ADVANCED RP discussion

Bc there are a lot of AU ideas ok

Celeste Callaghan sat in the bar of the Dublin Palace, wearing a sleek plum dress with a square cut neckline. The young woman was on a date, an activity she rarely ever did. But her five year old daughter, Olivia, was having a sleepover with her grandma that night, so Celeste had decided to finally take up the hot guy from the gym on his offer. She had really tried to look hot and fancy. She'd decked herself out in a beautiful statement necklace and curled her blonde hair to perfection. She'd even worn her best stilettos, trying to feel sexy, instead of like a mom for once. The problem was, she didn't want to seem sexy for her date, who'd turned out to be exceedingly boring. She'd met him at the gym she went to every once in a while when she had the time, and he was definitely hot. But after talking to him for five minutes, she'd realized that he was insanely stupid. She was honestly wondering how he'd graduated high school...maybe he hadn't. Her certainly wasn't Celeste's type, not even close. Thankfully, Jared the personal trainer had decided he needed to use he restroom, so Celeste was left to herself for a few moments. She had a glass of white wine in front of her and was sipping at it noncehllontly, her phone in her hand as she texted her mother to see how things were going with Olivia. She should've just gone to an R-rated movie with Bex, maybe go shopping in Victoria's Secret, or just get sloshed with bex... She let out a sigh and slumped her shoulders a little bit, starting to wonder if Jared had climbed out the bathroom window to escape the date. Wouldn't be a bad idea, really...

The blare of horns, people shouting this and that, the sounds of the city of Dublin, all blended in together, making a joyous noise to Jack McCloud's ears. He leaned his head out of the town car's window, his driver quickly objected to this action, cautioning to Jack that he may break his neck if he kept up his antics. Jack just laughed and settled back into his seat, a wondrous smirk upon his lips as he took in the familiar sights of Dublin that he had left behind five years ago. The thought of the reasons he left his home city behind made the joy slowly disappear from his facial features, his expression turned very serious indeed. All those years ago he had been a naïve, selfish, idiotic teenage boy. At 22 years old he figured he had a better idea of what he wanted in the long run, and over the years he was away he had gained a lot of worldly knowledge, more than he had ever bargained for. Some of it good, but most of it bad. Jack had had to figure out what a real world it was out there when he was cut off from him trust fund and his father refused to help him in any way possible unless he went home. Jack had made it work though. The Paris Hotel that he had managed to buy before he was cut off eventually started turning a profit. Of course it took a lot of work, including manual labor from Jack himself. He almost laughed as he thought of what Celeste's expression would have been if she had happened to see him patching a roof. Eh well, things happened, people had their paths changed every day, as well as doing things they'd never expected to. Jack was back though, he had heard that Celeste lived in Dublin now, with their little girl. He had every intention on finding them and setting things straight, he wanted to be in Olivia's life, he regretted not being in it before. Sure he still had a lot of insecurities, but he wouldn't let them hold him back any longer. Surely Celeste had moved on, so he didn't even pretend to harbor hope there, he did hope they could be friends though. He knew for a fact she was on a date, Jack McCloud had connections everywhere, and he was headed there to break it up to talk to her. The car stopped in front of Dublin Palace. A valet opened his car door for him, Jack stepped out with ease, and class. He wasn't wearing his usual suit, but instead was wearing khaki shorts, casual shoes, a long sleeved, black thermal with two of the three buttons unbuttoned. His dark hair was a mussed mess, and his eyes sparkled with mischief as he walked into the bar of the Palace. His eyes found his gem immediately, she sat there by the bar, her fingers absent mindedly circling the rim of a wine glass, her hair was styled to perfection, she looked magnificent. Better than the last time he saw her, which he had thought impossible. Jack swallowed back his nervousness and walked towards Celeste with as much confidence as he could. "Dollface that color should belong on no other woman, you are the only woman in existence that does it justice," He whispered against her ear as he stood behind her mysteriously. He figured she would recognize his voice.

Celeste thought it might be a good idea to call her mother, maybe see if she could join in on the sleepover instead of staying at the bar for another second. She was tragically bored and her date was gone, his beer sat half consumed at the place beside her, but there was no one to fill the seat. Celeste had her finger hovering over the call button when she heard his voice. She knew it well, that thick, rumbling Irish voice, sounding positively sinful against her ear. It was Jack McClouds voice. The first boy that she'd ever loved, the father of her only child, was whispering against her ear just like he used to. And hearing it made Celeste freeze. She hadn't heard his voice in five years. She turned just slightly on the barstool she was sitting on, and sure enough she was right. She was looking into the deep brown eyes of Jack. Celeste's own blue eyes held confusion in them, but one could tell she had just armed her shields, put them back in place so jack couldn't hurt her again. She swallowed hard and stared at him with barely any expression "What are you doing here?" She asked softly, her eyes searching his face. She didn't even notice Jared come out of the bathroom and walk back towards her, she didn't care a bit.

Jack watched as Celeste's entire body sort of went stiff with surprise, presumably, then her head slowly turned towards him. Her eyes were stormy with different emotions, he hadn't thought about how public the place was that they were standing in. About how his just showing up would effect her, good thing she wasn't the fainting sort or she would probably have swooned into his arms just then. Her voice was soft, and cold. What else could he have expected? He had left her all those years ago, without much as an excuse, at least he hadn't voiced his excuses, not to her or anyone else for that matter. One person had figured it out though. Bex. Celeste's bestfriend had sought him out and tried to convince him that he was enough for Celeste and nothing like his father, of course Jack wouldn't hear of it and still stayed away. Bex sent him pictures and updates on his girls though over the years, and the two of them had a surprisingly good relationship as friends went. Bex made sure to tell him that Celeste was unaware of any of it. So he could never tell her that her best friend had been sending him information the past five years. He took a deep breath and lightly touched the tips of his fingers across her cheek, "I've come to see you of course, why else would I be here?" He muttered before he could think twice. His attention was soon elsewhere though when a young guy came upon them and looked at Jack with unease and annoyance. Jack let his hand drop from Celeste's cheek and straightened his shoulders, he rose one very aristocratic brow.

