The day after getting the news, Jessica, Sean, and Olivia drove up to Stillwater. Danny's family wanted them there. Their hearts were beyond crushed. John was a great man, father, and grandpa. Everyone was always so close with him. Even though everyone knew his health was slowly declining due to his Parkinson's, they weren't exactly prepared.

Danny felt terrible missing Sean's graduation. He was MIA because he didn't want to ruin Sean's big day with the horrible news. He had got the news that his father was dying earlier that morning. By time Danny had reached his father he was gone.

Sean wasn't angry with Danny,he understood. Now, all he could think about was his grandfather who was gone.

Jessica was upset as well. Danny and Jessica did go their separate ways but Jessica was always going to be close with the Houston's.

When they got to Stillwater they found a hotel room close to Zoe's house. Danny was staying at the same hotel.

Right as they arrived Danny was waiting for them. Once the car was parked Sean and Olivia ran to their father and hugged him as tight as they could. They sobbed into each other's arms. Danny was beyond devastated.

When the children broke away from Danny Jessica stood behind them with teary eyes.

Danny looked directly at Jessica. "Danny... I'm so beyond sorry." She struggles to say as the tears slowly fall down her cheeks.

Danny walks Jessica and hugs her. She doesn't resist. Jessica put all of her problems with Danny aside. Now wasn't the time to be angry and distant.

//-//

After settling in Danny drove Jessica and the kids to Zoe's. It was awkward all being together since relationships were a bit damaged, but they all agreed in their heads to just put all drama aside.

Arriving to Zoe's was pretty hard. Everyone was in the house together, grieving and trying to help Zoe through such a hard loss.

Walking in wasn't the same. It was so quite and dull. Usually John would be the first to greet you with a hug.

When everyone saw Jessica, Danny, and the kids the smallest smiles appeared on their face. They had lived so far away from each other and missed them terribly.

"Sean, Olivia." Zoe says with relief as she walks up to her sobbing grandchildren.

Danny's siblings came up to greet Jessica and say hello to Danny.

"Jessica, it means a lot to us, you coming. We've missed you." Angelica says

"I'm sorry, Ang." Jessica says with teary eyes

"It's okay... He was sick and he's free now." She struggles to say

Then, Zoe comes up to Jessica and gives her a hug as well.

"I always love seeing you, Jessica. Thank you for coming." She smiles

"Of course... If there is anything you need, Zoe, I'm just a phone call away. Alright?"

"Thank you, that means a lot."

For the rest of the day the siblings go over funeral arrangements so Zoe doesn't have to. Jessica chimes in to help, she knew it was a lot harder for them. The grandchildren stayed with their grandmother to keep her company. Friends brought food for the family and gave their condolences.

//-//

That night Danny drove everyone back to the hotel. It was yet another quite and awkward car ride filled with sniffles and soft cries.

Being able to separate and grieve privately when they got to the hotel room was helpful for the kids.

"Thanks for the ride." Jessica says walking into the hotel lobby with Danny and the kids.

Sean and Olivia were already heading up to the room.

"No problem." He clears his throat

"Goodnight." He adds

"Goodnight."

Jessica starts to walk to the elevator. She turns around and sees Danny walking back outside. She watches him pull out a cigarette and light it. Jessica swallowed her pride and walked back outside so Danny wasn't alone.

"Since when do you smoke?" Jessica asks holding her hand out for a cigarette.

Danny hands her one and lights it.

"Since yesterday. I forgot how these little things put me at ease."

Jessica holds her cigarette in her hand and sits on the curb. Danny does the same leaving a little gap between him and his ex.

"I can't put my head around it. My dad is gone. I wish I had known he was that sick. That close to death. On top of it all I missed one of my kids biggest milestones." Danny says breathlessly

"Danny, your mom said it was unexpected. We always knew he was sick. Sean knew too. He understands why you didn't come. Why you couldn't come. Yeah he was upset but he isn't." Jessica says soothingly

"I feel like I disappointed my dad. I've disappointed everyone in my life. Him, the kids, my mom, and... you."

Jessica clears her throat "Don't do this to yourself." She says

"My dad, the first day I brought you home he fell in love with you. He told me, 'Danny, don't let her go, don't fuck this up'. And look, I did. He was so disappointed when he found out I left. He didn't raise me to be the asshole I am."

Jessica sighs "You never disappointed your father. I mean look at your kids. Why would he be disappointed in your for raising such amazing children?"

"Our children, I didn't do that. You did."

"That's not true, it wasn't all me."

"If I could go back and fix things. If I could fix that missing screw I lost. Damn, I would. And for sure, I'd go back and tell my dad I love him."

Then, Danny starts to cry. His soft cries turn into loud sobs. Jessica dropped her cigarette and put her arms around Danny and he cried into her chest.

"Danny, your dad loved you. I bet he made mistakes too. Everyone does. Hell, I've made a lot. But just because you lost some screws doesn't mean he ever thought less of you or was disappointed."

Danny chuckles "I lost a lot, huh?"

Jessica shrugs her shoulders "Ehh."

Danny sits up and wipes his tears. "thank you, for being so kind."

Jessica smiles "We may have our moments and be divorced, but that doesn't mean I'm going to be a bitch. John was like a dad to me. I wasn't going to let you sit out here alone."

//-//

I know you all hate Danny, but idk, I needed to do something with him. But the kindness between the two will slowly fade (again) 😬