Jackson arrived with dinner twenty minutes after Erica had called him. After her culinary disaster in the kitchen there was no option but to order take-out. He'd stopped off at her favourite French restaurant to get enough food for Bianca, Marissa and the kids as well.

It was agreed that they would all have dinner round the dining table. Miranda and AJ, with Gabby's help, laid the table and then went to collect their moms to bring them through.

Jackson stole a moment alone with Erica and put his arm around her shoulder.

"And how'd it go today?" he asked.

Erica shook her head, she looked exhausted.

"I had no idea Bianca had to go through so much… but I did get to talk to Marissa…"

"And?"

"And I've made such a huge mistake, I'm not sure I'm ever going to make it up to them."

"But you're going to keep trying?"

"Even if it kills me…" said Erica. "Even if it kills me…"

There was a loud chorus of childish laughter from the hallway and Erica straightened up again.

"Dinner is served." she announced, smiling at her daughter as Gabby helped her wheel herself in. Marissa entered supported on either side by Miranda and AJ.

"It looks good." said Marissa, taking a seat.

"Where did you order it from?" Bianca added, rather snidely.

"Renoirs." said Jackson, helping to wheel her into her place, and then her leant down to whisper in her ear. "And try to be nice, she's trying her best."

Bianca sighed but found a smile quickly as the kids all took their seats.

The meal was good and the kids were in high spirits. Gabby was sitting between Erica and Jackson and was wearing a big grin on her face.

"Uncle Jack?" she asked. "Are you happy about getting married?"

"Very happy." he said, giving her grand-niece a warm smile.

"Have you got pretty dresses for your bridesmaids?" Gabby asked between mouthfuls of chicken chasseur; turning to Erica now.

"I have my favourite Paris boutique designing dresses."

"Are they going to be pink?"

"I was thinking more of shades of green to go with the tropical setting." explained Erica.

"Why all the questions about bridesmaid dresses?" Marissa asked, already knowing the answer.

"Because you and mommy need to be bridesmaids to make you happy again."

"Like in your picture?" suggested Marissa, sending a meaningful look Bianca's way.

Gabby nodded happily.

"I think green dresses will look beautiful." said Miranda dreamily and Bianca realised that her eldest was just as keen to be a bridesmaid as her youngest child.

Bianca then glanced Jackson's way. Her uncle was watching her with concerned eyes.

"Fine, we'll come to the wedding, if we're well enough..." she said eventually. " I know when I've been out voted!"

"Thank you." said Erica grinning to her daughter. "I don't want to force this on you, but it would mean so much to have you and all my family there. And I know that includes Marissa and AJ now without a doubt! And it's in such a beautiful setting, you'll have a chance to relax and get your strength back…"

"I said yes." said Bianca resignedly, whatever her own feelings she couldn't bear to disappoint her kids.

Gabby and Miranda squealed with delight and leaped from their seats to give their mommy a hug.

AJ looked nervously in his mother's direction.

"I won't have to be a page boy, will I?" he asked.

…