And love

Chapter 98 Next steps 4 dad

NYPD 1-PP

"Abby, how much time is Frank taking off?" Garrett asks as he approaches Det. Baker's desk.

"He said 1 week. I think he needs more, but you know Frank." Abby frowns.

"Yeah, he doesn't call you his work wife for nothing."

Abby glares at the DCPI, "Shut up!"

"You know it, Abby. Say, he does need-

"ENOUGH! We, you and me and Syd are not going there. PERIOD!"

"Yes, ma'am," Garrett salutes before walking away.

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3 DAYS POST FUNERAL

Jack and Erin Walk in the back door, into the kitchen. "Dad, supper has arrived," Erin shouts. She places Alston's mac and cheese in the oven to keep warm; Jack places 2 bottles of wine in the fridge. They hang up their coats and start to set the table as Frank ambles in.

"Do I smell the holy grail of mac & cheese," dad asks. "You know I love it, but some variety would be nice," he chides his daughter. As gently a possible.

"Well, geez, dad. A request now and then would be helpful you know!" She places hands on hips.

Jack puts a hand on her shoulder, "Hon, he's still-

"I know, but-

Frank turns and steps out.

Jack envelops Erin in a hug, kissing her cheek. "Sweetheart, we need to be careful what we say. I know you know that. We're all trying to do our best for him. Let me talk with him. Why don't you bring us a couple glasses of wine in a couple of minutes?" He pecks her lips, and goes to find his father-in-law to be.

"He finds him in the sitting room. Jack sits down in Henry's old chair. "Frank, I'm sorry, so is Erin. We are trying our best to help you through this incredibly hard time. What more can we do?"

Erin appears in the doorway, a tray with 3 wine glasses in her hands. She stops just before them; "Your beverage, kind sirs." She bends slightly, they take a glass. She sets the tray on a side table, takes her own glass and sits on the ottoman at Jack's feet.

"Dad, what more, or better, can we do to help you?"

Frank looks from Erin to Jack and back to his daughter.

"Move in," he whispers.

"What!" A startled Erin blurts out. "Seriously?"

She looks to Jack, then to her father. "Really?"

"Yes. Let's talk this through, the 3 of us, seriously."

Jack looks to Erin; she is too shocked to reply. He takes the lead. "OK. But there was a lot of animosity in this house towards me."

"Yes, there was. More from Pops, than me-

"A lot from you too, dad." Erin spouts.

"Ok, yes. But I can, and will put that behind me. Listen, what are my options: 1) Sell and move into an apartment or condo, or retirement community; 2) Jamie and family move in; 3) Danny and family move in; 4) You and Jack move in; 5) I find a companion, girlfriend, wife. Ok, tear those part for me."

"Why don't we start by eliminating Jamie. He and Eddie are so established ON THE ISLAND, with 5 kids, I do not see them moving," Erin states. Jack nods in agreement.

"I agree. And I would rule out Danny. I do not see him and I co-existing in the same house."

"Agreed," Erin & Jack both nod their heads.

"So, Erin, would the family be OK with me selling the family home?" He looks hard at his daughter.

She gulps. "Well . . . ah . . . there would be weeping and gnashing of teeth!"

"I thought so. I'll say this; the companion, girlfriend, wife is pretty bleak. I'd be seen as desperate. I won't do that!"

"And we wouldn't want you too. So, it looks like it is down to Jack and me – or sell and move. Right?"

"Right. So, what do you two think?" Frank raises an eyebrow?

"I think we need a couple days, maybe 3 to talk," Jack looks to Erin. She nods in assent.

"Ok, fair enough. Lunch here on Saturday. Maybe we have an announcement at Sunday dinner. Linda is coordinating."

"Agreed!"

They eat, then go their separate ways.

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ON THE ISLAND, FRIDAY EVENING

MBR – BEDTIME

"Babe, how long can this go on?" Eddie asks as she gets ready for bed.

"You mean dad?" Jamie voices.

"Yeah, the family is piecing together his support. He must be a grieving, nervous wreck! I would be!"

"I know. I hope that we can discuss this on Sunday, we really need to."

