Chapter 1: Five weeks later
Springfield downtown
"I'll take that one too. If you could wrap it for me, I'd be forever thankful."
"Very well, Mrs. Bradshaw. Everything will be ready in forty-five minutes. We're very sorry for the delay but you bought a lot of items."
"No problem. It gives me enough time to get an almond latte from Main Street and drop by the hospital to see a friend of mine. I'll be back then."
"Are you sure you don't want us to send all the gifts directly to your home?"
"I may be pregnant, Esme, but I am in not way incapable of carrying several light shopping bags around."
"Of course." Grabbing her purse, Lizzie smiled at the saleswoman and exited the shop. She made her way to the Coffee Stand and ordered her favorite hot drink. As she received the latte, her cellphone rang.
"Hello?"
"Elizabeth. It's good to hear you."
"Good morning, Granddad."
"How are you?"
"I feel wonderful."
"Excellent. I saw you half-an-hour ago. Doing some last-minute baby shopping?"
"Yes. With the birth coming closer and all…" Her hand found her belly and rubbed it tenderly.
"Indeed. Your little girl will grace us with her presence very soon, I believe."
"Right. My due date is in three weeks but starting next Monday, Coop and I will make sure that my stuff is ready, just in case. We can never be too careful."
"That's why you probably shouldn't be out as we speak."
"Don't worry about me, Granddad. I have my husband on speed-dial and I will pay Ashlee a visit at the hospital later. Then, I'll go right back home."
"Good. Listen, your mother and I were wondering if you and your husband would like to celebrate Thanksgiving with us."
"Hum… I don't think we can unless there is a way to clone ourselves. I mean, Buzz also invited us and we already accepted."
"Do you happen to know if it's for lunch or dinner?"
"That hasn't been decided yet."
"Well, why don't you give me a call when you'll know? I'll make arrangements so you can see both families."
"You'd do that for us?"
"Of course! It's as important to me that you blend with the Coopers as your husband blend with our family. Moreover, I can't be selfish and monopolize you. I'd only end up losing my granddaughter and great-grandchild by doing so."
"Wow… I'm proud of you."
"Thank you, Elizabeth. Send my regards to Coop for me."
"Sure."
"And take care of yourself."
"I will. Bye."
"Have a nice day." Snapping her phone shut, Lizzie allowed herself to smile. She loved the change in her grandfather, even if she'd forced it upon him. She wanted her daughter to know a kinder, gentler Alan Spaulding, not the controlling, manipulating monster he used to be. Grabbing her drink, she started to walk towards Cedars.
Reva's house
Jonathan stretched and tentatively opened one eye. Glancing at the alarm clock on the nightstand, he blinked in surprise. Double-checking the time, he gasped.
"What? Ten thirty? Gee man, you overslept." Rolling over, he noticed a note lying on the pillow and Tammy's handwriting. Debating whether or not to read it, he finally picked it up and read it.
Good morning Jonathan,
I went to check on my mother this morning. You seemed lost in a deep sleep so I didn't wake you up.
I shall be back around eleven so don't wait for me to eat okay?
I love you,
Tam.
Rolling his eyes, he folded the piece of paper and sent it flying across the room. "I don't care what you do as long as you're not in my way." Getting up, he threw some clothes on and went downstairs. As soon as he set foot on the last stair, he heard country music coming from the kitchen. A smile formed on his lips. His mother was home. Entering the sun-filled room, he smelled delicious overturned eggs and crispy bacon.
"Someone loved the smell of my cooking and decided to finally wake up." Reva joked, acknowledging her son's entrance.
"My nose and empty stomach could not longer resist your good food."
"Ah!" She put a full plate in front of him. "Your breakfast is ready."
"You didn't have to."
"I know. I wanted to. Besides, I was already preparing dinner for tonight. Josh has gone to the airport to get Dylan."
"Dyl is back?"
"He's visiting with his new wife and Daisy."
"Nice."
"Do you and Tammy have something planned for today?"
"I don't know for her but I don't. Why?"
"I'd be happy if you two could attend."
"Not that I am not willing to but I might skip if something pops up."
"I understand that." Stirring the stew, Reva glanced at him. His disheveled hair, the dark circles under his eyes… something was wrong, she could sense it. She knew he'd been drinking a lot lately and to be honest, she wanted to know why. "You look like hell."
"Thanks, mom." She noted the sarcasm.
"How many drinks did you have last night?"
"I stopped counting at fifty-five."
"What happened? Did you fight with Tammy again?"
"No although that would have been a good idea." A puzzled look flashed on the elder woman's face.
"What do you mean?"
"Nevermind."
"You can talk to me, Jon. I'm here for you."
"I'm well aware of that."
"Why don't you then?" Jonathan ignored her question and took another mouthful of eggs. "Look, I can see that something has been bothering you for some time."
"It's nothing, really."
"Don't lie to me."
"What do you want me to say, mom?"
"The truth, for starters. I want you to confide your problem to me." Annoyed, he angrily threw his fork down and pushed the plate away.
"It never occurred to you that maybe I just don't want to talk about it."
"I believe you need to."
"I don't."
"Jonathan…" Her tone was now stern. "Whatever it is, it changed you."
"That's not true."
"Really? Take a good look in the mirror, son, and see if you recognize yourself because I don't. Where is the man who was so passionate about Tammy, so taken with motorcycles and who liked to party once in a while? I miss that guy." She walked to the table and sat down opposite him. "Now, all I see is the shadow of the man you used to be." Unable to control his inner anger anymore, he exploded.
"This is what deceit and lies have done to me, what I've become because of them!" Taken aback, Reva stayed silent. "Want to know what happened? I'll tell you. I met with Ashlee Wolfe a little over a month ago."
"The girl who works at the hospital?"