Celeste looked over Jack, trying to see how he'd changed in the past few years. She noticed the hair right away, since it was mussed and messy instead of styled to perfection. His clothes were different, too. He wasn't wearing suit and tie how she remembered him, but instead was sporting a pair of khaki shorts and thermal shirt for the crisp autumn weather. She didn't shy away from his touch, but instead was comforted by it. God she'd missed that. Jack always found a way to touch her so softly and carefully, like she might break. But it was an appreciative stroke of his fingers on her cheek. "I-I don't know. You could've come for a drink or to meet someone or to stay," she started to ramble. She couldn't organize her thoughts, she had jack McCloud standing in front of her. She tilted her head when Jack dropped his hand from her and rose a brow like she remembered so well. She glanced around until her eyes fell on Jared's tan skin and brown eyes. Celeste let out a groan "Oh please just go, you know just a a well as I do that this date has been a disaster." She said to him, facing him instead of jack for a moment. Jared seemed to understand and scampered off, but Celeste doubted that was the last she'd see of him. She turned to jack and gave him a look "Jack why are you really here? People don't leave for five years and show up to talk about the weather." She asked, secretly wishing that he would stroke her cheek again.

Jack couldn't believe his ears, did Celeste really think he would come talk to her if he was there to meet someone else? Of course perhaps the old Jack might have, but the new one never would. Before he could say something to correct her she was turning away from him to talk to the young man staring at him. She told him to head off, which he did, promptly. He wasn't surprised that she still had her sass, there was no way that she would ever lose that part of her. His attention was quickly back on her as she asked him why he was really there, a knowing look in her eye, and something else, something he couldn't define. "Honestly love, its not that easy. I certainly did not come here to discuss the weather. But to discuss you, and everything I've missed.... to discuss our daughter, and how her schooling is going." He sat down on the stool next to her and took her hands in his, a familiar thing to do he knew, but he felt that they could be somewhat familiar together. They had a thick history after all. "I made mistakes, so many, many mistakes five years ago..." Jack shifted uncomfortably in his chair as he tried to word everything just right. "I know I don't deserve a second chance to be your friend, or to be a father to Olivia. But I'd like a try, if you'll let me." His eyes were hopeful, his face weary yet eager as he held her hands in his. Such small, delicate hands in his much larger ones.

Celeste watched as Jack sat down next to her. It was so weird to see him sitting beside her, especially seeing how much he'd changed in five years. His face was different, it looked like he'd seen things he didn't want to. He didn't look like the jack that's had everything handed to him. When he took her hand, she didn't argue, and instead enjoyed the comfort of his hand surrounding hers. She didn't have to tell him that she enjoyed it, but she did. When he started to speak to her, Celeste felt a nervous tingle on the back if her neck, an uneasy pit in her stomach. The look on her face was one reading shock. He wanted to be Olivia's father now? Well that was a terrifying prospect. She took a sip of her wine before answering, swallowing hard and adjusting her hair a little bit. "After five years, you want to be her father. All Olivia has ever known is me, Bex and my parents, and now that she's five you want to come in and announce that you're daddy. You don't get chances at being a parent, Jack, you get one shot. It's not a temporary position, you can't fuck it all up and then try again in a month." She said, taking a deep breath. She didn't see how Jack McCloud could be a father, not really anyway. Too distracted by hookers and booze. "Olivia is the smartest little thing I know, but even she wouldn't get why daddy was there one day and gone the next. I'm not going to have my daughter get hurt so you can give parenting a little test run." She said, feeling like honestly might just break down and cry, he obviously didn't know the work it took, being a parent. Especially a single one.

Jack watched as Celeste's face went from shock, to sadness, to anger. He could hear the underlining of it in her tone as she spoke to him, it made him feel like a school boy being scolded by the headmaster again, a major tongue lashing. She had a point, he couldn't just show up, expecting things to be handed to him, like he earned it. He hadn't earned anything from her or Olivia in the past five years, nothing but distrust that is. So he would have to take the time to prove himself, to show Celeste that he really was in it for the long haul, good or bad. He took a deep breath, calming his anger and annoyance at not getting his way. He was Jack McCloud after all, and his personality was to get his way and for everything to be done quickly. He'd been working on that in his absence, and with some self-control, which he didn't know he had, he had managed to keep a good hold on it most of the time. "Look I know you don't owe me anything, I owe you everything to be honest. I know that. So I'd like you and I to be friends, to get to know one another again. Without Olivia in the picture, that way you don't have to worry about her getting attached to me and me running off. Honestly though lass," His tone grew thick, "I'm here for good. You're not going to be getting rid of me anytime soon, whether you like it or not. You're stuck with me." He gave her a flirty wink out of habit, he'd been all seriousness up until that point. "Here, this isn't for you so don't say no," He slid over a bank card. "There will be money put into this account every month to help with Olivia, I should've been doing this all along. I already put enough in there to hopefully help out financially for what I've been lax to help with so far...." Jack had set it up in her name, he expected her to use it for whatever she needed to. Jack felt like a worthless man, he hadn't helped with anything whatsoever over the years. So in the account at that exact moment was $30,000. Plus he'd gone ahead and paid for Olivia's full tuition at school, and made a big donation. Of course he wasn't going to tell Celeste any of that, he wasn't there to gloat or show off wealth. It wasn't like he had as much as he would have had anyway, he didn't have his trustfund. He was like any other man, working for his money. He earned $256,000.00 a year from the hotel, but he had some investments as well that he earned money from. Of course a lot of money went into his hotel too, so he wasn't one to live as lavish a lifestyle as once did. Not yet at least. He intended on talking to his Da while he was back. He at least wanted his Da to give his trust fund to Olivia, if he wasn't going to give it to him. "So what do you say doll? Think we could be friends?" His chocolate brown eyes looked deeply into hers as he awaited her response.

Celeste tried to keep herself under control after she finished speaking to jack, but it had always been hard for her to do that. She had a fiery temper, and god jack McCloud always set her off somehow. When they were younger it was with his terrible pick up lines and bad attitude, now it was the idea that he would hurt Olivia like he'd hurt her; packing up and leaving as soon as things got tough. She stared him down at he seemed to get flustered too, she had almost forgotten how hot frustration looked on Jack, but she shook that thought away, no need for it now. Jack said she was right, which cheered her up a little, and started to speak of befriending her before really meeting Olivia. Celeste straightened up and took a sip of her wine, swallowing and shaking her head when he pushed a bank card towards her across the bar. She really didn't need any money, and she hated taking anything from people, it just wasn't Celeste's way to owe someone something. Once she'd finally swallowed Celeste spoke up to Jack, her blue eyes piercing into his brown ones "I think it all sounds like a good idea." She started, looking down at her cell phone as a text came in from her mother. A picture of Olivia 'baking a cake'. Really it was just the five year old smearing frosting all over her own face as she tried to eat the whole bowlful. Celeste couldn't help but smile widely down at the photo before coming back to the situation at hand "I'm glad you want to be in her life, Jack. She deserves a dad. A really good dad. And if you can be that for her, I won't stop you. But I don't want or need your money. I know you're just trying to be useful, I get it. But we really don't need it. I have an amazing job, and I've been supporting Olivia myself since I got it. The most my parents do anymore is get her clothes that they see and ice cream, normal grandparent things." She said, feeling the need to reassure him. When they had known each other well, Celeste had been wretched at math, but over they years she'd really learned. "I'm open to trying this, the whole friends thing. I think." She said, feeling just a small bit unsure about it all.

