Bittersweet Chocolate (Jack)

[CUPCAKE]

It was a warm Spring evening, and Jack was headed home, finally. He was supposed to go see Rebecca later that evening since they both had the next day off, but he decided he would go home first and get dressed. He'd promised a home cooked meal, something he knew Rebecca missed since he'd moved back to his own apartment a few months back. He stopped in the market and got the ingredients for a lasagna, grabbing a bottle of wine at the liquor store.

On his way out, Jack came across a street vendor, a pleasant looking woman in her early forties with a kind smile. She was selling gourmet chocolates, making a name for herself as she was just getting started, and Jack was drawn to the cart. What better dessert than chocolates? He bought a bag of assorted chocolates, the woman promising a bargain and begging him to keep her card when he'd like to purchase more, which she assured he would want to. Jack, amused, promised he would and went on his way.

The chocolates smelled sweet, and on his ride home the scent of chocolate dominated the car. It was all he could do not to dig in and have one, but the longer he drove, the harder it was to resist. When he pulled up to his apartment he finally gave in, popping one into his mouth. It had been, by far, the best piece of candy he had ever tasted and immediately he felt excited about bringing them for Rebecca. He could only imagine how much fun it would be to feed them to her, hopefully naked in bed.

Jack put the stuff that needed to be cooled in the refrigerator while he went to the bathroom to get a shower. He turned the hot water on and went to his room to strip, throwing his clothes into the hamper, but he suddenly felt a little dizzy. Knowing the signs of a black out, Jack laid down, taking deep breaths as the room around him began to spin. Then it all went black.

---

Somewhere in the distance a door shut, the sound of footsteps darting across hard floor. The room smelled of fresh linen with a slight tint of sandalwood, the bed Jack laid on was soft and plush. The pillow was down as was the comforter that wrapped over his waist. The room was dimly lit as one might be with curtains blocking it from the sun. Footsteps fell gently up steps and grew closer and closer to the room Jack was sleeping in, the door opening as someone entered.

“Jack!” Rebecca snapped, coming to his side and smacking his rear with enough force to stir him without really hurting him, especially through the plush comforter. “You were supposed to be up and showered. Come on, up!” She moved away from the bed, unbuttoning the shirt she was wearing and letting it slide to the ground. Her long blond hair was curled and done up professionally, showing she'd just come from the hair dresser and it looked like she was about to be in a wedding. She sat on the edge of the bed, pulling her pants down and tossing them aside before getting up and moving towards the closet. Her stomach was swollen, clearly containing a child, and her heaving breasts were practically spilling from the strapless bra she wore.

As Jack looked around, he would see his surroundings weren't familiar. The room was definitely well lived in, and definitely belong to Jack and Rebecca, but not the Jack and Rebecca he knew. Large black and white canvas prints lined the wall, the first a picture of a large, pregnant stomach with the mothers hands resting around the bulge, a large pair of mans hands curved gently over hers. The next a picture of a newborn baby with a crown of dark hair, her naked bottom in the air. Next a toddler with her fists in a cake bearing a single pink candle, the candle the only colored thing in the photo, and after that a toddler wearing a long tutu with pearls wrapped around her neck, her arms in the air with a wide, excited smile on her angelic face, the dark hair much longer now. The final one a group shot of Rebecca and Jack with the dark haired child between them, who looked to be about two. There were other pictures lining the bookcase and dresser, and upon closer look Jack would recognize some of the people in them, but they would make no sense. A picture of young Rebecca with a blond haired boy, freckles splattering his youthful face. There were pictures of Jack with his sisters, but the first to be out of place was the one of a young Rebecca, about thirteen, with short dark hair and a young Andy and Izzy on either side of her. The frame had bold words in silver across the bottom that read Best Friends. Next to that was a picture of Jack and Rebecca together, only in this they were in their teens, standing under a balloon arch that could only belong at a prom, then another larger frame held a beautiful picture of Rebecca in an elegant gown, her chin cradled in a violin, a look of delight and concentration on her kind face. Beside that was a more recent picture of Rebecca standing beside a young man with dark blond hair, freckles still splattered across his youthful face. Finally a picture of Jack and a man at a baseball game, the man resembling a much older version of Jack's father.

Rebecca was pulling her slip on, looking in the mirror with a disappointed face, frowning at how large her stomach bulged. Her hand slid over the bump and a glimmer of a smile slid on her face. A diamond engagement ring and gold band graced her ring finger, her overall disposition laid back. Her head turned and she looked Jack in the eye, suddenly frowning at him. “Get your ass up, Jackie. Come on!” She hissed, moving to get her dress from the hanger, pulling it over her head. “If you make me late to my own brothers wedding I will seriously kill you.” ”It's not nice to say kill, momma.” Came a small voice from the doorway. Rebecca smiled at the girl from the photos on the wall. “You're right, mommy's sorry, she shouldn't have said that to daddy.” She knelt down and fixed a hair that had fallen out of place on the young girls face. A crown of flowers graced her head which was full of nearly black long ringlets. “Want to go grab your dress, Shayla? Mommy will help you get it on.” The little girl nodded excitedly and darted out of her parents bedroom to her own room. “Baby will you zip me up?”

[JACK ROCCOGRANDI]

Jack was frantically looking around the room, trying to find anything that could tell him where he was. The only thing that he could really focus on was Rebecca’s swollen stomach. Obviously there was a baby in there. Judging from the pictures on the wall, it was his baby. When the hell did that happen? And who was the little girl in the pictures with them? He had a sickening feeling in his stomach. The bright ring on Rebecca’s finger flashed at him as she ran her hand over her belly and he automatically looked down at his own left hand. There was simple gold band on his ring finger and he swallowed hard. Rebecca was his wife. He’d dreamed about it so many times, but…but how had it happened? “Get your ass up, Jackie. Come on!” He turned back to Rebecca with wide eyes, hesitantly pushing himself to his feet as he watched her slip a dress over her head. “If you make me late to my own brother’s wedding I will seriously kill you.” Brother? Sam? But Sam was dead… “It’s not nice to say kill, Momma.” Jack’s head snapped around to the little voice in the doorway. An adorable dark-haired girl stood looking up at Rebecca with big, dark eyes. Her perfectly curled hair was topped with a crown of flowers—obviously she was in the wedding too. All Jack could do was stare at her in absolute wide-eyed shock. She was the little girl from the pictures…she called Rebecca “Momma”… “You’re right, Mommy’s sorry, she shouldn’t have said that to Daddy.” Yep, that was his daughter. But how could he have a daughter? He didn’t even know her name! Panic was rising in his throat as he stood mesmerized by the little girl. “Want to go grab your dress, Shayla? Mommy will help you get it on.” Shayla…His little girl’s name was Shayla. She nodded and darted away, her little curls bouncing as she went. Jack felt he could be content just watching her for hours…

“Baby, will you zip me up?” Rebecca’s voice snapped him out of his reverie and he looked at her. She was as beautiful as he’d ever seen her. With her hair blonde again and done up for a wedding and the way her belly protruded from beneath the delicate folds of her dress…it was like he was in a dream. Had he even dared to dream this before? Being married to Rebecca with a daughter and another baby on the way, living in a stylish home with family pictures lining the walls…the pictures. He wanted to inspect them closer, but instead he moved to Rebecca, still looking dazed as he swept a hand through his hair. Jack didn’t zip her up, though. Instead he put his arms around Rebecca, pulling her as close as he could and burying his face in her neck. She didn’t put up much of a fight, but it was obvious she was confused. “This must be a dream, right?” he asked into the pale skin of her neck. At least she still smelled the same. When he pulled back, he cupped her face with both hands and studied her. “This can’t be real, right? I mean…I just laid down for a second. I ate this chocolate and…it was really, really good, and I was just about to go over to your apartment and make you dinner, but I felt dizzy. And now…now I wake up and you’re…you’re my wife! And we have a girl! And you’re pregnant! And we’re going to your brother’s wedding! I have to be dreaming, right?” Rebecca was giving him the most concerned look and pushing him back to the bed. His long legs gave out when they touched the side of the bed and he sank down onto the mattress.

She might have been talking, but now he was too focused on the pictures surrounding them. Why was there a picture of Rebecca with his sisters with a frame that said “Best Friends”? They all looked so young in that picture…And was that a prom picture of him and Rebecca? That one almost made him laugh, but another picture caught his eye before the sound could escape. It couldn’t be…that picture couldn’t exist. It was like the air was suddenly sucked out of him and he got to his feet once more, moving to the picture. A man who looked remarkably like him only older was grinning from behind the glass. He couldn’t tear his eyes away. “Becks, is…is my dad alive?” Finally he looked back at her, his eyes wide and hopeful. It couldn’t be…could it? Could his dad really be alive? This was all too much. Where was he? This certainly wasn’t the life he had before he went to sleep!

