How she wished she could spend every moment with Jack. It worried her he would wake up in the morning feeling guilty for focusing on her and not Nicole and pull back. She never expected he would be so dedicated. The man had to touch her. It was always sweet little gestures like the brush of his fingers on her hand or arm.

However, when they had a rare moment alone, he was a perfect gentleman. As they kissed his hands stayed on her back, on her face or in her hair. She was beginning to long for more. She wanted to feel his hands bring her pleasure, but she needed him to set the pace.

Laura was the only person she told about the change in their relationship. Laura first went through, I told you so, to worry Maddie would get hurt.

"I was hurt just thinking he didn't want me. Now he does and I won't live in fear."

"Be careful."

Maddie wanted to shout to everyone she loved Jack, but she couldn't tell Jack until he told her first. It would be harder for him to fall in love. He would experience guilt first and she hoped he wouldn't pull away. Everything was perfect when they were together. It was when they were apart that doubt crept in.

Fourth of July was a busy time on The Point. This year the forecast was for a string of beach days. The Point would be overrun with beachgoers. There were barbecues and gatherings. They invited both Maddie and Jack to Megan and Peter's for a party. The crowd was the poker friends and Maddie wished they could be together. At times, they were because Emma clung to Maddie so Jack stayed nearby. She imagined what it would be like to raise Emma with Jack.

Like most social gatherings the ladies and men separated. Whenever she looked toward Jack, he gave her a look that melted her insides. She desperately wanted to kiss him.

The evening ended at the beach for fireworks. They shared a blanket, but Jack was nervous they would scare Emma. It was well past her bedtime. Jack sprawled on the blanket with Emma cuddling on his chest. Maddie's heart was exploding. She wanted to lie down next to him and put her head on his shoulder. She resisted every urge and instead enjoyed the brush of Jack's fingers against her ankle. He always inconspicuously touched her.

When the fireworks started, Emma sat up and stared wide eyed. She didn't mind the loud bangs. Maddie watched Emma more than the fireworks. The moment was perfect. Jack must have felt the same because he ever so briefly squeezed her hand.

Rory loved everything about summer on The Point - the beach, the freedom, and Sam. They also had some summer friends, who were like Jack had been. If she could spend every moment with Sam, she would, but she also enjoyed hanging around with Maddie who spent a lot more time at their house.

Something was different with Jack and Maddie. Things changed after that weird week around Emma's birthday and Finn's visit. Jack went out that night and came back different, especially around Maddie. He acted like Rory felt when she was with Sam. She hoped she was right because they needed Maddie. Emma needed a mother.

On the Fourth of July, she watched as Jack smiled at Maddie across the party. Before the fireworks, she announced she was going to meet her friends.

"Hey Rore, what time do your friends need to be home?"

"After me, Dad... everyone stays out later than me."

It was true both Cassie and the boys could stay out to eleven every night, but she always had to be home at ten.

"How about eleven tonight? it's a holiday."

"Thanks, Dad!" she kissed his cheek before she ran off.

They walked way down the beach away from all the visitors to watch the fireworks. When she and Sam kissed, they were more like Cassie and Cole. Rory knew she didn't want to stop, but she also trusted Sam to not try anything.

They watched the fireworks which were so much better leaning against Sam. They stayed on the beach while the crowds further down left.

Rory asked, "Do you want to do something with me?"

"What?"

"I want to spy on my Dad."

"Spy on him?"

"Yeah, I really think there's something going on between him and Maddie. I just want to know."

He smiled. "So you want to sneak around and peek in windows?"

"Kinda."

"Yeah. Let's go."

Cassie and Cole stayed to get overheated on the beach. She and Sam left the beach down by the river and walked up Rory's street. She could tell they were back from the fireworks because the kitchen light was on. Emma's light was off so she was in bed. The street was quiet, but she could hear voices floating out of the open windows.

She heard Jack ask Maddie if she wanted a drink. She couldn't hear her answer, but she appeared in the kitchen with him. They were standing close, really close. They went into the porch, and Rory motioned for Sam to follow her into the backyard. The storage pod was perfect to hide behind. They sat side by side on the wicker loveseat. They talked too quietly for them to hear. They laughed, and then it happened. Jack kissed her. They kissed each other and Sam reached for Rory's hand and squeezed. They weren't stopping. It was a real kiss. Suddenly Rory pulled on Sam's hand and started running out of the yard and down the street.

"Rory stop!" Sam whispered. "Are you okay? Was that what you wanted?"

"It was, but seeing him kiss her. Sam, she's not my mom. He used to kiss my mom that way!"

"I know. I get it, but you like her right? You said you wanted this."

