After dinner Elisabeth asked Jackson to show her mother the rest of the house."
"Certainly, let me get after dinner drinks and the tour will begin."
Miriam seemed as impressed by the artwork and decor as Elisabeth had been. Jackson asked, "Are you an artist?"
"No, Elisabeth gets that from her father." When they entered Jackson's bedroom, she noticed the landscape and smiled. "I wondered where that went. I couldn't imagine her selling it." Jackson then led her to the music room. "Oh my goodness. This is wonderful. Elisabeth tells me you are quite an accomplished musician."
"Do you play?"
"Yes, I do."
He held his hand out inviting her to sit at the piano. "So, Elisabeth gets her musical talent from you."
"Maybe next time we'll both play. Jackson, there is something I want to discuss with you. Something Elisabeth wouldn't want me to share, but I believe you need to know." He shut the door to avoid being overheard. Miriam said, "I'm sure you are aware that Elisabeth has special gifts."
"You mean her strength, and her ability to regenerate blood so fast?"
"Yes."
"Don't all of the ruling pack have those abilities?"
"No, the only thing we all possess is scent." Some of us have superior strength, but Elisabeth and her father are the only two who can regenerate blood immediately. You must understand how important that is?"
"Of course."
"Elisabeth has been under pressure from the pack long before meeting you. She is expected to carry on our blood line. They will not accept her marrying someone who cannot procreate."
Jackson always knew having children was impossible for him, so rarely thought about it. He smiled, thinking what a wonderful mother Elisabeth would be, yet he could never give that to her. Sadness threatened to overwhelm him. If she wanted a child, how could he deny her? After an uncomfortable moment, Jackson asked, "If Elisabeth was to have a child with someone the pack chose, would they allow us to raise it?"
Miriam gasped in disbelief. "Are you saying you would raise another man's child?"
"I would raise Elisabeth's child. I would insist the father be nothing but a sperm donor."
"My daughter is a lucky woman."
"Do you think that would satisfy the pack?"
"It might."
They rejoined the group as Sarah passed out dessert and coffee. "Just in time."
Jackson sat and draped his arm around Elisabeth. She searched his eyes for a reason behind the distress they revealed. He brushed the hair off her face and turned his attention to his dessert.
Miriam left at ten. As she thanked Jackson and Sarah she said, "I never dreamed I would enjoy myself so much in a room full of vampires. Tonight has been an education for me. One I will relate to my pack."