"Are we all going to Sunday dinner at Bay Ridge?" Eddie asks.

"I think I need to be there, at least. What about you, Eddie?"

"Well, we could leave Nicky and the kids." Eddie surmises.

"I think she will want to go too." Jamie thinks.

"So, we all go?" Jamie posits.

"If it's ok with Linda, she is coordinating. I will call her first thing tomorrow."

Eddie calls – it is ok if they bring 2 roasts. Eddie agrees.

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SUNDAY ST. ANGELUS

The Reagan's fill 2 pews. Jamie and Eddie had stopped by the house before Mass for Mal to put the roasts in the oven. Then on to the church.

Father Mark was thrilled to see all of his favorite family present – all except Henry, of course. He welcomed them all, and the lead deacon escorted them to their seats.

The group sang lustily, making a joyful noise to the Lord. Afterwards there were a ton of greeting, as many parishioners hadn't seen Jamie and his family in a while. Many had never seen Pat & AJ; so, they were much fawned over, to their continual embarrassment.

At the house Linda and Mal took over. Mal really liked working with her aunt Linda. After an hour of preparation, "DINNER 30 MINUTES" was announced.

Cassie and Mary Rose helped the youngest (Pat & AJ, per family tradition) set the table. Soon "ON THE TABLE" was called, and everyone took their places.

After grace and filled plates, Frank spoke up. "Attention all. Erin and I have an announcement." He motioned go his daughter.

"Yes, well, Jack and I are moving in with dad." She pauses, lays her hands in her lap, and waits.

"Just like that? No discussion?" Danny huffs. He stares at his dad, then at Erin.

"The three of us discussed it at length. I laid out my options, and this one floated to the top." Frank mused.

"Like a dead fish!" Danny snorted.

Everyone else was speechless; the kids didn't know what to think.

Nicky finally spoke up, "Well, if it's ok with grandpa, I think it is a good idea."

"Thank you, Nicky. And yes, it is ok with me. In fact, it was my 1st suggestion," Frank responds.

Jamie smirks. "My zoo wasn't your 1st choice, dad?"

Eddie gives her husband a stiff elbow.

"Ouch!" He grimaces.

"Baby!" Eddie mutters.

"No son, not 1st choice," Frank grins.

"I think that's a good choice," Linda remarks, ignoring Danny's frown. "Now the house-

"Yes, we're going to do some remodeling," Frank puts in.

Jack speaks up, "The upstairs will be arranged for Erin and me. Dad's rooms will be down here. No more stairs for him."

"Any sleeping rooms, like now?" Jamie asks.

"Mybe 2, we shall see," Erin answers.

"I hope we can have 2," Jack adds.

Dad nods, agreeing.

The table goes silent as they eat.

DISH DUTY

Jamie and Danny are working side by side.

"Hey, kid. Do you believe that?" Danny huffs.

Silence.

"Kid?"

"Yes, as I thought about it during dinner, it makes sense. Dad, really, I suppose could have had either you or Erin. Probably. So, he pushed for Erin – for reasons that are all his own. I don't think any of us should push him to disclose any of that. Let's just be happy that he won't be rattling around here, all alone!"

"Hmpf." Danny snorts.

"So, you drew the short straw? Huh?"

"Pass me that next dish, kid."

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ON THE ISLAND – MONDAY BREAKFAST

"Dad, is grandpa going to be ok?" Cassie asks.

"I think so, Cass. I think this is a good arrangement for him and Erin."

"Will dad and Jack get along?" Eddie wonders.

"They must have discussed that. I didn't feel any bad vibes Sunday. Did you?"

"No, I didn't. We'll see how it goes. I'm hoping for success. How often do you think we should go in for Sunday dinner?" Eddie thinks out loud.

"How about 2X a month?"

"I'm ok with that. Kids?"

"OK" All around.

"I'll tell Erin and Linda."

"Are cousin Joe and his mom still coming here some?" Mal asks.

"I think so," dad opines.

"Yay! Cousin Joe is going to teach me how to use an asp!" Cassie tells them.

Jamie and Eddie look at each other. 'Really.'

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TBC