Jackson knew this would not be as cut and dried as she made it sound. If she were forced to make a choice it would be devastating for her. He understood the pain of turning your back on your family. After all these years, he still held regrets. "I know I can't do anything to plead your case, but what if Samantha spoke to them and told them what happened here. Would they listen to her?"
"I've already considered that. Sam is well thought of amongst the pack, and I'm sure she will help. Hopefully it won't even come to that."
Jackson kissed her forehead. "We'll figure this out somehow."
Samantha returned. "Everything okay here?"
"Fine."
"Good then. I'll put the soup on." They enjoyed lunch with Sam doing most of the talking. Rapid fire questions were leveled at Jackson.
Christ, she could give Sarah a run for her money. He thought.
"You understand, I need to know as much as possible about the guy who finally landed my girl here."
"I understand. Have you got anything stronger than tea to drink?"
"Oh, sure." She opened a bottle of Jack Daniels and set out three glasses. "Let's go sit in the living room." Nikolai trotted after them and backed up to the sofa between Jackson and Elisabeth. By the time they left for Bourbon Street, Sam was a little tipsy. They chose a restaurant with a bar and music. "Let's have a few more drinks before dinner."
Jackson raised an eyebrow. "You sure you want to do that?"
"Absolutely. I'm not driving." They sat at a table in the bar, and after a few minutes Sam complained, "What do we have to do to get a drink around here?"
Jackson leaned toward her. "Can't you just twitch your nose and make them appear?"
She grabbed him by the collar. "Your face will only get you so far with that shit. You better watch your step." Jackson put both hands up in surrender and chuckled. She held her grip on his collar. "I think you owe me a dance for being such a wise-ass." He looked at Elisabeth who laughed and shooed them.
Even drunk, Sam was sure footed on the dance floor. In heels, she stood as tall as Jackson and they made quite a pair. "You know, Liz and I have been friends for a very long time. I can honestly say she has never even come close to being in love."
"Is that why you call her the Ice Queen?"
"Precisely. Many a man has tried to break through those walls, but you are the first to succeed. However did you steal her heart?"