Date: Sat, 24 Jun 2023 21:23:05 +1000 From: Gavin Hurst Subject: A life less than ordinary - Chapter 66 - 71 Chapter 66 Having gotten Jackson back in to a fresher set of bed linen, we had moments to spare before the Dr arrived to do his rounds. The Dr, whilst young, seemed very much across the trauma that Jacksons brain had been through in recent months and was pretty pleased with his recovery in a short period of time. The brain bleed that had gone unnoticed was the major contributing factor to Jackson's recovery, and now that had been attended to, he was happy that whilst there was still some time before Jackson would be deemed to be 100%, he was indeed in front of the odds. We discussed follow up and further treatment, before the doctor agreed that there was no reason Jackson needed to stay in hospital any longer, provided he had medical supervision over the next few weeks, and potentially a month. I explained the care I had lined up, with Michelle being right across his medical treatment from day 1, and he was satisfied that Jackson could leave hospital but not the Cayman Islands for at least a week, and he needed to have a check up before leaving. Overall we were both happy with this. Michelle was flying in at 3pm this afternoon. In the interim I was happy to leave Jackson and just make sure I had everything in place before collecting her from the airport and then ultimately, bringing Jackson to the house. It wasn't the outcome we were expecting this morning, and I could tell by the smile that Jackson was overjoyed with the result. Thanking the Doctor and saying goodbye, I squeezed Jacksons hand bending down and kissing him. "You're not out of the woods yet Mister" I chided him. "The Dr may have given you permission to leave this place, but I certainly didn't hear him give you a ringing endorsement of you running marathons." With his puppy dog eyes on full display, he looked at me and with such a sweetness said, :I know, but this time I promise to be on my best behaviour." "All right bub, I now have a shit load of running around to do. The pharmacy, the supermarket, I need to make sure you and Michelle have everything you need, both here, and for the long voyage back to New York. I will be back hopefully around 4 once I have Michelle." "Hey, how about I come with you now, and then you don't have to return here later?" "How about NO!" I gave him a look that said `Don't push it kiddo' and he knew now was not the time to challenge me. Grabbing Michael and filling him in, I jumped on the phone to James to update him. I would need Chris on the flight with Michelle so I knew I had Jackson safe as well as healthy. Whilst I discussed sending a different detail, not sure how Chris was recovering, James mention that he was back to his old self. "If you are sure he's ready, that's all I need." I said to James as a sign I trusted his judgement. "Physically this trip has done him wonders. He is in peak condition. I had also managed for him to have half a dozen sessions via video with a trauma counsellor as well. I have emailed you her report, and she is of the opinion that he his 110% fit for duty." "Well, that's what I pay you for, so I am OK for this to proceed. I would also like Jackson to have Chris back on his detail, as they gel well when together." "Agreed. And as a part of a bonus deal, I am sending a new guy along, Steve, who I have employed this week, as we lost guy. My thoughts are he can learn the ropes of Chris, whilst they aren't really moving from Caymans. He will arrive from Miami tomorrow. Good Military background, has worked with some of the guys before, Michael likes him." "Great, sounds like a plan! Anything else I need to know. Or should I just wait til we catch up in person?" "Well there is that other issue concerning Jules and the threats, but, as she is here, and we've made changes, there is nothing pressing that can't wait. Go enjoy your time with Jackson, buzz if you need me." "You too mate. Take care" The solid working relationship I had developed with James, was something that I cherished daily. I knew he had our backs, and always our best interest at heart. Him now running my own private security team removed the middle man from our operations, and gave us more flexibility to do as we needed. There was always scope to grow, but for now, James was doing an excellent job, and I think he was surprising himself daily on the transition from field to operations. "Drugs, check, groceries, check" I was sitting in the car at the Airport going through a checklist of thing I needed to do when Michael interupped me. "Calm down boss. You're acting like a bride on her wedding night." He added with a cheeky grin. "I just want to make sure there are no issues. I am leaving in a few days and I need to make sure everything is fine." "Did you forget Karl is staying on? You know how he micro manages everything. Do you really think he's going