Jack rose a brow, just slightly, when he noticed that Celeste looked absolutely amused by something on her phone. He wondered who gave her such joy, a pang of jealousy shot through him. He quickly tampered it down, it might just be Olivia... or it could be some other Irish bloke that was making her smile, her eyes sparkle. Jack controlled his facial expression as she returned her attention to him. She agreed that it all was a sound plan, except the money part. He felt a bit let down by this, it was his duty as a man to support the family he helped to make. Jack decided he would slowly ease her into that part of him, he pocketed the card and would slip it to her later. She didn't sound fully ready to except his proposal, but he wasn't about to point that out. She was voicing that she would try them out and that was the best he could hope for. "Alright then," He brought her hand up to his lips and kissed it tenderly, before placing it back into her lap and getting up to leave. He didn't want to outstay his welcome with her on the first night, that was for sure.

Celeste felt quite satisfied when Jack pocketed the bank card. She wasn't trying to wound his ego, but really she wouldn't use the thing if he made her take it, so there was no point. She smiled a little at him as he kissed her hand softly, and couldn't help but raise a brow when she saw him stand up and walk away from her. No, that didn't make sense. They couldn't become friends if they didn't talk to each other, and Celeste never really knew when she would have time to sit down and chat. She swirled towards Jacks retreating form on her barstool "Jut where do you think you're going?" She asked after him, and when he turned towards her, the young blonde gestured for him to sit again, patting the seat next to her "My date was a bust and my daughters busy with my mom, we might as well catch up now." She said, smiling softly at jack. As she looked at him she felt a nagging worry, that maybe it would be too easy to fall back into line with jack. He obviously wasn't romantically interested In her and that was fine, but Celeste didn't think she could ever really shake her attraction to him.

Jack turned when he heard Celeste calling out to him, his eyes widened slightly with surprise. He hadn't expected her to be eager to be around him in the least. Of course Bex had told him that she wasn't really out there chasing the guys, but he assumed she was trying to spare his feelings. Could it be true that she hadn't really sought a romantic interest since he left? That was a joyful yet painful thought, he would hate to be the reason she hadn't found someone new. Of course he hadn't found anyone either, she was the one, whether he liked it or not. He didn't miss the words 'my daughter', but he didn't comment on it, he had no right to correct her just yet. "Aye, might as well," He agreed and returned to sit beside her. He asked the barman for a water, then sought her eyes once more. Bloody hell, she could still make him feel like he was unsure of himself, she had a charm like no other. "Well then, tell me Cellie, what is it you do nowadays?" He asked as he leaned back in his seat some, getting more comfortable.

Celeste nodded to Jack when he sat down beside her. If they were going to be friends she really had to make an attempt, especially for Olivia's sake. She'd never really hated jack to begin with. She was seventeen when she got pregnant, and hadn't expected Jack to want that responsibility back then. His absence had hurt, but it wasn't unreasonable in her eyes. She rose a brow and let out a light chuckle at his choice of nickname "Cellie?" She asked "I don't even remember that being one of my old nicknames. Not from you anyway, Jackie Boy." She said, teasing him with the term Bex had coined five years ago. Celeste settled her elbows onto the bar, somehow seeming elegant while doing so. "I work at Vogue Ireland, I'm head stylist there. I started out right after high school, moving up from an intern. I actually just hit head stylist six moths ago. I love it though, and the schedule is really flexible when you're at the top. And then, when I'm not at work I'm with Olivia. She's in so many sports and things it's insane. But she's only five, so anything she wants to try I just sign her up, I figure she might find what she loves this way..." She said, ending up rambling just a bit "What about you??" She asked him, emptying her wine and asking the bartender for a club soda. She didn't think it would be a good idea to get drunk around jack, who knows what would fly out if her mouth...

Jack shrugged as he took a gulp of water, he wiped his mouth and set the glass tumbler back on the wooden bar. "I know Ollie used to call you that and thought I'd try it out... not so sure I like it. Doll face seems to suit you better in my book," He grinned widely when she called him his nickname given by Bex. She still called him that when they talked on the phone, "I'm sure Bex would be proud of ya for using that one, how is the old girl?" He was to keep up the pretense of having no contact with her. So he had to seem interested, though he mostly knew everything going on, she liked to talk, that one. Jack listened eagerly as Celeste spoke of their daughter, Olivia, so she liked sports. He would definitely have to attend those, even if he had to hide. Bex would surely have that schedule? He would have to ask her in the morning. Jack took a breath, "Well it sounds like you've really made something of yourself. I'm sure that made your Da bite his tongue," He grinned in spite of himself. Celeste's Da wasn't the nicest of sorts, at least not when Jack knew him. "Congratulations on it all, I knew you would be something big, I always had faith in ya." Jack popped some peanuts into his mouth, he chewed slowly as he thought about how much to tell her of his life. "Well..." Jack took another drink of his water, "I still have that hotel. The one you helped me pick out in Paris, and I've been building it up and getting it going over the past five years. Da.... well he cut me off the moment I left, so ya know, had to do something or be out on the street." Jack chuckled, trying to make it seem a lot less drastic than it was. There was no need to worry her about how bad his life had been those first two years.

Celeste couldn't help but smile widely when Jack mentioned her father. He had been a real prick when Celeste got pregnant. He was keen on disowning her, before Celeste's mother stepped in and whipped him into shape. She'd had plenty of fun rubbing her job into his face once she got it. He'd once told her she wouldn't even make it above an intern. He got nicer as Olivia got older, though. "Oh he hated it, but he couldn't really say it plainly or little Livie would've smacked his ears, she's a fierce one." She said, trying to tell jack some about his daughter, she was sure he wanted to know more about her. She listened closely as Jack talked about what he'd been doing with his life. Her eyes darkened considerably. He was trying to be upbeat about it, but she could tell it had been hard. She shook her head, a foul expression gracing her face "That bastard.." She whispered softly, looking up at jack "I knew he was a jerk, but I had no idea he would do that to you... I'm so sorry." She said, placing a hand on top of his on the bar for a moment in sympathy. "That hotel was always beautiful though, I'm glad it's grown." She said, fleeting memories flashing through her mind of visiting the hotel with jack so long ago, and then the morning that he made an offer on it.