[REBECCA TAYLOR]

Rebecca watched Jack approach from the mirror, her eyes following him as he wrapped his arms around her, her own sliding over the muscular appendages she loved so dearly. Her head instinctively tilted to the side as he nuzzled close, biting her lower lip at his affection. Even after knowing him for nearly twenty years, he could still make her heart pound ven if his show of affection was a rarity. "Someones feeling snuggly this morning." She teased. "This must be a dream, right?" she let out a soft laugh, "Nope.. he's really getting hitched." She said playfully back.

Jack pulled back and she turned to him, his hand cupping her face, confusing her more. Jack had always been sweet, but lately he'd been a little rough around the edges. "This can't be real, right?". She suddeny realized he didn't mean Sam's wedding. "I mean...I just laid down for a second. I ate this chocolate and...it was really, really good, and I was just about to go over to your apartment and make you dinner, but I felt dizzy." Her brows furrowed, having no idea what he meant. Was this a dream he was referring to? When had she ever had her own apartment? When she graduated from Juliard she'd right in with Jack. "And now...now I wake up and you're...you're my wife! And we have a girl! And you're pregnant! And we're going to your brother's wedding! I have to be dreaming, right?" Rebecca let out a little laugh, looking at her crazy husband with his weird story. Maybe the wedding was reminding him of their own and making him sentimental. "No.. No I'm pretty sure this is real." She teased him, a little unnerved by the way he told the story. Jack wasn't always great at expressing himself.

She pushed him to the bed gently, making him sit. "You feeling alright, baby?" She asked, but he was looking around like he'd never been there bfore. "Jackie?" She asked softly, a hand caressing his cheek tenderly. It was as though he never noticed though, his voice all but cracking as he spoke again. "Becks, is...is my dad alive?" The question both confused her and broke her heart. "Of course he is." She told him gently. "What's gotten into you all of a sudden?" She asked, taking a seat beside him though her body was turned to face his. Shayla ran in just hen, dress in hand with a big smile on her face. "Ready!. She gushed. Rebecca smiled and took the dress from her daughter. "Baby, will you do mommy a big favor?" She asked and the girl nodded her head exageratedly, liking how the curls bounced against her face. "Daddy is sooo thirsty. Can you find a juicebox with the purple grapes on it for him?" "Okay!" they had been out of grape for a week, not that Shayla noticed, she just wanted another moment alone with Jack. Her blue eyes moved back to the dark chocolate ones of her husbands. "Are you feeling okay?" She asked, her words cradled with concern.

[JACK ROCCOGRANDI]

“Of course he is.” Rebecca’s answer made tears well in Jack’s eyes. His father was alive. For the first time in twenty-four years his father was alive. “What’s gotten into you all of a sudden?” Before he could answer the thud of tiny footsteps sounded from the hall and that beautiful little girl came bouncing in with a dress in her hands. “Ready!” All Jack could do was gaze at her in sheer surprise. That was his daughter. He had a little girl he’d never met. He swallowed hard. “Baby, will you do Mommy a big favor?” Jack smiled at the way the girl nodded so enthusiastically. “Daddy is sooo thirsty. Can you find a juicebox with the purple grapes on it for him?” “Okay!” Shayla nodded again and scampered off, her dark curls bouncing once again. It wasn’t until Rebecca looked at him that he stopped watching after his daughter. His eyes met Rebecca’s and she looked so worried. “Are you feeling okay?” No. No, he definitely wasn’t feeling okay. But…but he didn’t necessarily feel bad either. He shook his head.

“I don’t know what’s going on, Becks. This can’t be right. When I passed out, you had just met my sisters and my mom a couple weeks before. Trust me, it was hard enough to get you to agree to have lunch with them. Now I’m here and you’ve been best friends with my sisters for years. And my dad’s alive. My dad died when I was eleven. I don’t understand what’s happening.” The look on Rebecca’s face made him wish he’d just played along. She didn’t just look confused—she looked hurt. He hadn’t meant to worry her so much…actually, it was the first time he’d seen her look so worried since Maxi disappeared last summer. Thinking of Maxi, there were no pictures of her in the immediate vicinity. Did Rebecca even know Maxi here? He reached out and took Rebecca’s hands. They were much softer than the hands he could remember holding, but he found he could get used to it. He looked down at the rings they both wore, knowing he’d been wanting this but still unsure how to react now that he had it so suddenly. Rebecca was the only woman he wanted to make a family with…he just thought that family would be a little further in the future. This had to be a dream… “I’m just telling you what I know, Becca. I don’t want to scare you.” With a heavy sigh, he lowered his head and simultaneously lifted her hands until his forehead could rest against them. What the hell was going on? “God I’m so confused…”

Once again there was a soft thumping of tiny footsteps and Jack lifted his head in time to see Shayla appear in the doorway. She still had her dress in her tiny arms but now there was a juicebox gripped tight in her little hand. With a happy little smile on her lips, she trotted over to Jack and extended the juicebox to him. “No grape, Daddy. Want apple?” Her eyes were so hopeful as she tried to help the man she knew as Daddy and he had to give a smile. “Sure. Thanks, Sweetie.” Shayla grinned from ear to ear, looking to her mother for confirmation that she’d done good. Of course Rebecca reassured her and Jack felt inexplicably warm towards her as he watched the way she interacted with their daughter. So this is what she would be like as a mother…He popped the straw out of its plastic container and stuck it into the thin foil-covered hole before sucking the golden liquid down. This was a pretty wild dream, but the juice helped him swallow it some. They were getting ready to go to Rebecca’s brother’s wedding. He considered telling her about her family in his world and what had happened to them, but he’d worried her enough. There was no need to add to that.

As she helped Shayla into her dress, Jack moved behind her and finished pulling the zipper up her back as she’d requested several minutes ago. He smiled when she looked back at him, trying to be reassuring even though he was still really confused by it all. Then he moved to their closet, finding a suit hanging there. The color of the vest matched the color of Rebecca’s dress. He looked between them and then furrowed his brow. “Am I in the wedding party?”

[REBECCA TAYLOR]

"I don't know what's going on, Becks. This can't be right. When I passed out, you had just met my sisters and my mom a couple weeks before. Trust me, it was hard enough to get you to agree to have lunch with them. Now I'm here and you've been best friends with my sisters for years. And my dad's alive. My dad died when I was eleven." the words sent a chill down her spine. She'd known Jack's family for ages, how would she have just met them last week? Her hand slid to his cheek and ran to his forehead. He was a bit clammy but didn't seem to have a fever. It was like he'd had a nigtmare and hadn't really woken up yet, and Rebecca was starting to grow very concerned. "I don't understand what's happening.". She had no words. She herself had no idea, but either way his words frightened and concerned her. How couldhe think such terrible things? "It was just a bad dream, Jackie.. it had to heve been." Her voice was soft and delicate, like a butterfly's wing.

Rebecca let Jack lace his fingers with hers, his deep brown eyes admiring the rings he'd given her nearly a decade ago. Her heart hurt at the way he looked at them, as if he were surprised they were married at all. "I'm just telling you what I know, Becca. I don't want to scare you.". She didn't want to tell him it was too late for that, but she certainly thought it. His hand brought hers to his forehad as he lowered his head. "God I'm so confused...". Rebecca didn't hve time to console him as their daughter came barging back into the room. "No grape, Daddy. Want apple?" Did he even recognize her? Of course he did.. he had to. Maybe, Rebecca thought, it was the stress finally coming to a head. Being captain meant longer hours and more work. He made the adjustment well but for the most part he was worn down and working too hard. Could he hve finally snapped?

"Sure. Thanks, Sweetie." Rebecca forced a smile, relieved that he seemed to know their daughtr despite everything he'd just said. "Thank you for helping, baby. Ready to get your dress on?" "Yes!" "You remember how we practiced?" "Mhmm!" "Good! You're going to be the best flower girl!" "I"m so excited!" She gushed. With a worried peck to Jack's lips Rebecca got up to help her daughter dress herself.

Jack said nothing more about the strange dream which he was confusing with reality as they got dressed. His large, warm hands sliding her zipper up as she slid Shayla's. Her eyes turned to his over her shoulder and she was partially relieved at his smile, maybe he was realizing it was all just the dream. That is, of course, until he questioned his place in the wedding party. "Yes." She said nervously. "Of course you are, Sam's always thought of you as a big brother." That worried look crossed her face again as he started to get dressed. Jack had been the person Sam confided in the most when Izzy broke his heart a few years back when they were in college. They had been sure the two would get married, but it wasn't in the cards, even though it was clear the pair still had feelings for each other.

