Everyone slept in that morning, which was expected since they had all spent so much energy the night before fighting. They all had a good adrenaline rush during the conflict that broke out after supper and eventually crashed after it was all over and slept like the dead. Dick couldn’t remember the last time he had slept that well as he woke up around eleven the next morning, which was rather shocking to the old man. As he came down the stairs, everyone was already up and doing their thing. Cleaning up after breakfast and packing up the cars to head back into town. While Michael and Gabe were still going to take the next day or two off, Jenny still had to get back into town that day, so it was decided that everyone were all going back with her.

“Good morning.” Dick said as he came into the kitchen.

“A few minutes from now and it will afternoon.” Jenny said as she poured him a cup of coffee, “That was some snooze you took.”

“I know,” Dick agreed, rather shocked himself, “We’re leaving already?”

“It’s Sunday,” Gabe said as he kept working. “Even though I’m taking a few more days off, Jenny has work tomorrow and it’s not fair to make Jenny go back to town on her own.”

“Oh, that makes sense,” Dick said, but was still a bit disappointed. To the old man’s surprise, he was starting to like it out there. It made him want to get a cabin of his own, maybe one next door.

“I want you to drive with me today.” Jenny told her father as she passed him the mug of coffee. “Alone.”

“Are you going to destroy any more instruments?” Dick asked.

“Not this time.” Jenny answered.

“Then we’ll ride together.” Dick confirmed.

“Well, I’ll do the driving.” Jenny replied with a smile. “I’ve seen you drive before and I’m never letting you behind the wheel of my car.”

“Hey, if I break it I’d buy it.” Dick said that mischievous grin of his.

“If you break it, I want a Porsche to replace it.” Jenny said to her father jokingly but with tone serious to let him know she meant it.

“That’s a deal,” Dick said as he kept smiling. In his head, Dick was already making a mental note for future Christmas shopping: get Jenny a Porsche.

“Can I have a Hummer?” Tom asked.

“Don’t push your luck, buddy.” Dick snapped back, “You’re already getting a hot tub.”

“Oh, fair enough,” Tom said, backing away from the conversation.

“Get packed up, Dick.” Gabe said, “We’re going in less than an hour.”

“Thank goodness I woke up.” Dick said as he scooted off to his room to start packing and took the coffee with him. True to his word, Dick was all packed up and ready to go in less than an hour and was quite pleased with himself as he packed his luggage into the truck. He decided to leave the acoustic guitar at the cabin so that there was something for him to play the next time he came over.

“All set,” Dick said as he poured himself another cup of coffee into a portable plastic mug with a lid on it. “Let’s get going then.”

They watched as Gabe, Michael and Tom got into the truck and left first. They both waved and then got into the car and drove behind them. Jenny wanted to drive first and kept a decent distance from Gabe’s truck as they followed him back home. Things were very quiet in the car as Jenny didn’t even have the radio on.

“Is there a specific reason you wanted me to ride with you today?” Dick finally asked.

“I want to talk to you about seeking treatment.” Jenny replied, not even taking her eyes off the road.

“I guess why I’m hesitant would be the next obvious question.” Dick said as he wanted to know what her reasons were to ask him to do this.

“If you’re serious about wanting to spend more time with me, I would expect you to fight for every minute you could get.” Jenny answered.

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Dick nodded quietly as he could see the logic in her argument. If he was truly sincere about wanting to spend time with his only daughter, then he would fight for more time.

“I see your point,” Dick concurred, “The band has been asking me to do the same. We’ve got two schedules made up. One for if I do seek treatment and one if I decide against it. They’re really hoping I take the first one.”

“So, what are you waiting for?” Jenny asked.

“To hear you say what you just said,” Dick said with a smile. “Sometimes people need a reason to want to hang around. I needed the right motivation to get through it and that was what I was looking for. I’ll tell the band I’ll be starting treatments as soon as possible.”

“Thank you,” Jenny said as she kept her eyes on the road. “Despite our differences, I never wanted to lose another parent. I think you should at least hang around long enough to walk me down the aisle.”

Dick looked back at her with a stunned look on his face. “Did he ask you?”

“Not yet.” Jenny asked. “But I have a feeling about Gabe, like we were meant to be together. I know it sounds silly…”

“Not at all,” Dick interrupted. “I believe you. I feel it too.”