Jack was glad to hear that Olivia wasn't a prissy little wimp, it sounded like she'd definitely already shown some of her Irish temper. Though she obviously had Celeste's too, he almost smiled, but then Celeste was getting angry about his da. Yeah Peter was a real prick, but what could one do? Jack put his hand over hers and did his best to cover up any emotions that might have shown through, "Its fine, it really is. It definitely gave me a new perspective on the real world. I had to grow up, the old man did me a favor, not what he expected I'm afraid." He then released her hand so he could wrap his hand around his glass of water, "The hotel is definitely coming around. We've done some renovations, but we kept it all the same old style look like you liked. I even had antique stone flown in for the foyer, but don't get me started about the staff. I swear I'm terrible at picking them, I've fired and hired more than 100 staff just this year..." Jack realized he was going on and on, "Sorry lass, got carried away with meself. I don't get to talk to people just to talk very much," Jack looked a bit bashful but hid it as best he could by taking a drink of water. "Oh, here," Jack pulled out a card and handed it to Celeste, "This has my cell number on it and my new place of residence. I'll be staying at my grandparents old home, Charles Manor. Come by anytime.."

Celeste still didn't think Jacks father was forgiven. "Just because you ultimately turned out okay doesn't do anything for his character, I'd still like to give him a piece of my mind.." She muttered. She'd always wanted to have it out with Jacks dad, even when they were just dating. She almost let out a laugh when he started to rant about the staff and the hotel "A hundred??? Jack maybe you should find someone to help with that, maybe a member of the staff that you actually trust?? That's an insane amount of changes.." She said in shock. She nodded in understanding "Trust me I get it. When I'm at work it's business and at home I'm watching spongebob and talking about barbies. Bex is my savior." She said with a small laugh. She needed bex to stay sane. She took his card and nodded "Oh, okay. Do you have another one of these?? I can jot down my number for you.." She said, tucking the card into her envelope clutch. "Do you want to see some pictures of Olivia??" She asked him. She had hundreds on her cell phone, things like birthdays and basketball games.

Jack could just see Celeste giving his Da a piece of her mind, it would more than likely end with him dragging her out of the room while she tried to claw the old man. Yeah that wasn't going to be happening anytime soon, because if Peter lost his temper and raised a hand to Celeste, Jack would see red and probably kill the old man. He shook away his thoughts mentally and paid attention to what Celeste was saying about hiring someone to help him. "Doll I did that, that's how I got all of the drugee's, they hired all of their friends and turned out to not be who I thought they were. I don't know love, I guess the hiring part just isn't my forte unfortunately... " Jack looked a bit defeated as he talked of the hiring and firing process. He cheered up some though when she asked for another card and mentioned giving him her number. "Aye, here," He pulled another out and turned it over to the blank side of the card, his mood lightened even more when she mentioned pictures. "I'd love to see pictures of her," Jack leaned toward Celeste so that he would be better abled to see the pictures on Celeste's phone.

Celeste took the second card from Jack and pulled a pen from her clutch, chuckling as she write down her cell phone number in her usual scrawling script. "Mmm sounds terrible but I bet you had access to all the good stuff," she teased, talking about Jack hiring drug dealers and such. She pushed the card back over to him "There ya go, that's my cell." She said, then took her phone and unlocked it, going straight to the pictures and scrolling up through them. She figured she'd start with a couple months ago at Olivia's fifth birthday. Almost exactly four months ago, July 9th. "This is at her fifth birthday," she said, tapping on a picture of a little dark haired girl with bright blue eyes smiling widely next to a gaggle of other little girls in Celeste's big flat, all dressed in their pajamas. "See she thinks sleepovers are the coolest things, and I kind of let her watch an episode of gossip girl, you know in season one where Blair has her exclusive sleepover?? I had to make avocado masks for five year olds, and bex and I pretended to be manicurists and did nail art and things for all of them. She loved it because i didn't give her a bedtime that night." She said. Celeste had a way of talking on and on about Olivia. The girl was her pride and joy, and she held Celeste's heart right in her hands.

Jack didn't have the heart to tell Celeste about his struggles with his old vices. The only thing he allowed himself now and again was alcohol. Even that he kept to a minimum the best he could, he knew now that he had to work at not becoming his father, and he would be working at that for the rest of his life. "Thanks," He took the card and slipped it into his wallet for safekeeping, then slid the wallet back into his pocket. The picture of Olivia in her pajamas was adorable, a grin broke out on his face. "She's gorgeous," He said with a quiet proudness evident in his tone as he gazed down at his daughter with Celeste. "She has your nose," Jack pointed out, she had his dark hair though. Olivia was going to be a beautiful woman one day, Jack was going to have his hands full at keeping the boys away later down the road. "So she likes our show too?" He asked with a smirk, it was the one show that he would grumble about having to watch with Celeste but really did enjoy watching. They would veg out in the dorm room all day in their pj's with junk food and get wrapped up in the drama of the upper east side.

Celeste nodded "Her hair is exactly like yours though, she's always pleading that she'll never cut it, ever." She said with a small laugh "I think her eyes are bluer than mine though, maybe my moms? They're too bright to be mine," she commented. "Yess she does like our show." Celeste told him, finding a bit of happiness in saying 'our', but she quickly squashed it "And the ting is, I never meant to let her watch it, because she's five and there's so much sex in that show... But one night she couldn't sleep and she snuck into my room when I was watching it, I didn't even know she was there. Now I have to pick and chose episodes that won't be too much for her.." She said. "My god I probably sound insane," she added, since she was always trying to accommodate to Olivia, when other parents would simply say "no". Celeste picked up her drink and took a sip of the bubbly water, feeling the carbonation sting down her throat.

"So she takes as much pride in her hair as her dear ole Da, eh?" He chuckled at the thought of her smacking Celeste's hands away as she tried to style her hair. Jack had always been particular about his hair as well, though he did let Celeste did as she pleased with it, but she was the only one really. Celeste was bright, alive, glowing even, as she spoke fondly of Olivia. One could tell that Olivia was her whole world, and that she would do anything for the child. That made Jack's heart warm, whether he liked it or not he was falling in love with this girl all over again. As much as he wished that he had stuck around all of those years ago, he knew that staying away had been best all around. It had taught him many things and allowed him to grow up, and it also had made Celeste grow up a lot too. "You don't sound insane, you sound like a loving mother, and if anyone says different I'll knock their bloody heads off," Jack replied passionately, a need to reassure her had risen up in his chest. She was doing an excellent job as his daughters mother, he wanted her to have no doubts of that. And hell she looked sexier than ever before, she was doing wonderful in all aspects from where he was sitting. "I'm proud that our daughter has you as her mum."