"Shayla, I'm going to help daddy finish getting ready, would you like to watch a show?" The little girl nodded, her wide dark eyes intent on her parents. "Okay. Can I watch Dora." "Sure. Just one, then we have to leave. Okay?" "okay." and like that they were alone again. Rebecca moved to her husband again, buttoning the crisp white shirt he worse, covering the well defined torso beneath. "You're worrying me, Jackie." She said softly, her eyes moving to his. "I think you should take a week off, relax a little. They can deal without you, and I know you have some vacation time saved up." Her fingers finished their task and she moved her hands to cup his face. "We'll rent a house up at the beach, send Shayla to my parents for a couple nights.. make love whenever we want.." her fingers slipped through his hair, bringing his face down closer to hers. "That' all you need, baby.. no more confusing nightmares, just you and me, naked with a bottle of tequila, though only you get to drink it, and the beach." She smiled hopefully. "Our last hurrah before the baby comes.." Her lips pressed against his, her tongue darting out and slipping over his bottom lip until he slid his own out to greet hers. "Don't tell me no this time.." she whispered, her hands grasping his collar.

[JACK ROCCOGRANDI]

“Yes. Of course you are, Sam’s always thought of you as a big brother.” Jack looked over at Rebecca with surprise, his brow furrowed. Her brother saw him as a big brother? How long had his family known Rebecca’s here…? What the hell was going on? He couldn’t even tell if this was a dream or reality…But alternate realities didn’t exist outside of television! There were so many questions floating around his head and he knew Rebecca wouldn’t have the answers he needed. He just nodded his head in defeat, forcing a smile before looking back to his suit. He pulled off the t-shirt he was wearing and started with the crisp white shirt, turning his back to his apparent wife and daughter. There was no need to look at Rebecca’s face to know how worried she was and he wasn’t sure how to comfort her. He left some of the buttons undone as he slipped out of his sweats and quickly pulled on his suit pants over his boxer briefs. Shayla was young but he still felt weird changing in front of her…To his relief, Rebecca invited her to go watch Dora while she helped Jack get dressed.

As soon as Shayla disappeared again, Rebecca moved over to Jack and started to button up the rest of his shirt, drawing his eyes down to her. He had to admit, it was kind of nice having her so affectionate. Not that the Rebecca he knew wouldn’t be like this at some point, but she was much more reserved than the Rebecca standing before him. Then again, the Rebecca standing before him had known him for far longer than his Rebecca. Or did his wife count as his Rebecca? With these thoughts snowballing in his head, his wife was looking at him with the utmost concern. “You’re worrying me, Jackie.” That was another thing—the Rebecca he knew would never call him Jackie...at least, he didn’t think so. “I think you should take a week off, relax a little. They can deal without you, and I know you have some vacation time saved up. We’ll rent a house up at the beach, send Shayla to my parents’ for a couple nights…make love whenever we want…” Well that…that did sound nice. He gave a weak smile as her fingers combed into his short hair and pulled him closer. Would he be cheating on his Rebecca if he kissed his wife Rebecca? “That’s all you need, baby…no more confusing nightmares, just you and me, naked with a bottle of tequila, though only you get to drink it, and the beach. Our last hurrah before the baby comes…” That sounded really good…especially as she grasped his collar and pulled him into an enticing kiss. Their lips met and her tongue slid out across his bottom lip, inviting his own tongue to slip out and dance with hers. It was still Rebecca, just a different version of her…right? He didn’t know whether to feel guilty or not, but he definitely felt excited as her body pressed closer to his, even with the round baby belly between them. If anything it made him want her more, wanting to really see her body as his baby grew inside her. That was something he really had dreamt about. Now he was dreaming about it again… “Don’t tell me no this time…” Her words forced his eyes open again and he looked down at the woman he was now holding close. His hand came up and he ran his fingers lovingly along her jaw. How could this woman be a different Rebecca? Everything about her was the same…except her history. But didn’t that still make her the woman he loved?

He gave a smile and pulled her as close as he could comfortably manage with her swollen belly between them. “Tell you what—I’ll take some vacation time, but why don’t we stay here? I’ll get to spend some time with Shayla and visit with my family. And we’ll get plenty of time together too. Maybe I’ll take you up on your offer one night and we can ship Shay off to your parents’ and have some alone time.” A grin painted his face, devilish and sweet at the same time, pushing the fingers on her jaw into her blonde curls. So she’d gone back to blonde, huh? Then it occurred to him that he’d called their daughter Shay…it just rolled off his tongue as if he’d been around the little girl for years. Had he been? Maybe he really was under too much stress…maybe it really was just a nightmare…No, this had to be a dream. Still, he didn’t want to upset even dream Rebecca. But he still had one more question… “And…just so I know…I’m still a cop, right?” Sort of. Apparently now he was the police captain. When the hell had that happened? He tried to hide his shock, but he didn’t think he’d done a good job of it. “Right…of course…” he answered distractedly before looking at the rest of the suit he still had to put on. He leaned in and planted a kiss on Rebecca’s lips gently before she could start expressing her worry again. The last thing he wanted was for her to worry when he was losing his mind. “Why don’t you go make sure Shay’s ready to go? You might just get me too worked up to finish getting dressed.” His voice was playful and he kissed her again before he moved over to the vest, jacket and bow tie still waiting for him. He gave Rebecca another reassuring smile as he finished buttoning his shirt and collar. “I can still dress myself, don’t worry.” The comment was meant to make her smile and he smiled too, even though inside he was now trying to figure out the difference between dream and reality.

[CUPCAKE]

He pulled her closer and she hoped he would say yes.“Tell you what—I’ll take some vacation time, but why don’t we stay here? I’ll get to spend some time with Shayla and visit with my family. And we’ll get plenty of time together too. Maybe I’ll take you up on your offer one night and we can ship Shay off to your parents’ and have some alone time." Her smile grew hopeful, even though he was still frightening her a little with his confusion. It was nice he wanted to spend time with the baby. Well, not that she was a baby anymore. Normally she would smack his hand for messing with her hair since it was done up so nice, but he was being so gentle that she didn't have the heart to. “And…just so I know…I’m still a cop, right?” She wasn't sure if he was being serious or just playing around at his earlier confusion, but she forced a sort of smile. "The best captain Scriptor Bay's ever seen." She said a little hoarsely. She couldn't shake the weirdness from him. He was even acting differently, sweeter.. less distant.. He'd been so distant lately, but maybe that weird nightmare made him realize they needed to be together more, that he'd been working far too much. “Right…of course…” The worried look came back, but he leaned in and kissed her, deciding maybe he'd just been teasing after all. It was so hard to tell sometimes.. “Why don’t you go make sure Shay’s ready to go? You might just get me too worked up to finish getting dressed.” She smiled again, biting her lower lip at the statement before he kissed her once more. “I can still dress myself, don’t worry.” She smiled. "Alright, but if I catch you sleeping, you're gonna get it."

As promised Jack finished getting ready and came downstairs. Rebecca had put together a small breakfast for him to take in the car; granola and a banana. He got a bottle of water instead of his usual coffee, because she was afraid of him accidentally messing up the suit, and since they would be taking loads of pictures, he needed to look his best. Shay had eaten plenty at the hair appointment where all the girls got their hair, makeup and nails done, so she was fine for the trip. Jack was pretty quiet as they loaded into the car, but that was nothing new. He sometimes had lots to say, but sometimes he was quiet, thinking. Shayla often felt the need to fill the silence with stories and questions and random thoughts. Rebecca went over everything that they had practiced at rehearsal the previous day, and the little flower girl seemed to have a decent grasp on the whole thing. "So mommy walks with who?" "Andrew" "And who is Andrew?" "Aunt Sophie's brother." "Very good. Then who does daddy walk with?" "Chelsea." "And who's Chelsea?" "Aunt Sophie's sister." "Good job! Then who comes down the aisle?" "ME!" She chirped excitedly. "Aaand what does Shayla do?" "I drop the flowers for Aunt Sophie to walk on." Rebecca turned and beamed at her daughter. "You are so smart! Do you know that?" Shayla grinned from ear to ear, kicking her legs back and forth with bashful pride. "Oh, turn here, Jackie.." She looked down at the directions again. "It should be just up there on the right." She looked up, trying to figure out which was her new sister-in-laws parents house, the place they were meeting to get the limo to the church.

