The Malones

Chapter 1

May 1994

" Sam, a package arrived today from your Aunt Maura. Hurry and open it. I have to leave in about twenty minutes to give an almost boring lecture on nineteenth century authors to my freshman English class and I can't wait to see what's inside."

Sam opened the package and drew out two beautiful handmade aran, Irish Wool, sweaters. Also enclosed was a letter addressed to both Sam and Diane. Sam opened the letter and began reading it aloud to Diane.

Dear Sam and Diane,

I hope you like the sweaters I made with pride and love for little Joseph and Maura…

Sam read the newsy letter to Diane about Aunt Maura's family in Ireland. Maura ended the letter with an invitation, bordering on a plea;

I do hope you'll consider bringing the children to meet their family in Ireland. Frank and I are celebrating our thirty-fifth wedding anniversary this summer and nothing, but nothing, would make us happier than to see you Sam, to meet your lovely Diane, and to cuddle those two wee babes in our arms. If it is a matter of finances, we most assuredly are willing to help.

Love always,

Aunt Maura

" Sam, that is about the loveliest invitation I've heard. I really do hope you'll consider it."

Sam smiled at Diane and assured her he'd think about it.

" I'm off to work now. Tell the nanny that I fed the children at 9:00 am," Diane said as she hugged Sam, " I'll see you tonight and we'll talk more about our trip."

" You sound like the trip to Ireland is a done deal Diane."

Diane said, " As far as I'm concerned, it is, and you know what that means," she laughed, " I know that, you know, that I can talk you into anything, especially when you tell me you'll think about it. I love you. Bye." Diane kissed Sam then left to teach her class.

Tuesday Nanny came and Sam relayed to her the feeding schedule as instructed by Diane. Sam and Diane had hired two nannies and called them Monday Nanny and Tuesday Nanny when referring to them. Both nannies were students in the Early Childhood program at their local college. They shared the job thus allowing each to continue to persue their educations. Sam and Diane were very generous to the two young women and their appreciation was evident in their care of the children.

Sam arrived at Cheers mulling over his aunt's invitation and said to Carla,

" How often do you get to see your family?"

" Too often. Why?"

" My aunt just invited us to visit her in Ireland. My kids have no other family that they have contact with and maybe it would be a good thing."

" Your kids have us Sam. I love them like family, we all do."

" I do know that but they might want to know their roots someday too."

" You know Sam, I complain about my family all the time but I wouldn't trade any of them, good or bad. I think you should go."

" Thanks Carla, watch the bar for a while will you?"

In his office, Sam glanced at the clock. It's 4:00 PM in Ireland he thought. I should at least call and thank her for the gifts. Then I'll decide.

" Aunt Maura," it's Sam.

" Oh my goodness Sam, tis so good to hear your voice again." He heard her yell out, " Frank, tis our Sam on the phone. Did you get my letter and package?"

Sam chuckled at her shouting into the phone so he could hear her better, a throwback to long distance calls of forty years ago, or more.

" I, we, did get the package and the gifts. They're beautiful sweaters, thank you."

" Made with love Sam. Please tell me you'll visit us this summer. I want so much to see you, Frank wants to meet you, and all of your cousins want to meet the big fancy baseball player cousin I'm always talking about. What does your Diane think about it? That's important."

" Well, Diane's mind was made up the minute she heard about the invitation. I know she'll pressure me until I make up my mind, that's why I'm calling. I thought I'd surprise her and make reservations right away."

Sam noticed silence on the end of Maura's line then a deep bass voice shouted into the phone, " Sam, Sam, it's Frank. Your aunt is crying too hard right now to talk to you. What happened?"

" Nothing. I just told her that I was making reservations to bring my family to visit and the phone went dead."

" Ah me boy," Frank shouted, " Them's tears of joy then. I'm so happy too. We canna' wait Son."

Sam hung up the phone after working out travel dates with Frank and assuring him he didn't need money for travel expenses. He put his head on his arms, on his desk, and cried. Son, he called me. Son.

Diane was in the kitchen talking to Maura and Joey as they sat in their bouncy seats cooing at her as she cooked. Sam walked in smiling.

" Simple dinner tonight Sam, pasta primavera with chicken. Why are you acting like you have a secret?"

" Maybe I do, maybe I don't," he said as he picked Joey up from his seat. " Maybe I'm just happy to be home."

" Oh no, I know you better that that. You're up to something, I can tell. Tell me."

Sam walked across the tiled floor and gave her a kiss. He then reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out airline tickets to Ireland in August.

" You know that honeymoon we were going to take? I thought it was about time. Not quite as romantic as I'd hoped though," he said as he handed her the tickets.

Diane looked at him in shock and put her hands around his waist, working around Joey resting in his arms as best she could to kiss him.

" Sam, I couldn't ask for a more romantic husband. I love you for many reasons but right now, for this reason alone. I can't wait."

Diane put Maura and Joey to bed while Sam worked on paperwork in his den. She changed into her nightgown and came downstairs to sit with Sam and talk over the trip.

" Sam, you're staring off into space. Is something wrong?"

" No Diane, in fact, something is very right. I've been sitting here thinking about our trip to visit Maura and Frank and my cousins and I'm so happy about it I could scream. I feel like I finally have family to love, who love me back. First you, then Joey and Maura, now others. I guess I was lonelier than I ever knew I was, before you that is."

Diane smiled at Sam," I'm going up to bed now Sam," she turned to walk up the stairs.

" Night Diane," Sam said and grumbled.

Diane turned from the stairs, "Well?" she said.

" Well what?"

" Oh never mind then," she said and started to turn.

Sam jumped up laughing and charged after her. " I'll race ya'."

A perfect ending to a perfect day.