Celeste's eyes widened "Woah, not that much pride." She said, remembering jack whine when she would tousle his hair. Except for when they were making out, then she could do whatever she wanted with his thick brown locks. "Remember, that time when I threw pieces of a fortune cookie in your hair??" She asked, laughing at the memory. But then her laughter faded when Jack became extremely passionate about how she was a caring mother. It took her by surprise really, and she just looked at him for a couple of seconds, trying to compute it. The fact that he was truly proud that she mothered their child... It felt really good. "Wow," she said softly, a smile emerging on her lips "Thanks Jack, it's really nice to hear that." She said, itching to hug her old Irish flame. But god knew she couldn't do that, because third new relationship was as friends, over Olivia only.

"Oh I remember that, I thought I would die to be honest, I was so vain about my hair back then," He grinned at the memory, the past had swept them up for a moment, both looking at one another like it was old times. Then she got pretty serious, surprised by his words apparently. Though he couldn't see why, didn't she know how good of a mother she was? Couldn't she see how well she was doing for Olivia and with her? Sometimes women truly baffled the Irish man, he couldn't understand why they felt to put themselves down all of the time. "Well I only speak the truth," He said gruffly, like she should already know how good of a mother she was. He felt the need to pull her into his arms to soothe her, she had that look on her eyes, the same one she would get right before they would fly. Normally back then he would unfasten both of their seatbelts and then carry her over to a corner in the jet, and hold her in his lap until they landed at their destination. His heart squeezed as he thought of how he would never hold her in his arms like that again. She would forever be just out of his reach, it saddened him to no end. He tried to push those thoughts away though, not wanting to spoil their fun. "So what do you normally do at this time of night? Is Olivia in bed by now? Do you ever work from home?"

Celeste smiled fondly at Jack, feeling her heart flutter at his compliment. She couldn't help but remember how he always used to care and protect for her. He would always do his damnedest to make sure she was comfy and safe. Just thinking about that made her heart ache, it made her feel almost lonely. She could see something in Jack's eyes too, but she couldn't figure out what it was. She switched gears with him and peeked at the watch that was on her wrist. 8:30. "Yeah Olivia has to go to bed by eight, but she kind of begs her way into staying up later most of the time. But she's cute so I don't mind. I can't really work from home... I need to see the clothes and put them together, then pick the models for the photoshoots and match them with the outfits. I'm kind of a control freak about it. But I always drop Livie off at school, and she goes to gymnastics for an hour right after school. I pick her up from that. It's a busy schedule, but I don't really like nannies or sitters, I like Olivia to be with people she knows." She explained.

The sounds of the bar around them had long ago faded out to Jack, it was only Celeste and him at the bar, and the bartender occasionally came into the picture. "I'm sure I would be wrapped around her little pinkie too if I were you," He chuckled, he could tell that Olivia had her mothers heart in a good grip. Not that that was a bad thing, they'd only had each other the past five years. She talked about being a control freak and having to be in the studio, he shook his head with a smirk. "Of course you're a control freak, you've always been one. Nothing wrong with that though, I like that 'take charge' attitude you have, its one of the things that drew me to you in the first place." He pushed his empty water glass away, the bartender refilled it, "I'm glad you're with our daughter, I wouldn't like to think of her being taken care of by strangers. Not like I was, its no way to raise a child..." Jack cleared his throat, wishing he hadn't said that part. "Anyway, I guess I should be off to make sure the staff has everything in order. You should probably get home too... I could walk you back if you want? Or to your car?" He wasn't sure if she was a walk away, or a cars distance away from the restaurant. He was only a walk away really, a couple of miles up the road, he didn't see the point in driving.

Celeste's mouth dropped open on being called a control freak and she shook her head "You're not allowed to say that, and you're not allowed to slyly cover it up with a compliment either, bucko." She warned, pursing her lips at him. She agreed fully about the strangers, she didn't believe it was any way for a kid to grow, surrounded by people that weren't your family or close friends. She knew how Jack had grown up, he'd told her way back when. His stories had been most of her reasoning against nannies, the way it had hurt him stuck with her. She felt a little bit sad when Jack said they should probably both go. She really didn't want to. She could've stayed up all night talking with him, and she would've loved it. But she nodded sadly "Yeah, it's time to get home." She agreed, standing up and brushing her hair off of her shoulders, "I have a car waiting out front, I live uptown." She told him, walking towards the exit with him "I'll give you a call though, when Olivia has a meet or a recital or something." She said. She could tell that Jack really wanted a chance, and she wanted to give him one after seeing his new calm demeanor. But if he hurt her little girl she'd kick his ass into the next continent.

(I've been going all day, sorry >.<)


"Aye, whatever you say love," Jack said holding both hands up in a surrender like way, with a grin on his face of course. He stood with Celeste and walked with her to the door, he opened it for her, they stepped outside, his eyes on her steadily. He really wanted to invite her back to his place, but that would be far too quick for both of them. Restraint was going to be one of his toughest challenges yet, that was for sure. "Well I hope we can meet for coffee or something? In the mornings maybe? You can call me at night too... I mean if you need someone to talk to, or vent to about work." Jack hoped he wasn't rambling too much. "Celeste...." He reached out and crushed the small woman to his chest, Jack held her there a moment, surprising them both probably with the emotions he was feeling. His lips whispered against her hair before he stepped back and gave her some space.

Celeste nodded as she walked out of the door "Definitely should meet up sometime, I got to this amazing little bakery sometimes after dropping Olivia at school. I'll text you the address." She said with a smile. She was surprised when Jack pulled her into a bear hug, but god she was really happy to be back in his arms. As much as she hated to realize it, his big, burly embrace felt like home. Celeste let out a soft sigh and snuggled her head into the nook between his neck and shoulder. It was out if instinct, but she was glad she did it. They were standing by her small town car by then, and Celeste smiled up at jack, wanting to feel his warmth again "I've missed you..." She said softly, quietly. She didn't want to admit it to him, Jack was someone though that she trusted more than most.

