Thank you all for you kind wishes - I'm much better now.

...

When the boxes were all brought in everyone split off to help with the unpacking.

Erica and Jackson were shelving up books in the small office off of the dining room. Every so often drifts of laughter would come through from the kitchen where Bianca, Opal and Krystal were busy working.

"Well Bianca sounds in good spirits?" said Jackson.

"Yes she does." said Erica with a smile. "I've never seen her happier."

But then Erica's face changed to a thoughtful expression, something Jackson had been noticing more and more recently.

"And Marissa…" asked Jackson, "You like her don't you?"

"I do." said Erica, her smile quickly returning. "She's supportive and she and Bianca are very much in love. I won't deny and had my doubts when Bianca first told me and now… now I know she's just the person my daughter needs. They complement each other."

"Even though she's Krystal and David's daughter?"

Erica gave an uncomfortable cough.

"We can't help where we come from." she muttered.

More hoots of laughter drifted through from the kitchen. Jackson couldn't help but notice Erica sudden sour expression.

"Does it bother you?" Jackson asked.

"No… what?" asked Erica.

"The fact the Bianca and Krystal get along so well."

"I'm not bothered." said Erica, dumping another couple of books on a shelf.

"Really." said Jackson, reaching across to put the two books up the right way. "You are going to have to make your peace at some point."

Erica sighed.

"I can't forgive that easily. Everything she put my family through!"

"And now she is your family…"

"No she isn't." snapped Erica, "She just happens to be genetically related to Bianca's girlfriend."

Jackson fought back a laugh.

"You don't think partner is now a better description of their relationship. They are moving in together."

"Yeah." said Erica quietly. She had a distracted look on her face.

Jackson was worried about Erica sudden changes of mood. He had noticed that exact same expression on her face a few times before, while she was sitting by his side at the hospital, on the drive back to the apartment, some nights over the dinner table. He would just catch her staring at him in contemplation, but he'd never had the chance to ask why.

"Erica, have I said something out of turn?" he asked.

"No… no it's just us."

"Us?"

Erica sighed.

"When you got shot, I thought you were dying. I thought of all the lost chances, all the moments I wasted. I thought you were gone for good and I would be all alone… I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Erica you will never be alone."

Erica looked down at the book in her hand and put it slowly on the shelf.

"Jack, I look around and see my daughter settling down and looking so happy. She's found love and she's determined to hold into it despite everything that's happened to her… and then I look at me."

Jackson put a worried hand on her wrist.

Erica looked up and smiled at the gesture.

"Jack I want to ask you something."

"Of course." said Jackson, worry still etched on his face.

Erica took his hand in both of hers.

"Jackson Montgomery, this may be a little sudden… or maybe a little late… and it probably isn't the best time to bring this up…but I've been thinking… hoping… finally and forever… Jack, will you marry me?"

"Marry you?" gasped Jackson in surprise.

"What's this?" asked another voice. Kendal was standing in the doorway. She had a smile on her lips. "I just came to let you know that lunch is served… did I hear right! You're getting married?"

Erica nervously looked to Jackson.

"Well he hasn't said yes yet."

Jackson put his hand in his pocket and pulled out the little ring box he had tried to present to Erica months ago.

"You know I've been carrying this in my pocket for forever it seems," he said, weighing the box up in his hand "Waiting for the right moment to pop the question and now you beat me to it." He smiled delightedly. "My answer is yes, Erica, yes I will!"

…