I think there was a problem with e-mail alerts yesterday. I hope today it is fixed.

...

That night as Erica came to bed Jackson was sitting up reading through a file.

"Still doing work?" Erica asked, climbing gracefully into bed beside her fiancé.

"I am." said Jackson. "My afternoon was interrupted by an interesting visitor and I have a few things to catch up on."

"Who was it?" Erica asked, curious.

"Marissa."

Erica's smile fell and she did a bad job of covering her reaction.

"And what did she want?" Erica asked nervously. She had been keeping her real plans for Bianca and Marissa from Jack and didn't want him finding out. She knew he wouldn't approve and she was in no mood for a lecture. And she also didn't want it to threaten their upcoming wedding.

"Oh it was a professional visit." said Jackson, seemingly ignoring the effect Marissa's name had on her. "Caleb has given her the huge responsibility of negotiating the buyout of Chandler Enterprises and she wanted to ask my advice."

The tension melted from Erica's shoulders.

"Oh, is Caleb still going ahead with that?" said Erica.

"It actually sounded quite serious. If the buyout doesn't go through both businesses could be in ruins. Hasn't Caleb talked to you about this? You are part owner!"

"No, although I was aware of the plans. I'm sure if it was that dire he would have said something before now. You're certain it was just Marissa feeling the pressure of her new job" said Erica.

She had been more than happy to let Caleb take the reins of the company, but then again she had been out of the scene for quite a while and on her return focused on Kendall and Fusion. And then she had concerned herself with Bianca, and saving her from heartbreak. She hadn't thought too hard about how the current financial climate could affect her own investments. Surely it was Marissa just proving she couldn't handle the pressure. Surely it wasn't really something to worry that much about!

"Marissa was actually handling it very well and had a quite a few good ideas." said Jackson, contradicting her thoughts. "But it does sound like it might be a good idea for you to go round to the Courtland offices and get the full story first hand… especially considering your plans for our wedding!"

Erica turned and gave Jack a smile.

"But you approve of the destination?"

She had shown him, after supper, the destination she wanted for her wedding. She had discovered there was whole island in the Bahamas that could be booked for private functions… a whole tropical island! And it included a large modern mansion, smaller cottages for guests as well as a full complement of staff. It wasn't cheap but it would give their special day the exclusivity that Erica desired as well as making it an intimate, private affair. Only those with an invitation could come…

"It sounds like a paradise wedding." said Jackson smiling at Erica, "But it might be good to find out if we can afford it!"

"We can afford it." said Erica. "But I shall go round to Caleb's in the morning, I do need to protect my investment. Palmer left me a part of his legacy and I need to make sure it is kept safe."

Especially now she knew her future was in the hands of Marissa Tasker..!

…