"Maybe, I need time to get used to it. Why are they hiding it?"

"Probably, because they think it will upset you. Maybe they want to make sure they really like each other. I don't know, but we're doing the same thing. I remember my first trip here, my dad and Alison never kissed in front of me. Dad knew it would be weird for me after my mom."

"It's gross that they kiss like that. Oh my God, do you think they're doing it?" Rory didn't know what to think. She loved Maddie and wanted her over some internet mother, but she never really thought about what it meant - what Jack loving her would mean. Did he love her? Did he still love her mother? She looked at Sam and asked, "Does your father still love your mother?"

"I think so."

"How can he love them both?"

"I don't know." Je paused in thought and asked, "Does your father love you and your sister?"

"Yeah, but we're kids, not his wife!"

"True, but my dad didn't get married right away. He was sad and lonely and he didn't want to feel that way anymore. You know you could come over and ask him. He'll like you."

Rory thought about it, she looked at her phone. She had to hurry, or she'd be late. "Maybe another day. I'm gonna be late!"

"I gotta go too. Text me!"

"I will." She ran off.

When she got home, Maddie had left. Jack asked, "Did you have fun? The fireworks were great!"

Rory said, "I know I saw them."

She went into her room and shut the door.

She took out her journal and began writing.

Dear Mom,

Today I found out that Dad is kissing Maddie. I should be glad because I love Maddie, and Emma needs a mommy. It hurt to see him with her and not you. I don't want him to not love you and forget you. Part of me is glad he isn't so sad, but are you sad now? Do you want him to fall in love with someone else? Sam told me I should talk to his dad.

Jack knocked on her door and she told him she was getting ready for bed. She finished writing.

Maybe you should find his mom and talk to her. Can you send me a sign so I know if you are all right with Dad and Maddie? I thought it was what I wanted until I saw them together.

I love you and miss you.

Rory really hoped that she'd send a sign.

Every day that went by Jack felt more like a giddy teenager. A horny one too, not that he would admit it. It had been so long since he had a physical love - holding and kissing Maddie woke him up completely. She had started the process during the spring storm when she first kissed him. Now they had shared many kisses, and he wanted to be physically closer to her. His hormones were ready, but he absolutely wouldn't until he was ready emotionally.

He had just finished grieving the anniversary of his wife's death, so he was not ready to jump in bed with Mads. It wouldn't be fair to her. Someday he hoped they would both be ready, but in the meantime, he needed to stop thinking about it.

He was also questioning his suggestion to keep things private. He hated pretending he wasn't with her. He wanted to hold her hand and put his arm around her during the fireworks. He even suggested Rory stay out later to give him more time alone with Maddie. He almost wished the booms had scared Emma so they would have left early.

He turned into a horrible father putting his needs ahead of his kids. When he was with Maddie everything felt right as long as he didn't think too much. Sometimes he thought about how good it was and then he felt guilty. It was all so natural with Maddie. She was his best friend, and they had a physical attraction. He didn't want to get ahead of himself, but he could see them as a real family. Emma was already more attached to Maddie than she was to her grandmothers. Rory had a mother, but she loved Maddie.

When Rory came home on the Fourth of July, she was in a bad mood. Jack wondered if she had a fight with Cassie. Sometimes being the third wheel could be hard. He knocked on her door, but she told him she was getting ready for bed. She came out for the bathroom, mumbled, "goodnight," and disappeared again. He hoped she would be in a better mood in the morning.

The holiday week continued and Maddie spent as much time with them as she could. Rory was distracted. Often she would come home to get something. It was frustrating because one minute he and Maddie were alone, and then Rory would appear. Maddie sensed her mood and offered to talk with her, but Rory wasn't willing. She had an appointment with Dr. Deb at the first of the week. Jack hoped that would help. The week following the holiday nothing changed with Rory. Jack tried to talk to her, but she put up a wall.

Meanwhile, Adam needed him to make another trip. Jack felt like he needed to see Gary too. He needed help to sort through the guilt he felt with Maddie. He planned for his mother to watch the girls and for him to stay overnight.

"Jack, stay in our apartment. You can check on my plants," Kelly said.

Adam insisted they have dinner. When Jack told Maddie about his plans he said, "I know this sounds crazy, but I'll miss you."

"Not crazy. I'll miss you too, especially on my run."

"That's it just your run?"

"No, after work too, but we can talk right?"

"Adam wants to go out, but as soon as I can call, I'll call."

Rory was only in a slightly better mood after her appointment. He warned his mother, who assured him they'd be fine.

He ran the morning he left, and they hid on the side of Maddie's house and he kissed her goodbye. It was a kiss he felt until he was into New Hampshire.