(Future Jack) “Hey dad, Happy Father’s Day. I really miss you and I love you. Hope you like your presents from the past. -All my love, Gail.” -Sent a present of some nice oil sets and clothes- (Present Jack) Letter dropped off at his apartment: “Hey dad’s past self, Happy Father’s Day. Even though you’re not technically a dad yet, someday you will be since you wanted us and we’re grateful for it too because you’re the best dad any kid could have. I’m really glad I was able to met you. -Love Gail

[In the future]

It had taken some finagling to send the package forward through time. But Jack had been told to expect it, so he received the gift with no problems. The paints and clothing were very welcome – Gail had always had a good eye for things her father would like – but what was even more welcome was the card. Later, after he’d put everything away, Jack sat by his easel, reading it over and over.

“I love you too, Gail. Please, be careful.”

[In the present]

The letter had come as a complete surprise. Jack had just finished making his own Father’s Day call to Aloysius Maple (he and Bonnie were out traveling the country again, but they’d still managed to have a nice talk), and had been about to go run errands, when the letter slid under the door. Even after meeting Gail so recently, Jack hadn’t imagined she would send him anything. 

You’re right, he thought as he read the letter. I do want to have you. Maybe time is fixed, and you’ll turn out just as you are now. Or maybe it’s not, and you’ll be a little different. Either way, I’ll love you.

He hid the letter in a drawer where he kept a number of keepsakes. Maybe, someday, if time really was fixed, he would show it to Gail’s future self.