to let you run out of drugs, or toilet paper for that matter?" "You're right. Do you know if he found a cook yet?" "No such luck. It is summer season and they are all taken, he was thinking of asking if you if the New York could come off the boat, stay at the house and then sail back with them?" "Excellent idea. Why hadn't he mentioned it?" "Well because your head has been so far up your arse today, no one has had a chance to get a word in." "Hmmm Point taken. I will talk to him later." Michael was right. I was normally a pretty calm operator, but Jacksons release had me on edge after everything we had been through, and I was still concerned about his welfare. Perhaps I am the one that needed bed rest, I thought to myself. Chapter 67 "Michelle, great to see you again. You look fucking amazing!" I commented on her amazing outfit and tan. "Well, put this beach girl in the sun for a week, and I bronze quick. None of this bottle stuff for me. How's the patient? I can't wait to see him" "Yeah, he is really well. He has surprised us all. It was a bit of a shock, but, he's ready to move forward." Driving to the Hospital with Michelle and Chris, I gave them the run down on everything that was happening, and what my intentions were for Jackson once he was home. "Do not let him pull the wool over your eyes. He needs to rest, and if you are not 100%, here is the Dr's number and you can ring him anytime." Michelle laughed knowing how Jackson tried to always find a way around things. Chris had a genuine look of being relaxed, and excited to be back. I turned my head around to look at him in the back. "Welcome back mate. It's good to have you here." "You have no idea how good it is to be back here. I was dying sitting on the outside waiting." "I bet! Just let James or I know if you need any support, or if it's a bit overwhelming." "Nah, she's good. I feel like a young kid again. I think after the initial shock of what had happened, I felt like I had lost control. I was blaming myself for Jacksons injuries. I threw myself in to a dark place, but I have come through better than ever." "That's excellent. I hear you have a newbie joining you tomorrow too. That should keep you occupied, and if Jackson steps out of line, you have my permission to use his arse for target practise!" Everyone had a good laugh, and I was confident that I had the right team in place for him moving forward. Once we arrived at the hospital, I went in to the room first to see my husband dressed and pacing about. "Howdy handsome," I said looking at him lovingly. "I have a few surprises for you." I added. Michelle and Chris came in to the room, and I could tell Jackson was over the moon. His smile was all I needed to see. As he hugged Michele, I thought he was about to snap her in half, and when he went to Chris, there was a moment of hesitation where I could see Jackson thinking, `Should I shake his hand? Should I just nod? Nah fuck it, I need a hug' was how it played out as they embraced in silence. Whilst they had seen each other briefly on the yacht, neither were really 100% ready. I knew that this hug was a sign of a fresh start. "Hey ya big sexy beast" Jackson finally said as they parted. "Hey there you." Chris replied. "Lets be upfront now, I am not taking your shit anymore. What I says goes!" "Sir, yes Sir" Jackson responded. "Oh god you two, get a room" Michelle added, before further commenting, "Grant do I really have to listen to this bromance every day?" I laughed before moving in to making sure Jackson had everything packed and was ready to leave, before making my way to the nurses station to sign him out. "Our policy is he must leave in a wheel chair, just grab one from over by the exit, and push him out." "Really? This is going to be" I added. "He's a lovely guy, but damn stubborn!" Added the nurse on duty. "So you know him well I see" she laughed before I made my way back to his room with the chair. "Right you, get in." I commanded to look of mock indignation before Jackson willingly complied with my request. "Boss, I will push him. That way if I see stairs I can say it was an accident." Chris piped in. "Seriously, you bastards hate me!" Jackson was joining in the fun. "Well duh!" Michelle added, "You did kind of wreck everyone's holidays." I was loving the shade everyone was throwing around, and I was so happy to be leaving the hospital with my husband in one piece, feeling better, and looking better. As we pilled everyone in the car, we were packed to capacity. Michael and Chris up front with Jackson Michelle and I in the back. It was only a 10min trip to the house, and it was good to finally arrive. "Welcome to our tropical oasis Baby cakes ." I said as we hopped out of the car. "Well damn! Look how friggin' beautiful this place is. Look at the gardens, I could live out here full time. Is this ours's? Do we own this?" "No. Sam got it as a rental on short notice. Peak season