They arrived and Jack pulled along the curb, pushing the car in park. "Alright, let's go!" Rebecca said, getting out and going to the back to get the baby out, but at that moment Jack suddenly felt a pain in his head, and when he closed his eyes for a moment, a strange memory swept through him, one he'd never recalled before.

"Jackie!" Rebecca looked young, so much younger than she did now. Her hair was still dark, a huge smile on her face as she ducked under a rope at the airport and darted towards her boyfriend. Jack dropped his bags instinctively, a wide smile on his own bearish face. Rebecca lept into his arms, hugging him tight as his own arms closed in around her. "You know, people probably think you're talking to a girl when you call me that in public." "I don't care, you'll always be my Jackie." She purred into his ear, leaning back and kissing him hard against the lips, smiling wide as a giggle escaped her. "In your next life don't let your sister paint your nails and let me catch you." She teased as he let her down with a sarcastic "Ha, ha, ha." Jack finally let her down and picked up his bag, the pair walking towards the exit. Their was a bounce in Becky's step, her arm wrapped in Jacks as she walked close to him, practically holding on for dear life as if letting him go might make him leave her somehow. "I'm so glad you came." She insisted and when he looked down at her he could see the adoration in her eyes. "Are you kidding me? My girls going to be in her first symphony! I think that's worth a trip to the Big Apple." She beamed brightly and rested her head on his shoulder as they walked. "When was the last time I said I loved you?" "This morning before I left." "I love you, Jackie.. He stopped and grinned down at her, and she did the same, looking up. "It means everything that you're here." He smiled and leaned in to kiss her. Rebecca's fingers danced up to touch his chin, brushing past the sharp stubble. "I'm glad I am." He said finally, and with a happy sigh they moved on, Rebecca going off on a tangent about all the fun things they would do for the rest of the day.

"You coming, Jack?" Rebecca asked when he didn't move. She didn't wait for an answer as she set the little girl on the floor and moved towards the group of people out front. She offered hugs to certain people, greeting others, and Shayla ran around excitedly before darting in the house. Once Jack got out, a lean girl with a sweet, round face came towards him. She had dark that was done up like Becky's and hazel eyes that looked nervous as she approached Jack. She wore a nervous smile, and the same dress as his wife, though this one didn't show a swollen belly beneath. Judging by the information he'd learned in the car, this must be Chelsea, the bride's sister. "Hey, Jack." She said softly. Clearly she was anxious, but about what Jack wasn't quite sure of yet. "Umm.. look, this.." She swallowed, looking over her shoulder before back up at Jack. "I can't do this anymore. I can't do this to Becky.. we can't.." She licked her lips. "I like you, Jack.. I do, but.. but you're married and you have a beautiful wife, and your daughters adorable and she needs you. And your son.. I can't be a home wrecker. I can't do this anymore. Please.. just.. can we pretend like nothing's happened? Please.. I don't want to ruin Sophie's day. Okay?" She pleaded, her eyes welling with tears, obviously racked with guilt about an affair he never expected to exist.

[JACK ROCCOGRANDI]

When Jack was finally dressed, he headed out of the bedroom and into the rest of their home. He studied everything as he made his way to the stairs. The second bathroom decked out in a monkey theme, all yellow and green and brown. The second bedroom painted pale pink with a bird and trees theme throughout the room. The third room painted pale blue with a moon and stars theme, still being pieced together by the big IKEA box on the floor. So their second child was going to be a boy. He hadn’t even thought to ask but the thought made his heart swell. A little girl and a little boy and a beautiful wife to help raise them—it was all he could ever ask for. Part of him suddenly felt excited to be a husband and father, but another bigger part of him was still trying to piece this all together. Yes, it was a future he desperately hoped for; that didn’t mean he was suddenly ready for it today, though. And was it really a future? His father was alive…that wouldn’t be possible in any future for him. So what was going on? He descended the stairs, still thinking about it, but he didn’t have time to dwell on it long. They were out the door in minutes, Rebecca putting a banana and some granola in his hand while he grabbed a bottle of water and headed out to the car with his wife and daughter. Jack couldn’t help but smile at the way Shayla’s curls bounced as she half walked, half hopped to the car. It was still blowing his mind that he had a little girl. She looked so much like her mother, too, even though she had his coloring. He found himself at a loss for words as they all packed into the car, Jack scarfing down the rest of his breakfast before climbing into the driver’s seat. It was strange to find Rebecca voluntarily going to the passenger’s seat. Then again, this wasn’t the same Rebecca he knew. She was sweeter, more affectionate…softer in almost all aspects. He liked it, but it felt slightly foreign. Part of why he’d fallen for his Rebecca was because she was such a hard nut to crack.

As they drove, Shayla and Rebecca rehearsed Shayla’s part and Jack had to grin at her enthusiasm over the whole thing. Apparently he would be escorting a girl named Chelsea down the aisle and Sam was marrying a girl named Sophie. He wondered what they were all like. Of course he was supposed to know this already, but this wasn’t the world he was living in yesterday. Rebecca directed him to a nice house, a limo parked out front, apparently waiting for them to arrive. They were riding in a limo? He didn’t think he’d ever ridden in one before. “Alright, let’s go!” He smiled at Rebecca, but just as Rebecca was moving to unpack their daughter, pain shot through his skull and he felt momentarily blinded by it. The pounding gave way as a memory flooded his brain. A memory of him and Rebecca…the Rebecca standing outside the car and tending to their daughter. She’d been so young then…and he’d loved her so much. It was the intense feeling of love packed into his chest that he held onto as he came out of his daze. How could he have a memory of a time he’d never lived? Maybe…maybe that really had happened. Was this the real Rebecca? Had that whole thing with the other Rebecca, the hard, strong, stubborn Rebecca…had that been a dream? His father dying too? Was this his reality and he’d just forgotten it in the span of a nap? He broke out in a cold sweat as he finally started to panic. Had he actually lost his memory? “You coming, Jack?” Rebecca’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts and he turned sharply towards her. She set their daughter on the ground and shut the car door. Was this…was this real? He took a long chug of water before he climbed out of the car to join his family. Why did there have to be a wedding today of all days? He just needed some time to think this through…

Finally out of the car, he glanced back to Rebecca greeting everyone, giving out hugs and smiles casually, while Shayla darted around the yard before zipping into the house. He was about to go over and join them when a girl walking toward him caught his attention. She was a pretty thing, her hair done up like Rebecca’s and her lean frame adorned with the same dress. This must be Chelsea and he was proud of his quick deduction. He would have offered a friendly smile, but the girl looked incredibly anxious about something. “Hey, Jack.” Jack gave a friendly smile and nodded. “Hey, Chelsea.” She didn’t blow up about that not being her name, so he must have been right. “Umm…look this…” The girl looked over her shoulder and Jack’s brow furrowed. What was she so nervous about? Did they know each other better than he’d expected? “I can’t do this anymore. I can’t do this to Becky…we can’t.” There was an awful, twisting and mistrusting feeling in his gut. She wasn’t suggesting… “I like you, Jack…I do, but…but you’re married and you have a beautiful wife, and your daughter’s adorable and she needs you. And your son…I can’t be a homewrecker. I can’t do this anymore. Please…just…can we pretend like nothing’s happened? Please…I don’t want to ruin Sophie’s day. Okay?” There were tears welling in her eyes and he suddenly wished he could cry too. Had he had an affair with this girl? This was the exact wrong moment to not remember anything! His stomach was dragging on the ground and he swallowed hard, his heart aching. He would never, ever cheat on Rebecca…but what if he had? It appeared he did.

“Chelsea…I’m sorry.” His eyes looked into the girl’s anxiously, pleading with her to forgive him for what he was about to say. He hoped he wouldn’t hurt her too much… “I…we never should have done what we did.” Whatever that was… “I love my wife. I love her more than anything in the world. You and I…it can never happen again. You’re a sweet girl, but I could never love anyone the way I love Rebecca.” At least he could be convincing, like he knew what the hell was going on. He could tell his words stung, though, and he swallowed hard, softening his voice more. “I’m so sorry for hurting you like this. I should never have done what I did. Honestly, I feel awful about this. I don’t know what got into me.” If she slapped him, he would be okay with that. God damn, what had he gotten himself into? He looked over at Rebecca and his guilt burned in his gut. How could he have done this to her? She would be devastated…When he looked back at Chelsea, he sighed softly and gripped her upper arm gently. “I’m so sorry, Chelsea.” And with that he walked away, hustling to his wife and putting an arm around her waist when he reached her. He leaned in and kissed her temple before smiling down at her. “Should we go find Shay?” he inquired softly. Though he was wracked with guilt, he wouldn’t ruin Rebecca’s day. He would tell her later…after the happiness of the day wore off.

