"Why don't you tell me why you wanted to meet."
Jackson exhaled. "I don't want Elisabeth to have to choose between her family and me. I need your help to make sure she doesn't have to."
"Surely you know you will win if it comes to that."
He shook his head. "If it comes to that no one will win, least of all Elisabeth. I know what it means to turn your back on your family. I don't want her to have to live with that decision. It will devastate her."
"Then maybe you should do the right thing and leave her."
"How is that the right thing? Perhaps for you, but do you honestly think it is for Elisabeth?" When no response was forthcoming, he continued, "If she were to leave me, it would cause every bit as much pain as leaving my family did. I believe she would feel the same."
Miriam appraised him for a moment. "Samantha thinks you two are destined for greatness."
"I don't know about that. There sure are some unexplainable facets to our relationship, however. Did Elisabeth tell you we spent the last full moon together?"
"What? That's impossible!"
Jackson shrugged and turned his palms up. "Like I said, unexplainable."
Miriam leaned in with a furrowed brow, whispering, "You've seen her in wolf form?"
Jackson realized that she couldn't know what Elisabeth looked like as a wolf. Even if they were together at the full moon, neither would remember. His face softened and his lips turned up in a half smile. "She is so beautiful; regal, with a brilliant bronze coat. Her eyes are exactly the same, and so is the rhythm of her heart. It's surreal."
The tenderness on Jackson's face, confirmed his love for her daughter. The emotion in Miriam's eyes intensified. "How?"
"Steel bars separated us initially, until it was clear she had no desire to harm me."
She glanced down, taking a moment to compose herself, and then placed her hand over Jackson's. "You will have my support."
"Thank you. You won't regret it."
"I hope not."
Jackson removed a velvet box from his pocket. "Are you aware of what happened when Samantha mixed our blood?"
"Yes."
The box held a beautiful diamond ring encircled with deep, ruby baguettes. "This is our diamond. With your blessing, I plan to ask Elisabeth to marry me."
Miriam could no longer hold her tears. "Take good care of my little girl."
Jackson stood and hugged her. "Always."
He suggested, "Why don't I drive you to Elisabeth's."
"I'm exhausted. I would like to go back to the hotel and nap for a bit. You go put that ring on her finger, and I will come by her house in a few hours."