they charge a bomb for it." "Well suck it up honey, I am worth every cent." He replied knowing I didn't really care As we wondered inside, Jackson was enthralled by the use of natural tones and timber used in the house. The way the main living space flowed out to the pool area, which beyond laid the beach and ocean. The trees that lined the shore were such a green that the contrast of colours were simply breathtaking. "Sam has done an excellent job" he commented as he continued wondering around. Down stairs there were living quarters for staff were the cook, Karl and the new detail would stay. Moving upstairs, the bamboo flooring continued through out as long hallway passed an additional 4 bedrooms with their own bathrooms opening up to a large sitting room with a removable wall of glass overlooked the ocean. Turning in the opposite direction, a small bridge across the living space below lead to two massive doors that when opened revealed the master suite. In the middle was a super king sized bed that was positioned to over look the balcony and beyond towards the ocean. "OK, I can die now, I am in heaven." Jackson exclaimed. "this place could not be anymore perfect if it tried. It is just truly beautiful." He went on. "OK, so I want you to rest a bit before dinner. We have dinner coming from a local restaurant in an hour. Did you want me to have Karl run you a bath to relax in?" "Oh yes! I need one. I still feel like I am covered in hospital smell." "OK, just lay down and I will have him organise it. I just want to go over emails for a bit, I feel a little behind. But I will make sure Karl takes care of you in the mean time." As I wondered downstairs, I found Karl and asked him to organise Jackson for a bath, before heading off to my makeshift office, where I started the dreaded game of catch up on few critical emails that I knew Sam had pushed through to me, that he either wasn't sure of, or above his pay grade to approve. As Karl took Jackson in to the bathroom, they kind of both just looked at each other, not knowing what to do or say. "Did you want me to get Michelle to give you a hand in?" Karl asked somewhat awkwardly. "No no, your fine, it's not as if you haven't seen a naked man before." Jackson responded. As Karl started to help Jackson undress, he couldn't help but notice the bulge appearing in the front of his jocks. Without saying a word, he removed Jacksons jocks as Jackson now stood before him naked. "Well I had heard rumours, but I didn't believe them until now!" Karl said in a voice that Jackson could just hear. "Hahaha. Rumours. You should never listen to them. Always go straight to the source and ask." Jackson responded. "I just have never seen such a massive long cock like that. It is rather impressive." "Gee thanks, when I am back feeling 100% I will let you take a closer look at it." Jackson added with a grin. "You never know where it may end up!" "Oh, I have a fairly good idea." Karl added before grabbing Jacksons arm and supporting him in to the bath. "Now are if I leave you for 20mins, you're not going to drown are you." Karl asked half jokingly. "I will be fine. I just want to soak and relax." "Fine, I will be back soon to help you out and dry you off, and find you some clothes to hop into." Karl first and foremost was a true professional, as were all of our team. But he also knew how far he could push the boundaries. Before walking off, he put his hand in the bath, and gave Jacksons cock a quick squeeze. "I just wanted to make sure it was real." He added with a smile. Chapter 68 Docked in Jamacia was the Lady Lucia. The time had come to end the trip for the rest of the family. As they organising themselves, I rang Jules and asked her to get Maggie on the line too. "Hey my girls, how you been?" I asked, knowing I had not spoken to them in a few days. "Good dad. We have had the best time here. It has just been a blast! How's Dada?" "Well that is what I was calling for. I wanted to see if you wanted to come here for a bit and stay, before he sails back to New York? He's not allowed to fly, so in about a week the Lady Lucia is going to head to New York with him and some of the team on board. What do you say?" Jules was all up for it, and was keen to continue on her break, as long as Marcus could come as well. I knew the romance was developing, and whilst I didn't want to be a downer dad, I told Jules the truth, that Marcus was now Sam's detail, and he had to travel with Sam. The disappointment in her voice was noticeable, but eventually she understood. "Shit Dad!" Maggie piped up in the background. "I have to be back in college on Monday, so I really only have one day." "That's fine. He would love to see you, so why don't I have the plane collect you in the morning, bring you here, spend the day with Dada and then Sunday morning you can head back to New York and then you will be right for Monday." "Sounds great. I can't