[CUPCAKE]

"Chelsea...I'm sorry." Her mouth slit open and then shut, startled by the apology, and she feared for a moment he might blackmail her into continuing what they were doing. Deep down she knew it was all wrong, but it was hard not to like Jack. He was aggressive and assertive, both in his everyday life and in bed. He was what she wanted, or thought she wanted. He looked so genuinely apologetic, though.. "I...we never should have done what we did. I love my wife. I love her more than anything in the world. You and I...it can never happen again." Even though she had been the one to break it off, he'd turned it around so he was the one in charge of he situation, stealing her hunder. Typical Jack. "You're a sweet girl, but I could never love anyone the way I love Rebecca." His words stung her and she flinched, a tear rolling down her well made up cheek. He was such an asshole! She felt angry at him, angry at herself for allowing him to manipulate her! The girl glowered at the ground, her thin arms folding over her stomach. "I'm so sorry for hurting you like this. I should never have done what I did. Honestly, I feel awful about this. I don't know what got into me." she looked up at him with sad, hazel eyes. He sounded so genuine.. maybe he and Rebecca worked things out finally? Maybe his conscience was finally working properly? Maybe she was just a silly slut. The thought made her nauseas. She wasn't a bad person, she didn't want to hurt anyone.. she had no words for him and wished he would leave, herown feet glued to the ground. His strong hand came to her arm, squezing it tenderly and she swallowed a sob. "I'm so sorry, Chelsea." She nodded and sniffled, forcing a smile up at him, but he was already walking away. She stood there a long moment willing herself to calm down before walking to the back of the house so she could sneak in more privately.

Rebecca wasn't expecting Jack when he came beside her, jumping and smiling up at him. His lips found her temple and her grin was a content one. He hadn't been so affectionate in ages. "Should we go find Shay? he asked softly and she nodded, her fingers weaving btween his. "I didn't realize weddings made you so sappy." She teased, bumping him playfully with her shoulder as they madte heir way inside.

Shayla was eating a donut sitting on her grandmothers lap. "Hey, mom." Rebecca greeted with a warm smile. The women had spent the morning together getting gussied up. "Ugh, a donut?" Her mom shooed her away,"She's a little girl, a donut now and then won't kill her. It didn't kill you.". Rebecca frowned. Her mother knew how she felt about processed foods, and donuts were definitely on her no-no list. She hated how her mother dismissed her wishes so easily. "Momma it's good!" Shayla insisted, wriggling fro her grandma's lap and running t her dad, lifting her arms up for him to hold her. "I know it is, baby. It's just unhealthy." "moder-nation, momma." "Moderation. Yes, moderation is key, very good." She sighed and sat at the table. "I really wish you would stop unermining us." Becky said softl to her mom. "I really wish you wouldn't get upset about the baby having a treat once in a while. Moder-nation, she said so herself." the woman teased before looking at her son-in-law. "I haven't seen you this cleaned up since your own wedding." she teased. "Daddy can we sit in the big car now?". Rebecca looked at Jack, "Actually that's a good idea. Could you put the car seat in the limo? I bet we'll be leaving soon" "The white one, Jack. That's for the bride."

[JACK ROCCOGRANDI]

Rebecca’s hand found his and Jack smiled down at her, trying desperately to forget what just transpired outside of their car with a woman he didn’t know. “I didn’t realize weddings made you so sappy.” Was this sappy? If he had cheated on his wife, maybe this was sappy for him…She bumped playfully into his shoulder and he gave a bigger, almost relieved smile. So she was teasing him…maybe. How had he ever cheated on her? Walking into the house, he was distracted by the thought. It might have been better that he didn’t remember just because it was easier to act like it didn’t happen, but a part of him still wished he could at least remember why he’d done it. He knew it was unlikely he would remember, though, considering he couldn’t even remember his wedding or the birth of his own daughter. Or even that his father was still alive…he was about to ask Rebecca if his parents would be at the wedding, but he was distracted by the sight of his daughter swinging her legs on an older woman’s lap, nibbling on a donut. It was cute and distracting for the moment. “Hey, mom.”

The greeting was even more distracting. Jack immediately straightened and looked down to his wife before turning his wide, anxious eyes back to the woman holding his daughter. This was Rebecca’s mother? Even as his stomach was twisting and his heart began racing, he knew he should have recognized the woman. How often did he see her? Was it a weekly thing, monthly maybe? Either way, he had to have met Rebecca’s mother, but he couldn’t remember ever setting eyes on the woman, not even in a photograph. “Ugh, a donut?” At least he wasn’t going to have to say something. He smiled as Mrs. Taylor waved away her daughter’s comment. “She’s a little girl, a donut now and then won’t kill her. It didn’t kill you.”[/b] Jack decidedly stayed out of this argument, not feeling strongly one way or the other. “Momma it’s good!” Well at least Shayla was happy with it. He watched as she wiggled from Mrs. Taylor’s lap before she scampered over to him and lifted her arms expectantly, her big, sugary smile beaming at him. He was surprised she chose to come to him, but he smiled wide and bent down to pick her up. It was the first time he’d held his little girl and he was amazed at how light she was. She fit right into the crook of his arm, her little arm coming around his shoulder instinctively. Up close, she was even more beautiful, her sweet face so reminiscent of her mother’s. “I know it is, baby. It’s just unhealthy.” “Moder-nation, momma.” “Moderation. Yes, moderation is key, very good.” Jack grinned at Shayla’s attempt to use such a big word. Even if she couldn’t pronounce it, he was proud that she could use it correctly. Rebecca went to quietly scolding her mother while Jack watched Shayla finish off her powdery treat. It didn’t even occur to him that she would get white powder all over his clean black suit. “You want some, daddy?” He smiled and shook his head. “No, thank you, sweetie. Maybe I’ll get some later.” When he glanced back to Rebecca and her mother, he saw Mrs. Taylor turning her attention to him again. “I haven’t seen you this cleaned up since your own wedding.”[/i] He gave a soft, nervous laugh, though he had to wonder if he was a slob. Sure, he wasn’t a stickler for keeping things clean, but was he even worse than he thought? Shayla saved him from his thoughts again. “Daddy can we sit in the big car now?” “Actually that’s a good idea. Could you put the car seat in the limo? I bet we’ll be leaving soon.” “The white one, Jack. That’s for the bride.”[/i] He simply nodded and moved back towards the front door. Hopefully with his daughter in his arms, Chelsea wouldn’t approach him.

As they walked, he got an idea, though. Maybe he could ask Shayla for some information about the life he couldn’t remember living. Perhaps she would have some answers for him. He smiled at his little girl as they walked out to the car. “So how old are you, Shay?” “I’m two!” she announced, holding up two fingers proudly with a big grin on her face. He grinned too, trying to play it off. “That’s right! And when do you turn three?” “In the summer!” Again, she was so proud of herself with her big, happy smile. “And who are your aunts?” “Auntie Anny, Auntie Izzy, and Auntie Sophie.” “And who are your uncles?” “Uncle Sam and Uncle Bad.” So Izzy was married and Andy wasn’t. At least that was the same. “Are Grandma Libby and Grandpa Vito going to be at the wedding?” Shayla nodded enthusiastically, her tiny hand gripping a handful of his fine black jacket. “Uh huh! And they have a present for me!” Now Jack looked surprised as he stopped next to the car, pulling his head back from her with wide eyes. “And why do you get a present?” Shayla giggled, which he had to admit was one of the cutest sounds he’d ever heard. “Because I’m flower girl, daddy!” At that he straightened himself again and nodded with a look like he’d forgotten. “Oh, that’s right…I guess I forgot.” Shayla’s sugared hands grabbed his cheeks gently, forcing him to look at her as he grinned. “Nuh uh! You just teasing me!” He grinned bigger and nodded. “You’re right. I didn’t forget.” Shayla giggled again and he had to lean in and kiss her sugar speckled cheek to make her giggle more. He’d just met her, but somehow Shayla felt right amidst all of the memories that were somehow wrong. He set her down on her tiny legs so he could unlock the car. “Don’t go anywhere, Shay. I just have to get your seat out before we go to the big car.” “Okay!”