(SO I want to do a Victorian/and or late 1800's, interested? It would be a 1x1)

Jack was surprised by the familiarity Celeste was showing him, her scent, so unique to her, was heady as they stood close to one another and just looked into one anothers eyes. His heart skipped a beat, and a shimmer of hope zinged through him before he could stop it. Would she give them another chance? Did she still have feelings for him? Or was he just imagining everything? Did he so desperately want her that he was imagining the signs? He wasn't sure. Jack brought Celeste back against his chest, his arms enfolded her, his chin rested on her soft hair, his eyes closed. This moment, if only but a brief one, would at least give him some peace. Knowing that they could still comfort one another, that they both still missed each other. That was all he needed for that moment. Jack whispered against her hair, "I've missed you too love, very much." The words were uttered from his very soul, the truth laced in his voice. The rest of the world was gone, the hustle and bustle of Dublin faded into the background, and all that existed was the two of them.

The gaze that jack directed towards Celeste made her feel as if she would melt on the spot. He looked excited, relieved, hopeful and, well, a little of something else that was too much for Celeste to mull over just then. She shot the same gaze full on back at him, smiling at the familiarity of being pulled into his arms again. Celeste wrapped her arms around his broad chest to his back where her hands went to rest, her face turned sideways and pressing against his chest. He was so warm and safe to her, and god only knew why. She didn't ever want to go so long without seeing his face, without feeling his strong arms engulfing her in an embrace. It took everything that Celeste had not to pull out of the hug and kiss Jack instead, but she held back by snuggling her face against him just slightly again "Whatever you do Jack, don't leave for that long again." She said so softly that it was barely audible. This was right, being so close with Jack.

Her words made his guilt all the worse, and Jack didn't shy away from the feelings of guilt like he might have once. Instead he let it make him jot a better man, one that thought about his actions and how those actions affected those he loved and held dear. James had given him more than friendship, but a good sense of morals and values as well. "I won't lass, I swear it," he promised Celeste, his voice was thick with his Irish accent, because of his feelings overwhelming him. "I've done nothing but dream of ye every night since I've been away," he added without thinking twice, wanting her to know that he never forgot her. Even though they had been separated for a long period of time. Jack wished he could carry Celeste off to his home, to claim her as his once more. But he knew that it was too soon and they had a child to think about now. "I best be off," he told her gently, Jack released Celeste and kissed her cheek before opening the car door for her, "if you text me that address then I'll meet you there in the morning, we can talk further then."

Celeste smiled lightly when he promised her that he wouldn't leave her like that again. His voice was so rough that Celeste honestly wished she could hop into the first bed with him and have a good time, but they couldn't. Neither of them were ready for that yet. Celeste felt her heart leap when he told her that he dreamed of her. Her smile grew tenfold and she looked up at jack with a sort if mystical look on her face. She was about to say that they should give love another shot, then, when he said that he should probably go. He kissed Celeste's cheek and opened the door, and Celeste stood in her heels next to jack and kisses his gruff cheek softly, maybe even a little teasingly. She took a step away and looked up at him with a genuine smile and nodded her head thoughtfully "I'll definitely text it to you, and I'll drop by tomorrow morning before I go to work." She promised. She took a long look at jack from top to bottom before she waved a little and slid into the sleek black car beside the two of them.

Celeste surprised Jack further by stepping forward and giving him a lingering kiss on his cheek. He itched to kiss that sweet mouth of hers, to ravish her before God and everyone. It took every ounce of self-control that Jack possessed not to take her into his arms and kiss the hell out of her. He only nodded in answer to her words that she spoke before she slid into the car, he shut the door and watched the car until it disappeared from his sight. A deep, long sigh escaped his lips as he turned and started the walk to his own home. "Bloody hell," He muttered to himself as he pulled a cigar from his pocket, he lit it and continued his walk home. He couldn't believe the events of the night, it all almost seemed like a dream. He was mystified by Celeste, she was a nymph to be sure. Her scent lingered on his clothes, he swore he wouldn't wash them until it wore off. He felt like a school boy finding his first crush all over again. The cobbled stones beneath Jack's feet soon gave way to gravel as he turned up a drive, it was long and winding, one couldn't see what was hidden because of the dense trees and curved drive. Jack loved this place, it was private, not anywhere near as big as his fathers estates, and best of all, it was his. The walk took him a good ten minutes up the drive before he came to his own doorstep, the door opened of its own accord by Jack's butler, Wallace. A Scottish boy that was barely 18, he was the lone provider for his mother and four younger sisters, Jack's grandparents money paid the boy well. They'd left Jack money, but the money was only to be used for the grounds, house, and staff. Jack had to pay for the food and his own needs. Not that Jack minded, it was very generous of them and he was thankful that he didn't have to pay the staff out of his own pocket, or his fathers for that matter. Too bad his grandparents were no longer alive, he would have liked to of had some of their comfort and advice. "Hello Wallace," Jack said cheerily, the boy nodded mutely, and closed the door after Jack. "I have no further needs tonight, you can take off and see to your family," He informed Wallace, Jack had allowed Wallace's family to move to a guest house at the back of the property, so the only staff in the servants quarters were the cook, driver, maid, and head of house staff. The only reason Jack even kept any of them really was so they had jobs, he could make do on his own. Wallace scampered off without a word, leaving Jack in the dimly lit foyer. He turned the lights the rest of the way down and made his way upstairs to his own quarters. Jack took his time undressing and putting on a pair of sleep pants, he slid between the cool sheets of his bed and fell asleep to thinking of Celeste and their child, of holding them both in his arms once again.

Celeste watched jack from her car as he closed the door for her. She couldn't help but smile widely as she watched the Irishman walk away from the car and up the sidewalk. She watched him until her car turned down the street and he was impossible to see. Celeste flung back against the seat of the car and grinned much like her own daughter. She felt warm, all over and even inside her body. She knew what the feeling was, but didn't want to believe it just yet. How could jack McCloud do that to her so quickly?? Sat in a bar with his dark hair and smoldering eyes for half an hour, and she already felt like she was under his spell, in love. Celeste was mesmerized by the thoughts all the way back to her building, where the driver exited and opened the door for her. She smiled at the man and thanked him, and said a hello to the doorman, Evan, when he opened the door for her. She took the elevator up to her flat on the fifth floor and walked into the spacious entryway (I'm thinking like the Waldorf flat ok). She shucked her coat and gave it to her maid, Olive; a 20some year old woman with bright red hair and big brown eyes. "Thank you Olive," she said as she walked to the kitchen. The young maid asked if Celeste would like anything, and Celeste shook her head "That's alright, I'll get it for myself." She told her, taking a small box of chocolates from the cabinet. She poured herself a glass of white wine and went up to her bedroom, looking over old photo albums from high school and emptying her wine glass until she fell asleep, still fully dressed.