wait to get Dada cuddles." Maggie added. I always felt a little jealous of the depth of their relationship. I guess Jackson may at times had similar feelings of jealousy as my relationship with Jules was similar. Neither of us ever showed feelings of favouritism, but, unintentionally both girls did. We were both OK with that, as we had raised to wonderfully open and excepting individuals who were poles apart in personality, but who both shared the love of two great fathers. The rest of the night was a pretty relaxed affair. Once dinner arrived, I told Michael to take Karl out for dinner, and maybe a little romance. This made them blush, as I said it in front of Chris. I had Chris and Michelle with us, and I knew we were all tired and it would be an early night. The plane was due to arrive at 9 in the morning, and I suggested that Chris and Michael go and collect the troops as we would just be laying around the day relaxing. The two planned the morning before Karl and Michael fled for `Date night'. They also knew they'd be separating soon as Michael travelled with me, and Karl was staying behind to head up the team in the Caymans, and then sailing back to New York. They both understood my reasons for this, as I wanted Jackson wrapped in cotton wool and protected until I knew, or, his Doctors were convinced it was ok for him to resume a normal calendar. In our new life, `Normal' was a strange word. It was nice to finally get Jackson in to bed. Just him and I. It was nice to reach over and feel the warmth of a body that you are so deeply connected with. Getting him undressed, I offered to get him something to sleep in. "No. I need to et everything hang out. It has been so long, and bloody restrictive in those damn gowns they make you wear." He said. I laughed at his comments as I helped him undress. He was still a bit light on his feet, but doing ok. "You know if you sleep naked, you're still not getting sex tonight!" I added as a reminder that tonight, he needed to sleep. Just as we had pulled the blankets up, Michelle knocked and entered our bedroom. "Right you, take your medications, and I want you to open your mouth and say ahhh after you've swallowed. I'm copping your shit and games any more." "WTF!" Jackson exclaimed. Lying next to him I had a huge grin on my face and muffled laughter at Michelle's comments. "You kind of bought that one on yourself" I added in as an after thought. "You're all ganging up on me" Jackson feigned to protest. We drifted off to sleep in a peaceful slumber. The first in a while where I hadn't had to slepp one eye open keeping an eye on Jackson. I knew he wasn't 100% still, but I also knew he was in a much better position than he had been previously. I drifted of thinking how much pain he must had been in and that he had no idea how close to death he had become. Waking up in the morning to the sound of Karl's voice with coffee was a great way to start the day. Has be pulled back the curtains we were greeted by a sea of Aqua before us as the ocean was a spectacular sight to behold. "God that's bright." I said as we tried to focus on the view. "What time is it?" I asked out of curiosity. "It's 8:30, Chris and Michael have just left to go to the Airport, the girls are on their way and you two need to get you arses into gear!" Karl responded. "OK OK, let us drink our coffee, and I will get us showered and dressed. We will be down before they get here." I promised as Karl departed our room. "Hey beautiful.' I said looking at Jackson. "I slept so well last night. I think the most sound sleep I have had in weeks." I added. "Yeah, me too." He confirmed. "It was so nice to actually be in a real bed for a change" "Well let's make sure we keep it that way." I added before he could speak, "Just remember that I need to head to Belize tomorrow night with Michael, and it will probably the last time I see you for a few weeks. Are you sure you are ok with this?" "yeah, I actually am. I will miss you to the moon and back, but, I know you have to get back to work, and I am kind of the reason for everything." "It's all good. We will talk daily you know." I added for reassurance. "I know. Hey, have you spoken to Michelle yet?" "No, I wanted you to, but I wanted to be there when you did. How about we jump in the shower and then go grab her before the girls arrive." As we downed our coffee we jumped through the shower and got dressed in record time. Heading down stairs we saw Michelle having a casual chat with Karl in the Kitchen. "hey Michelle, have you got a few minutes, Jackson and I wanted to have a chat with you?" "Yeah, sure, is everything ok?" She asked with concern in her voice. "Perfect!" I added in a tone to reassure her. As we sat in the lounge Jackson tried to find the words to convey what he was trying to say. I squeezed his hand before asking if he wanted me to speak for him. "Please, you are so much better at this than