Figuring out the car seat took much longer than it should have. He’d never dealt with a car seat before! It was so big and clunky and there were so many parts to it…At one point he pinched his finger on a piece of the seat and when he gasped and shook his finger out, Shayla was there to laugh at him. Well, at least she was having fun. At long last, he figured the damn thing out and he felt much more triumphant than most men probably would. He spied a thing of Wet Wipes too, which he used to clean Shayla’s hands and face while crouched in front of her. Of course it came in handy cleaning the sugar off his face too, though Shayla helped him figure out where the white streaks were. Finally, he was able to free up an arm and he was able to carry Shayla and the car seat over to the white limo. Now to set the damn thing back up…He looked at Shay perched near his shoulder and met her chocolate gaze with his own. “Do you know how to put the car seat in the car?” With a smile, she shook her head side to side. Jack nodded before looking down at the seat. “I thought so. Where’s your mom when I need her?” “Momma’s over there!” Jack looked at his daughter and then behind him to where he saw Rebecca walking up. “Oh! I was just asking about you. I don’t know how to put this in the car.” He gave an apologetic smile, and gestured toward the car seat now resting on the floor of the limo. “Sorry, I just…I think I forgot how to do it.” Of course, he also forgot to brush away Shayla’s handprints on his jacket before Rebecca could fret over it. Nothing in his brain seemed to be working today.

[CUPCAKE]

Rebecca read her mother the riot act for only a little while longer before going up to see her soon to be sister-in-law. Sophie looked amazing! Her dress was tight in all the right places, showing off her gentle curves, and then flowed out a little towards the bottom. Delicate bead work and embroidery covered the entire dress and she looked like a princess, but a modern one. Not a silly Disney one. She gushed over the girl for a few moments before finding her brother who was as dashing as ever. His hazel eyes showed his mixture of excitement and fear and she squelched his fears as best she could. She remembered being nervous on her wedding day too, but there had never been a doubt that Jack wasn't the man for her. Even now with their bickering, she knew he was still the only person she really wanted to be with.

Once she finished her visits she made her way out towards the cars with her mother and Chelsea, while Sophie's mom helped her come down towards the cars. Sam had been instructed not to leave the room until they had left, which Andrew was watching for. She saw her daughter bouncing around by the car while her dad tried to get the car seat in. “Oh! I was just asking about you. I don’t know how to put this in the car.” Rebecca stopped and pursed her lips. He'd put it in and taken it out a million times. He couldn't just do this one thing for her? “Sorry, I just…I think I forgot how to do it.” Forgot. It took a lot for her not to roll her eyes as she trudged forward, clearly annoyed now. Why did she need to do everything? She'd asked him to do one thing! One! The closer she got, she realized his tux had white sugar on it. "Dammit, Jack!" She snapped, reaching him and trying to rub out the sugar on his coat, knowing it was from the donut their daughter shouldn't have been given. It only added to her annoyance. She could see he was going to say something but she shook her head. "Not now. Just.. just go inside, clean yourself up and I'll see you at the church, okay?" The girls were closer now and watching, Chelsea biting her bottom lip anxiously as she tried not to make eye contact with Jack, failing miserably.

Jack had no choice but to turn away in order not to cause a scene. It was clear Rebecca was frustrated and she didn't want to see him. Jack made his way inside, finding a bathroom to clean himself off. "Coast's clear!" Someone called out after a few moments, feet suddenly stampeding down the steps. "Hey Jack, when'd you sneak in?" An older man asked, one he didn't recognize, though he was technically his father in law. The boy from the stairs all but ran into the kitchen, his dark hair cut short and his face clean shaven. "Whats up, man!" The kid said, grabbing a donut and shoving it into his mouth. The older man rolled his eyes and headed towards the door. "I'm gonna get in that car. Hurry up, Sam!" "I'm coming!" The older man moved out of the house and Sam made his way down the steps. Jack would recognize him from the photo he'd seen in his bedroom. His pale skin was dotted with freckles, his blond hair cut relatively short while his hazel eyes showed brightly. He looked nothing like his sister, but that was to be expected considering they weren't actually related. Sam moved to Jack, a big smile on his face. "Boy am I glad to see you." He breathed, wrapping his arms around the man who had been like a big brother to him. He'd known Jack since he was a kid. He was the one who used to play baseball with him, which was how he ended up getting a scholarship in baseball. He wasn't good enough to make the majors, but it was his passion, as well as Jack's and the two had season tickets every year to watch the games together. Sam pulled away and gripped Jack's shoulders. "Alright, let's go guys!" And like that Andrew was bouncing off the walls again, whooping as he made his way towards the door, another older man coming from one of the side rooms who would undoubtedly be Sophie's dad. The resemblance he shared to both Andrew and Chelsea was striking, the pair obviously favoring him genetically.

The boys all got in the car and it took off, Andrew checking everything in the small limo, finding the bar immediately. "Sweet! We should have a toast!" "No way, Soph would kill me if I came drunk." Sam interjected with a nervous laugh. Andrew snorted, "Please, like she'd know you had a glass!" "Put the bottle down, Andy." The boys father said sternly. "Jeez, you guys are so lame." The young boy complained. Rebecca's father chuckled, but kept to himself. "Well?" Sam said after a moment. "Doesn't any of you have some advice for me or something?" He asked expectantly, looking around and finally letting his eyes land on Jack. "I got advice, son." Sam's father said. "Don't let her catch you sniffing around anyone else." "Or better yet don't go around sniffing someone else, cause I'll find you, boy." There was light laughter around the car and Sam shook his head. "I don't want anyone else." His eyes moved to the floor, but at least half the men in the car knew it was a lie. Sam loved Jack's kid sister, and his hazel eyes moved to meet Jack, as if they shared this information. Only Jack still had no idea the boy, who was supposed to be dead, had a relationship with Izzy.

[JACK ROCCOGRANDI]

Jack could instantly see Rebecca was annoyed and his smile faded away. He was serious—he really didn’t know what to do with the car seat. “Dammit, Jack!” She reached up and started brushing at his shoulder and he finally realized Shay must have gotten sugar on his coat. His eyes came to hers, apologetic and wanting to say sorry, but she shook her head at him. “Not now. Just…just go inside, clean yourself up and I’ll see you at the church, okay?” It was like he was one of Rebecca’s children too with the way she was talking to him. He wanted to make a retort, but he glanced over and saw the other women approaching, Chelsea included. Not wanting to cause a scene and still trying to avoid the girl he had apparently cheated on his wife with, he nodded and made a quick exit, brushing his daughter’s hair gently as he passed.

Once inside, he went straight for the bathroom, cleaning the sugar off his shoulder and out of his facial hair. Everything was quiet for a few minutes, but just as he left the bathroom, the silence was broken by a loud voice. “Coast’s clear!” Footsteps pounded down the stairs and Jack watched as men started to appear in the hall. “Hey Jack, when’d you sneak in?” Did he recognize the man? He tried studying his face but couldn’t place him. Jack just gave a smile and was about to answer, when the bounding feet continued into the kitchen he had migrated into. A young man grinned wide as he came in and Jack figured this must have been the bride’s brother. Andrew, was it? “What’s up, man!” Jack smiled wider and nodded at the boy, looking towards the older guy who was now walking to the front door. “I’m gonna get in that car. Hurry up, Sam!” “I’m coming!” All the commotion was rendering him speechless and Jack felt awkward and out of place amongst them. Jack moved out of the kitchen and towards the front door, but he watched as Sam descended the stairs. So this was Rebecca’s little brother. If only he could remember what the boy was like. He obviously recognized Jack as he grinned and Jack could only return it. “Boy, am I glad to see you.” Suddenly the young man was coming toward him and wrapping his arms around him. Jack was taken aback but he returned the hug all the same, feeling a little warm towards his wife’s brother. Apparently Jack had been like a big brother to him and it was nice to think that this kid could be like a little brother to him. He’d never had a little brother before. The guy clapped his hands on Jack’s broad shoulders when he pulled away and Jack chuckled softly, patting the guy’s upper arms in return. If only he could remember him… “Alright, let’s go guys!” Andrew was bouncing off the walls again, whooping as they made their way to the front door, followed by another older man. He looked so much like Andrew and Chelsea that he could only be their father. The father of the bride. That meant the man he didn’t recognize before was his own father-in-law and Sam’s father. Damn it, why couldn’t he remember? At least he knew now…

