True to her word Erica had booked Confusion for Jackson's Birthday party. She ended up reserving a single secluded booth away from the main bar. The shock of Bianca's sudden downturn had inspired her to arrange a more family orientated gathering opposed to the grand spectacle she had originally intended. Erica hoped that the celebration of Jack's birthday would bring some much needed happiness into their lives but the shadow of Bianca in a hospital bed still lingered.

Kendal brought all the kids, hers and Bianca's girls; Reggie, Camilla and Ayesha were also there.

When the guest of honour arrived they all raised their glasses and toasted Jackson many happy returns as the waiters brought out a large chocolate cake brimming with candles.

…

After the candles were blown out and the cake cut, the atmosphere proved to be a happy one. Jackson was relished the opportunity to joke around with the kids, and with Reggie as back up the night club was filled with the unexpected sound of children's laughter. Although Erica couldn't help but notice Miranda wasn't joining in the silliness.

A few hours into the evening Reggie and Camilla made their goodbyes, Camilla had an early shift tomorrow and Ayesha was getting a bit queasy from eating too much cake. Spike was wide awake and wanting another soda so Kendal went to get one last drinks order before she took her own army of kids home to bed.

Erica chose that moment to pulled Jackson to one side and present him with her birthday gift. Her original plan was to present him with ticket's to Paris, their lives always seemed happier in that fair city, but she couldn't abandon Bianca and she couldn't leave Kendal struggling with her failing beauty business, even if her eldest daughter was regretting now asking her for help.

Erica watched with a nervous smile on her lips as Jackson slowly unfastened the bow and opened the box she had given him.

"A watch." he said, taken aback by the obviously expensive gift. "It's a beauty."

"It's engraved." said Erica.

Jackson turned over the dial to read the inscription.

"I want that too." he said looking to Erica with a loving smile and kissing her softly.

In curly letters was inscribed the words, 'To us growing up together and never growing old. All my love E.'

…

Kendal was waiting to make a drinks order at the bar, watching Erica and Jackson together.

Despite everything, she was happy for them. Her mother was always at her best around Jackson. And tonight Kendal was making and effort to keep things civil with her mother for Jackson's sake. She didn't want to cause a scene and ruin the day, especially not in front of the kids. The question on Kendal's mind was why did her mother irritate her so? It was probably because with no obvious effort Erica had once again gotten everything she ever wanted. Kendal felt like she had to fight for all she had, not that she didn't relish the challenges. She just resented it, when compared to the ease at which her mother drifted through life.

…

Jackson was in the mood to broker a peace between Erica and Kendal. He put his arm around Erica's shoulder and drew her to the bar where he had noticed Kendal watching them.

"Having a good evening, Kendal." he asked, aware that both women knew exactly what he was doing.

"Well it's your night." said Kendal avoiding the answer, "I should be asking you that question."

"Well deflected." he said playfully, "Ever considered taking up the law."

Kendal shook her head and laughed; aware she had been caught out.

"I'm having a good time… I just wish…"

"…Bianca." finished Erica.

"Yeah…" agreed Kendal giving her mother a tentative smile.

"And may I ask how business is going?" Jackson asked looking between mother and daughter. He knew this was the touchy subject and hoped that in this atmosphere that Kendal and Erica could find a way to come to a truce.

"Business is improving." said Kendal carefully.

"Indeed." added Erica with confidence, "The new Origana range is already match selling with some exiting leaders, especially in the skin care market, which is certainly an area for expansion. Any products seen as environmentally friendly and for sensitive skin have high value markets."

Kendal scowled at her mother.

"Only my company is called Fusion Cosmetics, not Erica Kane's Origana, we already have a leading skincare product and we have more than cornered the sensitive skin market with our Mother and Baby line."

"Of course that's true, but the Origana launch has been a huge success we need to back it up, keep more lines coming, keep being fresh, not let the momentum stop now it's started."

"Have you forgotten Midnight Shadow is being launched in a fortnight." said Kendal, Jackson caught the hint of a frustrated snarl in her tone, he had really picked the wrong subject for conversation.

"Of course I knew that." said Erica quickly, "But that is a completely different target market to your mainstream cosmetics…"

"Mother I am not having this conversation now!" said Kendal with a scowl, "I am trying very hard to be civil."

"But why?" demanded Erica, "Why are you being so awkward about this. You asked for help with your business, I am helping! Now you go around acting like some spoilt brat who is throwing a tantrum, all because you aren't in control of everything…"

"Ladies, ladies." interjected Jackson, fearing that very soon one of them would say something they would both regret. "It's my birthday remember, maybe we can steer this conversation to a subject we can all agree on."

"I doubt such a thing exists." said Erica sharply, "Anything I approve of is obviously wrong!"

"Erica…" warned Jackson.

Erica backed down, but both women were now glaring at each other, Jackson's intervention was proving a spectacular failure. There was really only one member of the Kane family capable of brokering a peace between Erica and Kendal.

"I do know there one thing you will both agree on." said Jackson.

"And what is that?" asked Kendal.

"You both wish Bianca was here."

…

"Mommy!" cried a plaintive voice from across the room and Spike came racing towards them.

Kendal was pleased for the distraction. Jackson had defused the argument but she wasn't sure how long much longer she could keep the polite act up around her mother.

She leant down talk to her son, he looked upset.

"What's wrong?" asked Kendal.

"Miranda won't stop crying." said Spike, pointing back towards the booth.

Erica, Kendal and Jackson all looked across to the table where the kids had been left happily eating chocolate cake. Miranda was indeed sitting there in tears; Gabby was desperately hugging her sister and Ian was staring at her with scared eyes, a chunk of cake hovering half way into his mouth.

…

The children looked on restlessly as Erica took a seat beside her eldest granddaughter and put her arm around her shoulder.

"What's wrong Miranda?" she asked; her voice light as she attempted to cheer the girl up.

Miranda sniffed and looked from Erica up to Kendal and Jackson who were standing there watching with concern in their eyes.

"I'm sorry." she sobbed, there were still tears streaming down her face. "I can't help it."

"You miss mommy?" said Erica understandingly.

Miranda nodded.

Jackson knelt down so he was level with Miranda's eye-line.

"You know, we were saying exactly the same thing." he said, lifting her chin so that she looked at him. "Do you know what I think would make this the perfect Birthday? If we took this party, cake and all, to the hospital so that Bianca can be with us too."

Erica hugged Miranda to her side.

"Sweetheart would you like that?"

"Yes. Oh yes please." cried Miranda.

…