me." "Michelle, Jackson and I were talking in the hospital about a few things, and one of the things we discussed was your future with us. I know you have plans to travel, but, we've had an idea that I wanted to share with you and get your thoughts on" I began as Michelle just sat in silence. "As you would be aware, Sam is my right hand man, so to speak. He does everything for me from organising my diary right through to making sure the plane is ready and and everything in between. He is my brain at times, and he is my saviour. I could not function on a daily basis with out him." Laying out the ground work of where I was heading. "Once Jackson is back on deck full time, he won't have the need for a nurse, but he will have the need for a Sam. You and Jackson click. You are constantly one step ahead of him. Jackson has plans to start up another Foundation in The US, based in New York, whilst still guiding Jules back in Germany, amongst other things. We'd both love it if you would take up the role and join us as Jackson's Executive Assistant." Michelle sat there dumbfounded, not really knowing how to respond. "I, I, I don't know what to say. I am flattered, but I have no idea what it entails." She added. "Well, if you say yes, you would spend at least a month shadowing Sam and learning from him. You would spend time with Karl & Paul understanding how they work with us, and obviously you would spend some times with James understanding how he works and fits into our operation. I know you are extremely intelligent, and we are both confident that if you wanted to do the role, you could. Plus, the salary is very rewarding, as is the clothing allowance you would be given to make sure you are dressed for the part. You accommodation is included, you will have a personal protection person appointed to you, and you will still get to continually travel, whilst at the same time play a part in making an impact in people's lives. Have I painted the ideal picture yet?" Michelle let out a nervous laugh, "Yes, it sounds amazing" "Good, cause it's bloody hard work. What do you say?" "I am in. I would love it, I can't wait. But, you need to tell me if I am not doing a good job. I don't want to let you down." "Well, that's Jackson's call. If he thinks it's not working out, it comes from him. You work for him. But he trusts you, and therefore I trust you. You're a part of the team and we want you to be a part of us long term." Chapter 69 As we were finishing up with Michelle, we were alerted of the girls arrival by the shouting out the front. "Dada, where are you!" Cam Maggies yells from out front. "Hey you," he said as he pulled the doors open and was attacked by both girls. As the bags of luggage were bought in we all started to gather in the living space. Questions were flying around the room as we all caught up on each other's lives, and the girls trip to Jamacia. Maggie had an absolute blast partying and dancing most nights in to the wee small hours, and she kept Chris on his toes, although Chris hadn't mentioned this yesterday. Jules was smitten in love and I could see by the look in her eyes. I was really concerned by it, but at the same time I had to keep reminding myself that she was 22 and needed to learn on her own, but I would be there when and if she needed a shoulder to cry on. Hopefully I would be proven wrong. None of us ever want to see our kids with a broken heart. Karl, Michael and our cook had taken off shopping to buy food and supplies, and Sam joined them to run a few errands for me, now that the agent had confirmed that the offer on the bank had been accepted and we were needing to transfer money. James got straight to work finalising for my trip to Belize which left the four of us sitting out on the patio chatting and talking. Whilst the surrounds were completely foreign to us all, it still felt like we were back in Sydney on a Sunday after sitting in our courtyard playing catch up. As afternoon wore on, I noticed that Jackson was looking tired. I placed a tender hand on his and gave him a look. "Hey you, how about we help you upstairs and you have a lie down before dinner" I suggested. "Let me take him dad." Jules said. It was a strange request from her, and something I would have expected more from Maggie. As they walked away from Maggie and I, there was something in the back of my mind that didn't sit right. I am sure Jackson would fill me in later. As Jules and Jackson approached our bedroom, she placed on a hand on his. "Dada, can we talk." She asked with the innocence of a child. "Yeah, you know we can." Jackson replied with a slight look of concern on his face. "It's Dad. I am not sure how to talk to him." She started off cautiously. "What do you mean. It's never been a problem before, why now?" "Well, I think I am in trouble, and I don't know what to do. You may both get angry with me, and I'm scared" she said as tears started to roll down