They all piled into the limo and Andrew set to work trying to find…something. Jack watched him curiously and obviously his behavior was annoying to the other men who knew him. Was he a brat or something? When he found the liquor, Jack was pretty sure that must have been the case. “Sweet! We should have a toast!” “No way, Soph would kill me if I came drunk.” “Please, like she’d know you had a glass!” “Put the bottle down, Andy.” Funny that Jack and the bride both had siblings named Andy. “Jeez, you guys are so lame.” Jack had to chuckle at that, as his father-in-law did. The boy even sounded like his sister. He reflected on this silently before Sam broke the silence again. “Well? Don’t any of you have some advice or something?” His eyes roamed before landing on Jack and he felt the question was directed mainly at him. “I dot advice, son.” Jack looked over to his father-in-law, glad he was the first to say something. “Don’t let her catch you sniffing around anyone else.” “Or better yet, don’t go around sniffing someone else, ‘cause I’ll find you, boy.” Jack laughed with the others, but nervously. It was like the words taunted him with his guilt and he glanced at his father-in-law. Mr. Taylor would probably strangle him if he knew what Jack had done with the bride’s sister. Swallowing hard, he looked back to Sam, trying to think of something else. “I don’t want anyone else.” The words were spoken softly and a strange silence followed. He must have been missing some of the meaning behind those words. Sam’s eyes came to his again and he couldn’t help but feel like the boy was trying to communicate the answer. He would have to ask Rebecca what it all meant. With the silence that fell over them, Jack took the opportunity to give his own advice to this little brother he didn’t remember. “Just love her, Sam. All couples argue from time to time, and I’m sure you and Sophie will, but never let it go on for long. Sometimes being a good husband means sucking it up and apologizing, even when you’re not wrong.” Jack smiled wider, trying to be reassuring even as he was being realistic. “But always remember how much you love her. As long as you love her, everything will work itself out.” He began to sit back a little in his seat when he remembered something else. “Oh, and surprise her with random gifts every now and then. It doesn’t have to be big, but just something to let her know you think about her when you’re not together. You’ll never regret it.” He smiled wider, feeling that was a good tip. In fact, he tried to do it for Rebecca whenever she would let him. Well…maybe this Rebecca would actually let him do it more. How long had it been since he’d surprised her with anything, he wondered.

[CUPCAKE]

Sam gave a little grin at his brother-in-law and nodded, as his dad raised a brow. "Well said, Jack." His voice was almost gruff, though it was laced with approval. "What kind of gifts?" Sam asked after a second and the boys father shook his head. "You want a manual? Use your head, Sammy! Your sister and Sophie are very different ladies." Same laughed, as did the others, and the kid shook his head. "Alright, alright.. I'll figure it out."

In no time the limo was pulling up at the church, the white limo already unloaded and parked ahead. The men filed out and made their way inside, being directed to a room off to the right that was designated for them. The women were somewhere nearby, but Jack wouldn't know where. The guys put the last touches on themselves; pinning their boutineers on, fixing each others hair and straightening ties. Nerves were a little high so it didn't seem out of place for Jack to be quiet mostly since the other men were as well.. Finally Sophie's dad excused himself to go find his daughter, then Jack and Andrew were directed out to meet with the women they were escorting down the aisle. Jack's eyes met Rebecca's, who were a strange mix of adoration and annoyance. She was clearly still annoyed, but also worried and the sentiment of her brother getting married was keeping her anger at bay. Shayla was at her mothers side, her fingers poking at the flower petals in her little white basket. Beside Rebecca was an anxious looking Chelsea who was desperate not to make eye contact with the man who would be escorting her down the aisle, and who had escorted her to bed on several occasions.

"Are you feeling better?" Rebecca asked softly, smoothing his hair into place, though it wasn't really messy. With his answer she gave a weak smile and leaned in, pecking his lips, Chelsea eyeing them maybe a little jealously. As her lips met his, a jolt of pain flashed through his mind, causing him to wince as he was reminded of something he'd never remembered before.

"Push, baby!" Jack encouraged and Rebecca, gritting her teeth and damp with sweat was shaking her head fiercely. "I can't.. I can't do it, I changed my mind!" Jack laughed at her pathetic cry but she wailed as another contraction rocked her small frame. "You can do this! I know you can! Come on, Becks! Push!" Rebecca screamed and pushed but it ended with another fit of tears as she gripped Jacks hand so hard it hurt. He was proud of her for opting to do this with no epidural, but he wished for her sake that she'd had the shot now! The blond took short, deep breaths as the doctor examined between her legs. "The baby's crowning. Give me one more good push." The woman in scrubs order and Rebecca's baby blue eyes landed on her husbands. Jack squeezed her hand, his focus completely on her. "You can do this. You're strong! Do it! Push!" He encouraged and she screamed and pushed again, the baby coming free of her body. In an instant the room was filled with the small shrieks of the newborn girl and Rebecca was panting, watching in awe as they cut the umbilical cord and brought the baby to be weighed and washed. "I knew you could do it." Jack whispered, leaning down and kissing his wife's sweaty forehead as she sobbed, watching as the doctors did a quick clean and brought their baby back to her mothers arms. Rebecca reached out, taking the small bundle and looking at her daughter for the first time. Jack's eyes moved to her face, watching the complete awe and amazement flash over her. It truly was the most magical thing either had ever witnessed; the birth of their child. "Happy birthday, Shayla.." Rebecca whispered and then looked up at Jack, offering the girl to her. Jack carefully took the small child in his arms, the baby's deep gray eyes opening for the first time to meet her daddy's. All he could do was smile, tears welling in his eyes, as he looked at his future.

"You okay, Jackie?" There was concern written all over Rebecca's face again, but she was being instructed to get in place. She watched Jack nervously as he promised he was, and then started moving through the open doors as Andy pulled her along, throwing one last nervous glance back at her husband before forcing a smile to the crowd of guests she passed. Chelsea took her place beside Jack, looping her arm with his and swallowing hard as she looked up at him. "You look handsome, by the way." The girl said timidly before they started walking down the aisle, Jack now being faced with hundreds of people he didn't know, many of who he should. Then, there in the crowd, he saw his mother, two sisters, and there on the other side of Andy was his father, who looked quite a bit older since the last time Jack had seen him, and a little thinner.

---

Rebecca sat with her head bowed, hovering close to the bed. She ran things over and over in her mind, but none of it made any sense. What had happened to him? To Maxi? Her fingers were curled around her unconscious boyfriends, both hands cradling his. Her pained eyes moved up to look at him, the gentle beeping on the monitor the only sound in the room other than his steady breathing. It had been almost two days since he'd been brought in. She'd spent an agonizing amount of time by his side, having a hard time explaining why to the captain, but she had a feeling her was in on their secret, and she hardly cared at this point. Hagen had tight lips, and she was glad for that.

The door suddenly opened and a pleasant looking woman in her early forties with a kind smile came in wearing a nurses outfit. She had been the nurse assigned to all he coma patients and she worked every other shift. She smiled at Rebecca who refused to smile back and then turned away, her eyes downcast once more as her fingers slipped from Jacks bashfully. "Just going to collect another sample." She said softly, pulling out her syringe. She took blood from Jack's arm, which was what she seemed to be doing every time she came in to visit, and then did an overall check on his vitals. Though no one had mentioned anything was wrong to Rebecca, she had noticed his heart rate slowly decreasing. It was still strong, but it seemed it was growing weaker, though this wasn't a concern for anyone but her it seemed. The nurse wrote it all down in her chart and then gave the mans hand a gentle squeeze before leaving once more.

Had Jack opened his eyes, he would have known the nurse immediately, since she had a gourmet chocolate business on the side.

[JACK ROCCOGRANDI]

“Well said, Jack.”[/i] Jack gave a somewhat shy smile to the man who was apparently his father-in-law. It was quickly replaced with a wider, more genuine smile as Sam asked him what kind of gifts and the older men began teasing him for needing a manual. Before long, the limo was pulling up to the church and the men were being hustled inside to their own room. It was a good thing he could remember Izzy’s wedding and had a vague idea how this was supposed to go. The guys all helped straighten each other out, but everyone was so quiet that Jack remained so himself. Soon they were all splitting up and finding the women they were expected to escort. Andrew and Jack found Chelsea and Rebecca and Jack swallowed hard as he attempted not to look at Chelsea. Why couldn’t he escort his wife down the aisle and Andrew escort his sister? Before he could pout too long, Rebecca’s somewhat scolding yet worried look met his and Jack slid next to her, brushing his fingers over Shayla’s hair briefly.

“Are you feeling better?” At least Rebecca’s voice was soft, as were her fingers as she pushed them through his dark hair. He smiled for her, momentarily forgetting that Chelsea was there. “A little,” he replied gently. She gave him a weak smile and his eyes slipped shut as their lips connected one more time. Suddenly a jolt rocked him and once more he was blinded by a memory he’d never had before. It was a memory of the day Shayla was born. Again, it was so real, Jack wondered how he could question it. Rebecca had squeezed his hand, her body had been drenched in sweat, Shayla was so tiny and warm when they placed her in his arms…he remembered all of it. His eyes squeezed shut as he grunted softly, touching his forehead. “You okay, Jackie?” He didn’t know. Jack didn’t have a daughter, but then how could he remember the day she was born? His eyes fell to Shayla, looking up at him with her big dark eyes, and he had the distinct feeling to pick her up and hold her until he couldn’t anymore. She was his little girl and he couldn’t remember ever snuggling her.

