Reggie was waiting in the passage of the courthouse, hoping for a chance to really catch up with his dad. Camilla had left to collect Ayesha from her play date with Gabby. She also knew it would give him a chance to have a proper conversation with Jackson. So far they had only shared a brief hello. Before that they hadn't spoken much at all, since Reggie had dropped his Basketball scholarship in order to join up. It wasn't so much that Jackson was upset at the decision. It was Reggie who created the distance between them. He just couldn't bear the thought that maybe Jackson was disappointed with him.

Reggie paced the hallway nervously; he had a lot to talk to his adopted father about. He just hoped that Jackson would be able to help him.

As soon as Jackson spotted Reggie he walked towards him, his arms wide, ready to pull him into a hug.

"Son." exclaimed Jackson his smile beaming, "It is so good to see you. It's so great to have you back home!"

They exchanged a warm manly hug and then Jackson grasped Reggie firmly by the shoulders and looked him squarely in the eyes.

"So are you going to tell me what's really going on with you? This isn't just a short visit is it?"

Reggie no longer felt like a hardened soldier but a high school kid squirming under his father's gaze. It was almost as if time hadn't passed at all.

Reggie smirked.

"God, your good." he joked.

"That's why they pay me the big bucks." said Jackson leading them over to an empty bench. "So why don't you tell me why you really came back to Pine Valley?"

"I've been discharged." explained Reggie. "There are military cut backs… I mean it was voluntary, not compulsory… but I was glad to get out of it… some of the things I've seen…" Battlefield nightmares flashed behind his eyes.

"Reggie?" Jackson asked, putting a nervous hand on the young man's shoulder.

"I wanted to get out." explained Reggie after a pause. "I wanted to get out before it changed me."

Reggie took a deep breath before he could continue,

"I want to start a new life with Camilla and little Ayesha. I brought them here to Pine Valley to see if they like it. Camilla loves it. So…"

"So?"

"We are thinking of staying."

"That's wonderful," said Jackson hugging his son once more, but then he noticed Reggie expression.

Jackson sat back on the bench and smiled.

"Mm, I'm sensing a 'but' coming on." he said jokingly.

"Well nothing is that simple." said Reggie. "Our savings will only stretch so far. We need jobs, a place to stay. It's not going to be easy. I mean there are a few handyman jobs going on the area and Camilla is already looking at waitressing work. But we need to find a home that we can afford. And we can't afford to stay at the yacht club for more than another week, and we can't take Ayesha to that grotty motel on the outskirts."

"If you need a loan…" offered Jackson kindly.

Reggie just shook his head.

"I don't want to start hitting you for money. But a reference would be appreciated. And if you can think of anyone, anywhere, that is renting a rooms or a flat."

"Consider it done." said Jackson. "I'd offer you my couch, but that would hardly do for you and your new family."

Jackson thought for a few moments and then an idea came to him.

"You know if it is only for a few weeks I think I might know somewhere you can stay, until you can find something a little more permanent."

"Really?" Reggie asked, it was more than he could have hoped.

"Just let me make a few enquiries." said Jackson, pulling his phone from his pocket. "But I don't think it would be a problem."

…