“You do?” Jenny replied, “Seriously?”

“As a heart attack,” Dick insisted, “So much that I’m even willingly pay for the entire wedding and the honeymoon. He doesn’t even have to ask for my blessing because after watching you to for the last several days, he’s got it.”

“Wow,” Jenny said, as she couldn’t believe what she was hearing, “I didn’t realize Gabe made such an impression on you.”

“It wasn’t my impression that impressed me.” Dick corrected her.

“It wasn’t?” Jenny asked.

“No,” Dick continued, “It’s a lot of other things such as how he makes you feel. I also love how it feels like fate brought you two back together.”

“Hold on,” Jenny said, as she was confused, “What do you mean by back together?”

“Oh, I’m not telling.” Dick answered as he had a wide smile on his face, “It’s a secret and you’ll find out when the time is right.”

“What does that mean?” Jenny asked.

“It means be patient, princess.” Dick answered. “And all will be revealed in time. I promise.”

“Okay,” Jenny said as she decided to not push it. Dick had already agreed to seek treatment for his illness and that was a victory in itself. It was why she wanted to talk to him, and she was glad he was willing to hear her out.

“Anything else?” Dick asked her.

“You still have to sing the song at every concert.” Jenny reminded him.

“I will,” Dick promised. “Tony may not like the idea but will change his tune when he learns the request came from you. If we do a small acoustic set in the middle of the show, it will give him a chance to take a pee break and make a wardrobe change. I think he’ll appreciate the extra chance to get a breather during in the middle of the show.”

“He better be cool with it,” Jenny replied, “Or I’ll give him an earful.”

“I’ll let him know that.” Dick said, thinking how interesting it would be if that really happened. “There’s another reason why I considered not getting treatment.”

“What was that?” Jenny asked.

“The press,” Dick honest answered. “I’m afraid that they’re going to be all over you and the other kids while I undergo treatment. Going public with this is going to cause a groundswell of public interest.”

“I can handle it,” Jenny said as she shrugged of the ridiculous idea. “Like I said before, stepping up and bravely taking the treatments will encourage others not to be so afraid of it. This press could be more helpful than harmful. I think all the boys will understand as well.”

“Even Logan?” Dick asked.

“Especially him.” Jenny answered.

“How would you know?” Dick countered.

“We still talk.” Jenny confessed.

Dick was shocked at the revelation. He had no idea that she was still talking to some of her siblings. He didn’t say anything but was proud that she never let his own ignorance stand in the way of her relationship with some of her brothers. After a short pause, Jenny turned the radio on, and they listened to music and traffic reports and even made fun of the commercials while driving back to town. About an hour or two later, they stopped at a small diner for lunch. Dick had actually been enjoying his trip out of town, because he wasn’t as recognized out there and didn’t have to disguise himself as often. Sure, he’d still bump into a fan or two every now and then, but he wasn’t swamped and just that was comforting to Dick as he had more space to breathe and just relax. When they walked into the diner, Tom and Michael were waiting for them at a table.

“Where’s Gabe?” Dick asked.

“He had to hit the can.” Tom answered.

“Not a bad idea.” Dick commented. “I’ll be right back.”

Gabe was still in the bathroom and was washing his hands when Dick walked into the bathroom. Gabe nodded to Dick.

“How was the drive so far?” Gabe asked.

“It’s been civil,” The old man answered, as he went over to one of the urinals to do his business. “I can tell that you still haven’t told Jenny the story that Michael told me.”

“I didn’t get a chance,” Gabe confessed. “I’m trying to wait for the right moment. But I have asked Michael to not mention it around Jenny, so that will at least buy me a little time.”

“Good call,” Dick said as he zipped up and went to the sink to wash hand too. “I’d like you to at least wait until tomorrow to tell her.”

“Why?” Gabe asked.

“I have something being delivered to town from home.” Dick answered. “I had some of the staff pack a few things and have them shipped over. When that box gets here, that will be the right time. I guarantee it.”

“What’s coming over?” Gabe asked as his curiosity was getting to him.

“It’s a surprise.” Dick said with a smile. “But this much I promise, it will make breaking the news of who you are that much easier. Okay?”

Gabe took a deep breathe. “Alright, tomorrow it is.”

“Great,” Dick said as he playfully slapped Gabe’s shoulder. “Let’s get something for to lunch. I’m starving!”