah. Me too," he said looking up, red-faced at the sight of his father. Jack had to stifle a chuckle. Young love never changed.

"So what's this about?" Charlie asked, helping himself to a handful of chips. Jack wasn't sure where to start.

"You know Sam and I have been seeing a lot of each other lately."

Charlie snorted. "That's the understatement of the year. You guys are practically joined at the hip." His son continued to stare at him, waiting for some new revelation.

"Well, yes, we have been, I guess." Jack abandoned his sandwich and began to pace the small kitchen. "And we're thinking about making it more. . .permanent."

"You guys are getting married?"

"Not quite that permanent," Jack said, concentrating on clearing his plate into the trash. "I've asked her to move in. But I wanted to talk to you about it first. This affects you, too."

"So you're saying if I say 'no' you guys won't live together?" Jack thought about it for a moment. He wasn't going to let his son dictate his life, but he'd probably respect Charlie's wishes if he had a good reason for them.

"Not necessarily. I'd want to hear your objections." Now it was Charlie's turn to pace. A frown creased his brow as he absently helped himself to more chips. Jack watched him, wondering what his concerns were. At length, Charlie looked up at him.

"It's not that I don't like Sam," he began. "It's just that. . .well, it's just been us for so long. . . ."

"I know. Believe me, I've thought of that. I don't want to give this up either." Jack looked up and met his son's gaze. "I don't think having Sam here has to change our time together."

"She's here practically all the time anyway," Charlie teased. "It would save you from having to drive her home."

Jack started to smile. "Does this mean. . . .?"

"Well, if you don't have to take her home, that means you won't need the truck so much," he grinned.

"Oh, so what this is really about is your access to the truck, not quality time with your father."

"There is a matter of priorities, Dad." Jack shook his head and grabbed his son, pulling him into a rough hug. Charlie allowed the embrace for a few moments before stepping back.

"There's not going to be all kinds of girl crap all over the house, is there? Pink curtains? Flowery wall paper?"

Jack's laugh was explosive. "I think we have to worry there'll be too much camouflage. She did say something about painting the kitchen yellow, though."

"Yellow," Charlie said, gazing around the kitchen, then smiling. "I can live with that. When's she moving in?"

"As soon as I can get her here."

Charlie picked up an apple, tossing it from hand-to-hand. "Seriously, Dad. If I really had objected, what would you have done?"

Jack stared blankly out into the living room. "I'm not sure."

Charlie's voice softened. "You really love her, don't you?"

Turning his full attention on his son, Jack confessed, "Yeah. I do. I loved your mom. Don't think for a minute I've forgotten her," he quickly added. "But she's gone. And Sam is the best thing that's happened to me in a long time." Charlie was nodding his head in agreement. This time he was the one to initiate the hug.

"To both of us," he affirmed.

A/N—since this one is so short, stay tuned for chapter 14 shortly.