Jack awoke to the curtains being drawn, the light slanted across his bed, he put his arm over his eyes and groaned, "Bloody hell man." Wallace chuckled slightly before informing Jack that his clothes were laid out and breakfast ready in the dining room. Jack grunted in response as he let his eyes slowly adjust to the light. He peeked over at the silver, antique clock on his bedside table. 6:45 am, it read, he sighed. Jack had had a restless sleep, dreams of a certain woman in his bed had kept him tossing and turning all night. Jack sat up and stretched before getting out of bed. He took his shower, skipped the shave, he liked the rough look, and went to get dressed. He pulled on a pair of trousers, suspenders, a linen, gray shirt, a pastel blue tie, and dark socks. He put his shoes on and checked his hair, slipped on his watch, grabbed his wallet and headed for the stairs. His feet felt light as he practically skipped all the way down and into the dining room. His maid rose a brow when he entered, "Hullo Maeve darlin'," Jack said in a very happy tone, the maid looked slightly shocked, a pink tinge showed in her cheeks. It made Jack chuckle, he patted her cheek affectionately before sitting down with a cup of coffee and the paper. "I'll be having breakfast elsewhere this morning, you all help yourselves to the food Cook prepared after I leave," He informed Wallace who was standing nearby. Wallace nodded, he looked slightly confused, but Jack paid him no mind as he read over the financial pieces in the paper. He didn't waste much time with his coffee, soon enough he was standing and pushing the paper away. "I will see you all later, I may spend the day finding a new office space for when I am in Dublin. Do not worry over lunch, I may be home with dinner guests though, so make sure Cook has something good prepared." Jack spoke as he walked toward the foyer, Wallace followed behind him and retrieved his suit jacket. Jack pulled on his suit vest, then the jacket, he pulled on a newsboy cap, very Irish looking, and went out the door without another word. He checked his phone as he got into the town car that would take him into town, waiting for a text from Celeste.

Celeste Callaghan woke up to the sound of her maid knocking on the door "Miss Celeste," she young lady called "It's nearly seven o'clock." At hearing the news, Celeste simply groaned in her bed and rolled over onto a second set of pillows, burying her face in them, refusing the light that was outside. She stayed like that for a moment or two before getting out of bed and stretching as she walked to the full length mirror hanging on the wall of her room. She looked at herself and her jaw dropped "Jesus Christ.." She muttered to herself, looking at her dress from last night and her curls sticking in ten directions. She let out a sigh and walked to the master bathroom, stripping off the clothes and her jewelry on the way. She stepped into the shower and cleaned up. Once she was feeling fresh again, she wrapped a towel around her body and walked back to her bedroom, her hair soaking wet from washing. Celeste picked up her phone from the nightstand and started a text to Jack "Hey, I just woke up, so I won't be there for a little bit, but here's the address;" she texted, adding the address of the bakery at the end and pressing send. She sat at her vanity table and blow dried her hair, then applied makeup to her face to where she thought she looked hot. Once she was finished with that she went to her closet in search of an outfit. It was a Saturday so she didn't have work, but she did have a couple of shots still to review from a photo shoot, and she was picking up Olivia at 9, and then the day was up to them.

The car was just entering downtown Dublin when he heard his text tone go off, he checked the message, it was from Celeste. He quickly replied, That's okay doll, I need to attend to a couple of things and then I'll meet you there. He hit send, then gave instructions to his driver to take him to the nearest realtor office. He would make appts to go see offices for later in the day, it would give him something to do before heading to the bakery. He stopped and went into a quaint looking building, he made appts to look at office space for later that afternoon, he asked to look at historical buildings in particular. Jack loved history, and old things, including old fashioned fashion. Hence his love for suspenders, and the old 1920's look. "Thank you for your help," He said and touched his hat as a goodbye to the older lady, then he got back into his car to head to the bakery that Celeste had sent him the address to. His driver knew exactly where it was, so he relaxed and watched out the window as they passed shops, hotels, and other buildings along the way. Eventually they stopped in front of a small bakery that looked very much like a place Celeste would go to, with a grin Jack stepped out and let his driver know to park nearby. He straightened his jacket and went inside to wait for Celeste.

Celeste pulled a light blue sundress out of her closet, and a purple and silver metallic trench coat to put over it. She checked her texts when her phone rang and smiled at the message, that nickname would be the death of her. She tossed the phone backwards onto her bed and pulled on the cotton sundress. It was loose-fitting with little brown buttons going down the bodice, then synching in at her waist and proofing just a little in the skirt. She curled her hair a teeny bit, not as much as last night, and slung it up into a high, bouncy ponytail. She pulled on her coat and tied it around her waist, and slipped on a pair of black heels. Celeste pulled her purse off the vanity chair and stuffed the photoshoot proofs inside, then fit the bag in the crook of her elbow. She left her room with the hem of the dress peeking out just a tad under her coat. She walked down the staircase and to the dining room where she took a dainty sip from her coffee cup. "Olive! Don't worry about lunch today, I think I'll take Olivia to that new cafe near my office." She called as she walked towards the elevator. No time for pleasantries. She texted jack I'm on my way now as she walked out of the building and slipping into the car. The bakery was right near her office building, so she knew the place well. She stepped from the car and onto the sidewalk out of the cafe, a hint of a smile on her face as she walked inside, her eyes peeled for Jack.

Jack was jostled, and pushed around as the café filled up with patrons, he didn't get annoyed or disheartened though. Instead he found a nook in the back of the café, it had two chairs. He sat in one and scrolled through the Paris papers on his phone to see if there was anything of interest there. Slowly the café emptied out as people went to do their thing, he looked up a few minutes after getting Celeste's text that she was on her way. The bell above the café door had jingled, his eyes found Celeste, she was looking beautiful, as always, and her eyes were searching for him. Jack stood and made his way around tables and the few people in the café. Thankfully it was no longer very busy. "Hey," He said as way of greeting before bending down and placing a kiss on her cheek, he wasn't sure if it was out of habit or if it was because he simply couldn't keep his hands off of her. His arms enveloped her in a brief, but warm hug. Then he led her up to the counter of the café, "Do you know what you want?" He asked her gently, he'd already decided, but he would wait for her to order first, and then order his, and pay for both of their meals. "I've got it," He told her before she even ordered, that way she didn't try to pay before he could buy.