her cheeks. "Hey babygirl, talk to me. I am sure we can sort it out. Dad is a pretty powerful man these days. Theres really nothing he can't do, or have some one help him sort out a problem. Our lives are totally different these days. You should know that by now, and besides, after everything we've been through, what could be a bigger problem?" "I think I am pregnant!" She blurted out as tears started pouring out and the sobs became increasingly loud. "Oh, fuck me! Who's the father." "What's that supposed to mean! You know who it is. It's Marcus." She said as the crying became louder and louder. As she placed her head on Jacksons chest, he held her as she tried to subdue the crying. This was the last thing he was expecting from Jules. Smart, sensible Jules. Maggie, yeah sure, but not Jules. "I'm just shocked you didn't use protection" Jackson said out loud, almost regretting it the moment it came out. "Dada, we did. He used a condom and I am on the pill, but somehow that little fucker smashed through the rubber and made me a statistic." "Are you 100% sure?" Jackson asked, not really knowing how best to cope. As two gay dad's a lot of our parenting skills had been self taught and we'd always told the girls they could ask us anything. We had given them the best sexual health advice possible and had female friends help us as they girls entered puberty. "I am now. I thought I was suffering seasickness, but the boat wasn't even moving. And then my breasts started to get sore, so I goggled it, and then I realised I skipped my period. It was all downhill after that, and I took a test yesterday. Actually, I took six. They all came back positive." "What did Marcus say?" Jackson asked out of curiosity, buying himself some time and trying to think how to get me up to the bedroom and help him out. "He is so scared of Dad, you & James." "So he should be. Sorry Jules, I am not going to say I am over the moon, I am just trying to process this as Dad is going to shit a brick when he finds out. I am just trying to level with you." "yeah, I know, that's why I needed to tell you first. I feel like I have disappointed and let you down." She said sounding so sad about the whole affair. "Sweetheart. I can't tell you that the nuclear fallout from telling dad is going to be kind to any of us, but, you know he holds you up on a pedestal, he always has, I wont say he's going to be disappointed, but I think he's going to be more shocked to come to the realisation that your sexually active. I know he's discussed it with me, but this is next level." After a bit of pause Jackson continued. "So when did you want to tell him?" "When you're ready. I need you there too." "Well sweetheart, after that bombshell confession, I am not in the mood for a nap. Lets rip this band aid off and get it all out in the open." Jackson said as he picked up the phone and texted me downstairs. "Can you come up ASAP." Jackson then hugged Jules. "We will get through this kiddo, what ever happens, but just be prepared for anger and shock before calm." "yeah I know, I guess I need to face the music." Chapter 70 Approaching the bedroom door, I was extremely on high alert. I wasn't sure what I was walking into or if Jackson had had a fall or what. I was preparing for the worst as I pushed the doors open with force. Laying on the bed was Jackson, with Jules's head on his chest. Jules appeared to have been crying. I was trying to figure out what was going on as Jackson was calm and seemed fine. "What's wrong? You ok? Did you fall? Jules, why you been crying? Talk to me someone." I was a little rattled as I was not prepared for this scene. It was the complete opposite to what I was prepared for. "Hey honey, just calm down. The three of us need to have a bit of a chat." Jackson being the reason calm said as he reached out for my hand. "Pull up a chair next to me." Jackson suggested pointing to the easy chair in the corner. "What did he do to you Jules." I asked suspiciously, her knowing I was referring to Marcus. "Dad, just shut up and listen for once. Stop talking." Jules said raising her voice and finding a level of maturity I had not witnessed before. "Dad, I need to tell you something, I need you to listen to everything, I need you to hear what I am saying without interruptions, and once I am finished you can do as you please." "OK," I said. "Let's hear you out." "Well, Marcus and I had sex, he wore a condom, and as you know I am on the pill......" "No Jules. Please, don't say it......" "Dad, I am pregnant!" Jules blurted out, again starting to burst into tears "Fuck Jules, how...." "Dad, I just told you. It was a complete accident. I swear, he used a condom. It broke. I can show you, and you know I am on the pill. You know I didn't want kids till I was 30, there is so much I wanted to do. Please. It is an accident. I don't know what else to say." To say I was disappointed was an understatement, but