Rebecca was instructed to get in position and Jack forced a warm smile. “I’m fine, baby.” His assurance seemed slightly lost on Rebecca as she continued to watch him with concern, but soon she was turned around with her arm slipped in Andy’s. Jack held his own arm out a little stiffly for Chelsea, who took his arm gently. “You look handsome, by the way.” Her timid voice was soft and Jack had to give a small smile. “And you look lovely.” He didn’t want to encourage her feelings for him, but it was the right thing to say. If she could make an effort to bridge the hurt he’d unintentionally inflicted on her, then he could return the favor. Jack took the first step forward and guided Chelsea down the aisle with measured ease. His eyes roamed the crowd as he walked down the aisle, looking for any faces he knew. Finally he found Andy’s face watching him with a smile, one he returned, and his eyes wandered to Brad and Izzy standing next to her, Izzy with a strangely pained smile. Beside her was their mother, beaming of course, but the last face made him stop dead for a beat. It was a face he never thought he would see again.

Vito Roccograndi was grinning from ear to ear, towering over everyone in his vicinity with the chiseled frame to match. His hair was grayer than Jack ever remembered it getting, his eyes and mouth lined by handsome wrinkles. He hadn’t lived long enough for Jack to ever see those really form. Immediately his eyes began to burn, his father blurring slightly in his vision. Before he could truly appreciate seeing his father, though, Chelsea’s hand tugged very gently on his arm and it occurred to him there were a hundred eyes watching him freeze on the carpet of flowers his daughter was laying down. He continued on, only having missed a single beat and giving Chelsea a reassuring smile when she looked at him curiously. His eyes were shining a little as he looked back at his dad, however. It was really him. He gave Jack a curious tilt of his head as if to ask why he was staring at him, and Jack only gave a lopsided, nervous smile in return. How could he explain to his father that he was seeing an aged ghost? From his spot next to the groom, he had a perfect view of the man and Jack had to blink several times to get the tears to back away. The last thing he wanted was to cry in front of a bunch of people he didn’t know and probably should. He forced himself to look at the bride coming his way before he could lose his resolve. All he knew was his dad was going to get a huge hug when they finally had a chance to talk.

[CUPCAKE]

As Jack and Chelsea made it up front, both taking their places on either side of the alter, the congregation got to their feet. Sophie and her father made their way down the aisle, Sophie's grin wide, her father looking a little stoic as he attempted to keep his emotions hidden. He looked proud, and his eyes were moist, as a good fathers should. The man cupped his daughters cheek when they got to the front of the room and kissed her forehead, lingering there for a moment before taking her hand and then Sam's and sliding them together. Finally he took his seat and the efficient began the ceremony.

The ceremony wasn't terribly long as far as ceremonies go, though it didn't take only ten minutes either. Rebecca kept looking at Jack, her blue eyes shiny with tears as she recalled their own wedding. Chelsea, too, was staring at Jack, only she was trying to be less obvious and there was definitely regret in her eyes, though whether it was because she'd had an affair with him or because she had ended it was yet to be determined. As Jack looked at Chelsea he was struck with a familiar feeling, a memory seeping its way into his mind, though this time the electric shock of it didn't sting as badly, considering the memories were flooding so much quicker..


"Just come downstairs, Jesus!" Jack was frustrated, and rightfully so. They were celebrating Sam and Sophie's engagement with all of their friends, and the pair had gotten Jack's parents to watch Shay for the night so they could both get drunk and stay at the hotel everyone was partying at after the club they'd gone to. Rebecca was tired, though, and she needed to leave for Australia in the early afternoon and had mentioned several times she didn't feel like nursing a hangover on the flight. The symphony was performing at the Sydney Oprah House, something she couldn't dream of passing up! "Jack, I'm tired, I just want to go to bed. Go down, I bet Sam and Andy are still drinking." "I don't want to drink with them, I want to drink with my wife, who I'm not going to see for a week." Rebecca sighed, looking annoyed with her husbands behavior, but Jack was pissed too. this was the third time she was leaving in two months for a week, and he was starting to feel neglected, especially with the extra practices and rehearsals she had to attend to prepare for this tour the symphony was putting on. "Well I don't want to have a hangover the entire time I'm traveling, so you're just going to have to have to find another drinking partner tonight!" She snapped and Jack, who was already drunk, ran a hand through his hair, which needed to be cut. He spun in a circle and then made his way to the bed Rebecca was lying on, crawling over her. He looked down into her eyes, which showed her annoyance at his persistence. "Can I at least fuck you before you run out on me again?" He asked in a growl, something he probably wouldn't have asked, at least like that, had he actually been sober. Rebecca rolled over a little, furrowing her brow. "Not now, you're drunk. Maybe in the morning." Jack snorted and climbed off the bed. "Yeah, okay." He snorted, rolling his eyes. "You probably can't wait to get away from me, can you! Why the hell would you need me around, huh?" He snapped, and even as he said it, he wasn't sure why. Rebecca glared at him and pulled the covers up before turning away. "Honestly, right now I am a little glad to get away from you for awhile. Goodnight, Jack." All he could do was glare at her for a moment before moving to the door, exiting the hotel room and slamming the door behind him.

Jack found neither Sam or Andy at the bar, but who he did find was Chelsea, Sophie's sister. She was sitting at the bar alone, her eyes red and sad. He made his way over, because at least she was someone he knew. "What's eating you?" He asked, and Chelsea looked up, recognition hitting after a second. "Hey, Jack." She said softly. He could tell something was wrong immediately. She had been in a decent mood a while ago when the group was drinking over at the club. "Nothing, I'm just--" "Where's Chris?" Chelsea grew quiet and Jack knew immediately that the prick had left her. He'd been acting like an ass earlier, and Sam had mentioned they were rocky. Hell, he wasn't even going to come out with them supposedly, but sure enough he showed up. "He's.. uhh.." Jack shook his head, "You want a drink?" She gave him a relieved nod and he order them each a shot and then a drink.

The drinks didn't stop there, though. A few shots and another drink later, the two were more than a little drunk. When Chelsea literally fell off her stool, Jack knew she'd had too much. "My foot!" She cried out, but laughed anyway and Jack leaned down and helped her up, scooping her into his arms. "You're a fucking mess. Let me get you to bed." Chelsea nodded and muttered her room number to him and Jack sloppily carried her to the elevator. "Why can't I find a man like you, Jack?" Chelsea asked as they rode up towards the room she'd rented out for herself since everyone else had gotten a room. Chris wasn't there, so it looked like she'd be solo tonight. "You don't want a man like me." He told her as the elevator stilled on her floor. "Yes I do." She insisted, looking up at him. "You're so handsome.. and you've got a good job and you make pretty babies.." She cooed,and Jack had to admit it felt good to get complimented for a change. When was the last time Becks had said anything like this? "I'd give anything to be with you." She said, her cheeks flushing. Jack swallowed and gave her a long look before finally asking, "Where's your key?" The girl pulled it from her bra and handed it to him. Jack managed to open the door and get the girl inside, slipping her onto the bed. "Would you tuck me in?" She asked softly, watching him intently. Jack saw the adoration in her eyes, a look he hadn't received from his wife in months it seemed. Slowly he pulled her heels off, pushing them to the floor, and before he could stop himself he was sliding his body onto the bed, over hers. His knee came up between her legs, nestling at the peak as his arms cradled her head, his whiskey breath hitting her face and coming back to make his nose sting. Her lips parted as she watched him, not encouraging him further, but not pushing him away. "It's okay, Jack.." She whispered softly, her fingers sliding over his cheek, "I know I could never have you." She gulped and he leaned down, his lips pressing hard to hers.


"You may now kiss the bride." Sam pulled Sophie in tight, grinning with moist, hazel eyes, and kissed her hard against the lips. The crowd stood and applauded. "May I now introduce the new Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Taylor!" The pair held their hands up, facing the congregation, wide smiles on their newly wedded faces. They made their way down the aisle and Andy and Rebecca followed soon after. Chelsea stepped forward and Jack had no choice but to take the girls arm, escorting her down towards the hallway they'd come from twenty minutes earlier. Soon the hall would be filling with wedding guests, Jack's father included.