Celeste smiled when she saw jack coming towards her and waved in his direction "Hi," she said happily, accepting his hug and kissing his cheek as they pulled away. She was acting like they were perfect old friends, even if she wanted to rip his clothes off. Celeste pushed those thoughts away and walked up to the counter with him "Oh, yeah. I'm a regular, they know my order." She told him with a guilty look on her face. She rolled her eyes t him declaring that he would pay, but since she hadn't accepted his money yesterday, she nodded "Oh fine, if it helps your ego." She said sarcastically, her natural state. Celeste smiled at the lady behind the counter as she asked "Your usual, miss??" And Celeste nodded "Yes, Marie, you know me well." She said with a giggle, as the lady started making a Carmel latte and warming up an eclair for Celeste. She looked to jack next, asking him what he wanted.

The only thing I want right now is you, me, and my bed... but that isn't going to happen now is it lass? Jack thought to himself, he almost winced at the need that coursed through him for the lady beside him. Instead of giving into it he turned and spoke to the woman named Marie, "I'll have a coffee black, and a chocolate croissant," He informed her before pushing far too much money over the counter. He was a strong believer now of helping those in the working class, he knew what they went through now. "Keep the change," He told her with a wink before leading Celeste over to the table he'd found earlier. "So, tell me how your morning is going so far, any plans?" He shrugged off his coat and hung it on his chair behind him, pulled out a seat for Celeste, then sat down in his own seat as they awaited their order.

Celeste let out a sigh of disbelief when Jack winked at Marie, who giggled girlishly at jack. "You're such a flirt." She said, shaking her head as she walked to the table with jack. She untied her trench coat and took it off, leaving it on the back of the chair and sitting down in her blue dress. She smiled over at jack and shrugged, taking a sip of her latte "I'm good, low key day for me. I'm picking up Olivia from my moms at nine. She has a dance recital tonight, ballet. I want to take her out to lunch before we go, then maybe for ice cream afterwards? And I have to look over some photoshoot proofs, but that's it." She chirped, as if it was nothing at all. "What about you? Anything special planned??" She asked him, right before she sunk her teeth into an eclair.

Jack thanked Marie when she brought their drinks and food, then returned his attention to Celeste, she told him about her plans for the day. It sounded like a good day to him, she would be with Olivia most of the day, so she was sure to have her hands full. He wondered briefly if he should ask to come to the recital, then he decided no. He wouldn't ask, she would say its too soon, after all it was only the second day of them seeing each other. Surely she would think it was too soon? Or would she? She seemed pretty taken with him, relaxed, back in the old groove. He remembered laying in bed together in the mornings at school, they would discuss their future, he would tell her what he was thinking of doing with this or that, she would give her opinions, tell him about the new fashions, it was bliss. Though he didn't truly appreciate it back then. "I'm going to look at some office space, I need a central hub here. I'm looking at purchasing a rundown hotel here, so I'd like an office to base out of. Plus a place I can send faxes to and from with my other hotel of course," He gave her a brief smile, it was their hotel really. Jack still had her name on the building with his, she owned half technically. He just wasn't sure how to tell her that, yet. He would get around to it eventually. "After that I'm free, no plans really," Jack took a bite of the croissant, the layers of butter melted on his tongue, the sweet bit of chocolatey goodness at the center made his taste buds dance. This was a mouthgasm to be sure. He would have to start stopping by every morning, this place knew what they were doing.

Celeste nodded with interest apparent on her face "Oh really?? That's great, you'll be around he all the time if you're revamping a hotel." She said. That was a definite plus if he wanted to be a constant figure for Olivia, and..for...other things. Celeste smiled at him "You should come to Olivia's recital then. I mean, obviously, I'm terrified to have this happen.. But I think we should just jump into it." She told him. She wanted Olivia to see her dad, to know who he was. "Maybe I can introduce you as my friend?" She said, then shook her head, basically talking to herself "No. You're her father and I'll tell her that. Before we get there. Or maybe after we leave." She said, feeling nervous all of a sudden. She took a loooonng drink of her latte and stared at the top of their cafe table.

He took a sip of his coffee,

He took a sip of his coffee, Jack listened as Celeste spoke, he nodded when she mentioned he would be around. That was part of the plan, he would stick around if he had things to do. He couldn't just sit around twiddling his thumbs or worrying over his other hotel. But he had an idea to pitch to her about all of that. She mentioned that he should go to Olivia's recital. She was nervous a bit about it so he reached a hand across and covered her hand with his, "We can take it nice and slow, does she know anything about me yet?" He posed the question gently, not wanting to upset her. He had no idea if she had lied about him or just not mentioned him at all to their daughter. And he didn't blame her for whatever she said or did because he was the one that ran out on them. Not the other way around, and Jack was lucky enough to have Celeste letting him back into their lives and he recognized that. He wild hold off asking her about the hotel thing, maybe later that night or later during the week. He was going to ask her to help him with the hiring and firing, which would mean a trip to Paris sometime soon, so he wasn't sure if it would happen or not. He also would ask her to help with the one he was buying here, with the hiring, but it would be a little bit before the hotel was ready for that. It was in shambles and needed remodeling and new plumbing.

Celeste looked down at the table and bit down on her lip. She wan comforted by jacks hand resting on top of hers "She doesn't know much at all." She admitted, feeling guilty all of a sudden "I told her that he fathers name is Jack, that he's Irish, and that we used to be good friends when I was younger. She's only asked where you were a couple of times, and I usually just tell her that you're working somewhere else. I was never sure what to really...say." She told him. "I'm sorry I never told her more. She has seen a picture of you, from when were in Paris that time. I, well I kept it and she saw it in my high school photo album and she asked who it was." She told him. She was rambling quite a bit. She lifted her eyes and looked up at Jack "I want you to meet her, I'm just...scared." She told him honestly, biting down on her lower lip.

Jack shrugged, "Its fine love, I never expected you to tell her anything at all about me. So her even knowing my name makes me happy." He half smiled at her, he wanted her to know that he would respect whatever she decided to tell their daughter, and he would back her up on whatever she decided. "Celeste you are her mother, her main caregiver, you have raised her all these years. Whatever you decide and think is best is what I'll respect. You have done a fine job so far raising our little girl, I can already tell. As for being scared......" Jack swallowed, hard. "I'm sorry that I ever put you in that position lass." Jack felt terrible about making her raise their daughter on her own, but what could he do? Would he have been a good father during those five years if he had been around? Jack didn't have an easy answer, and he couldn't tell Celeste false things, so he couldn't tell her that it would have been better if he'd been there, because honestly he didn't know if would of been. Jack squeezed her hand gently, "Now, lets make a fresh start. See where things lead us, does that sound like a good plan to you?" His eyes searched hers, trying his best to not look at her lips, the lips he itched to kiss every second he was with her.