I knew Jules had never lied about something this big before, and with her I could always tell when she was lying. I knew she was telling the truth. I couldn't be angry. I wanted to be, I wanted to wish this away, but I couldn't and now we had to work a way forward. "So, what's the plan." I asked more as a general question than as a solution. "What does Marcus think about the whole thing?" I had so many questions. "Dad, he is so scared of you guys, and James. He knows we should have never done anything whilst he was my detail, but I will take 100% blame, I will go so far as to say I kind of pressured him." I looked at Jackson, "She's definitely your daughter" I said in a half joking manner. Jackson just shot me side eye. "Fuck you Grandpa!" he through back at me, and for the first time in our lives the thought of us becoming Grandparents at 52 & 51 was now a realisation we had to face. "Fuck!" I said. "Just fuck" "Jules, I need to know something. Did you want to have it? It's your body & your choice. We will support what ever you decide." I said as succinctly as possible. "Yeah dad, I think I do. I would say I am about 9 weeks gone." `What do you mean 9 weeks gone?" I was incredulous at this statement. "Well, it happened before the car accident. But I never said anything because I didn't think anything was wrong, then I skipped my period in hospital and put it down to the accident, then I put the morning sickness down to being seasick.....nothing added up and then my boobs....." "yep, thanks sweetheart, I get the picture. Let's just leave it at that. OK. So what does Marcus want? Does he want a child." "Well, here's the situation dad, and I want to be honest. He thinks you will say he's in it for the money. I am gonna gross you out here, but I put the condom on him, so I know he used it. He's afraid to be a dad, he's a little concerned that he can't support us the way you do, and he wants to be the provider for his child, not sponging off you. I need you to get to know him Dad, and you dada, he really is a nice guy." "OK. Now the cats out of the bag, and I have to leave tomorrow, I am thinking a couple of things. 1. He joins us for dinner & 2. You better tell your sister before then, because she will be at dinner, and I am not leaving her out of this." "OK. Can I have a hug" As Jules hopped off the bed and made her way over to me, I noticed for the first time that my little girl had grown up. The next few months were going to hard, but I knew she'd get there, and both Jackson and I needed to support her. Jules left our bedroom and as I sat on the chair and Jackson remained lying on the bed we just looked at each other with a vacant stare. "Well Pops, what's next?" I asked not really expecting an answer. "Well gramps, I am guessing we have our next challenged ahead of us, and we really need to make sure we don't fuck it up. We have two daughters we both love. Jules is in love with Marcus, if what she is telling us is true, he appears to love her. How about you talk to James, pull out his background and make sure there are no hidden secrets. We need to know what we are getting into." As he said this he burst into laughter. "What is so fucking funny" I asked "Oh baby, the media are going to have a field day with this. `Heiress produces bastard child.' `Body guard fails to use protection' I can see them now. We need to handle the messaging before this get's out, pronto." "fuck, yeah, you're right." Chapter 71 Dinner was a subdued affair. None of us were really talking, and as the 5 of us sat around the table in awkward silence, it was Maggie who broke the tension. "Oh look, Cook has made Spatchcock, aren't they baby chickens?" She said seeing if she would get a reaction. As none of us took the bait, she decided to throw another grenade in to the mix. "Baby carrots too. Seems to be a theme." Jackson was on my right, and I could see him trying to stifle laughter, poorly, but trying his hardest. He failed as he burst out in to fits of laughter. "Oh come on, that was funny" he said to no one in particular. "He Maggie, pass me the baby peas." He through back across the table. "Ok enough. I get the picture you two." I said trying to regain civility at the table. "Who wants to start" I said hoping it wouldn't be me. Marcus cleared his throat, and placed his hand on Jules. I couldn't help but notice he gave her a little squeeze as he looked at me. "Mr Von Garbner, Jackson, first of all, I am sorry. Neither of us had planned for this. We really thought we were taking all the precautions. But it just happened. I have been feeling so scared about this. Not only are you Jules dad, your also my boss, and I feel like I have let you down in so many ways. I asked Jules to marry me, but she said no. I didn't just ask her because she's pregnant, but I asked her because I love her." "Marcus," Jackson started, giving me time to gather my thoughts, "That's very noble of you, but this isn't 1955. Both Grant and I understand that accidents happen, it has just caught us both off guard, as I am sure it has you two. Can I ask how old you are?" "26 sir." "And your family? What's your background?" "We are from Queens in New York. My dad is a Rabbi and my mum is a housewife. We are pretty normal family, I guess. I joined the Navy after school, and worked my way up to be a seal by the time I was 24. I was one of the youngest ever admitted in the program, and when Chris got out to join the company, he asked me to go with him. The money was better, and in many ways, it had better prospects and was safer than what I was doing. I did one tour of Afghanistan and after that we got out." "Do they know Jules is pregnant?" Jackson was doing a great job of asking the questions so far. "No, my dad is going to be so disappointed. They always wanted me to marry a nice Jewish girl from the Synagogue, but I guess it's not worked out that way." "And when do you plan on telling them?" "As soon as I am back stateside Sir. I don't want to do it over the phone." "That's fair enough. Do you expect to raise the child Jewish? I am not sure if you know that Grant and I are atheists." "Well technically as Jules and I aren't married, the child takes the religion of the mother, but with Jules permission, and only with her permission, I would like him to be raised Jewish, as he is also my son, and to me that would be important, but definitely not a deal breaker. As I said, Jules and I haven't discussed it, and it is 100% her decision to make, and I will not pressure her." "That's very kind of you. I guess we can have this talk later, we have a few months to go yet. As for marriage, again, that is something that you both need to talk through, and both Grant and I, whilst we won't hold an opinion of the matter, are here if either of you want to talk to us about it. No judgement." "Thank you, Sir" Marcus said. "And please, don't call me Sir. I am about to be a grandfather, lets not age me to fast." Jackson let out with a smile. I needed to say something. And was trying to best grabble my head around thinks. "So Marcus, Jules said you wanted to support her, and the baby, on your own. I think that is noble, but not necessary. Over the last year, our lifestyle has changed dramatically and whilst I appreciate the offer, Jules still needs to have personal security, her living quarters to be one that is protected, and well, the same will apply to our grandchild. The security alone will cost 4 times what you earn a year, then the house, the food, and my god, the cost of nappy's alone will bankrupt you.' I added trying to lighten the load. `So, what I am saying is, I can't allow you to say you will support our daughter, and grandchild, I need you to understand that we will work something out where you can contribute. I do understand a man wanting to provide for his family, and we both appreciate the gesture." " I guess I didn't think of it like that, and I thank you for the offer. Please know, I have never had any other relationship. Even in the Navy I was well mannered. To be honest the time Jules got pregnant was my first time" "BULLSHIT, You're shitting me" Maggie piped up from the table in exasperation. "Well fuck me brother. Well done on your first shot!" "Maggie, that will be enough." I said with maybe a little too much force. "dad, does she really have to be here." Jules spoke up. "Yes Jules, we always have and always will have important family discussions as a family. Believe it or not, this affects all of us, not just you and Marcus. Do you realise what Sam is doing tonight instead of spending his last with James?" "No? What" Jules replied. "he's currently working with a PR company in the US trying to work out a strategy on how to announce this, so you don't end up as tabloid trash. Sweetheart, Marcus and even you Jules, you need to understand how different our lives are now as opposed to our lives back in Sydney. Hasn't the last year taught you anything?" I asked genuinely "I guess I hadn't thought about that part dad. I guess you're right though." She added as the penny dropped down on her and revealing the enormity of the situation. "I didn't think of it either. Again I am sorry." Marcus added "Look Jules, I am not going to tell you need to get married. Dada and I are the last to make those sorts of comments. We used a surrogate to bring you and Mags in to this world, and we love you more than you will ever know. The decisions you and Marcus make, as long as they are sensible and modest, Dada and I will accept. Do not think you need to say no because you're trying to be independent or trying to show strength. You need to do what is right in your heart. What makes you two happy." As I said that I was realising I sounded as if I was encouraging my daughter to marry. I guess I was, and for the first time that day, I guess I was ok with everything.