"Yes. She found out something. About Lizzie and the baby…"
"Are they okay? Did something happen?"
"Yes. No. They're fine."
"Good. You had me scared for a second there…"
"She was checking something in Liz's file and it turns out that…" As he was about to spill the truth, the door opened and in walked Tammy. The mere sight of her angered Jonathan.
"Hi everybody!"
"Hello Tammy. How is my sister?"
"She's fine! I helped her pack."
"Pack?"
"Yup. She and Edmund are going to San Cristobel to get Will. Alonzo is remarrying so he doesn't really need to have the boy around with his soon-to-be wife being pregnant and all."
"I'm happy for Cassie. I know how much she missed her son." She glanced at the gift bags in the younger woman's hands. "You've been shopping."
"Oh Reva! You absolutely have to see what I bought for Coop and Lizzie's baby. Everything is so adorable!" Seeing his mother following Tammy in the living room, Jon took advantage of the situation and took his cellphone out.
"Darling, are you coming?" he heard his fiancée yell from the other side of the sliding door.
"I'll be right there!" Dialing his own number, he waited for his second line to ring before exiting the kitchen. Pretending to receive an important call was a trick that worked like a charm everytime. "Yeah. Oh, Lewis! Is something wrong? No. It's no problem. Give me fifteen minutes and I'm your man. Okay. See ya." He clasped his phone shut, giving his mother a sympathetic look. "That was Bill. He needs my advice on a construction site. I've got to go."
"But it's your month off!"
"I know that Tam, but it's important. Certain obligations come with my promotion. That is one of them."
"Will you be back for dinner?"
"It depends, mom. I'll give you a call."
"Be careful." Tammy walked over to him but before she could give him a kiss, he was already gone upstairs for a shower.
Spaulding Lake House
Seated comfortably on the outdoor veranda's rocking bench facing the lake, Lizzie allowed her hands to rest on her stomach. Enjoying the constant kicking of her baby, her thoughts drifted to a few days after her mother's birthday when she and her husband had dined at the mansion. Alan had insisted that they gather in the living room for a private baby shower. She'd been surprised to see Lillian, Alexandra, Ashlee, Alan-Micheal, his fiancée Dania, Gus, Natalia and Rafe waiting for her with a considerable amount of gifts. Once they'd all been opened, she and Coop owned practically a complete nursery and a full set of clothes.
She was seating on the couch, cuddling a beige teddy bear while Coop was pouring two glasses of champagne at the bar.
"Thank you, Granddad and everyone for that matter. You really didn't have to get us anything but it is appreciated."
"Yes. It comes at an unexpected time, considering Elizabeth and I had actually been shopping for the nursery."
"We did not buy anything you already had, did we Lizzie?" questioned Dania, worry present in her tone.
"No, not at all. We had the walls painted and decorated Monday so our next step was to get furniture."
"Truth be told, my wife kind of expected Alan and Beth to pull off a baby shower sooner or later so she told me to wait. Turns out she was right and I did good listening to her." Everyone laughed. "Also, I would like to personally thank Alan for his incredible wedding present. Even in my wildest dreams, the ones who do not involve Liz that is…" Another round of laughs.
"I don't think we needed to hear that Coop."
"I agree, Natalia, but let the man speak his mind."
"Oh, Gus!" Amused by the rare family dynamic, Lizzie quietly enjoyed her sparkling apple cedar.
"Anyway, as I was saying, I did not expect you to build us a manor…"
"A manor? Henry, the Lake House isn't that big."
"It is to me, Alan."
"You are part of the Spaulding family now and with its perks come a spacious home. Besides, I want my great-grandchild to have her own set of rooms."
"That was very generous of you. Just like it was for each and every one of you here to shower us with these lavish gifts."
"It was our pleasure, my boy." replied Alex. "Of course, we – and I speak for everybody is this room – expect to repeat the experience several times in the future." More laughs.
"That shouldn't be a problem." Lizzie almost spit out her juice at her husband's comment.
"Excuse me? Don't I get a say in it? We'll start by having this one then I'll consider having more."
"Whatever you want, Honey." Leaning in, he delicately kissed the top of her head and went to give Alan-Micheal the other glass he was carrying. That was when Alan made a mistake.
"What about the staff? Are they to your liking?" Before he could speak, his wife answered.
"They're perfect, Granddad."
"I sense a 'but' coming."
"But, two or three people would have been enough. We're not living at the mansion."
"Dear, your home is huge…" Eyeing his wife, Coop noticed the subtle pinky blush of her cheeks. He instantly knew what was to come and moved towards her.
"That's not a reason."
"Furthermore, I'd rather have you surrounded by maids than doing chores by yourself, especially in your condition."
"Don't use my pregnancy to justify your spoiling. I know you. Even if I wasn't with child, you would have supplied the same amount of staff." Lizzie felt her husband's hands on her shoulders, an attempt to calm her, but she just wouldn't let go. Alan had stroked a nerve in her and she was about to snap. It had been a long time coming.
"Alright, fine! Elizabeth, I've always wanted you to have the best. That still hasn't changed."
"Well, I have. I am not a little girl anymore, I'm a mother! I don't need all that pampering and shielding!"
"I know."
"Do you?"
"Yes. I just want you to remember that no matter which last name you bear, you still are a Spaulding."
"True."
"And as one, you're entitled to benefit of the best care everyday of your life."
"Listen, Granddad. I love you and I acknowledge the genuine good of your intentions. However, I no longer am single. I have a husband. We decide together."
"I understand."
"I don't think you do. The rules have changed and if you want a relationship with me and my family, you will have to respect them."
"Okay."
"That is why I want to clarify some things."
"Go on."
"You are not allowed to make decisions for me anymore. You don't get a say in any matters concerning my child, including future ones, or marriage."
"I can do that."
"You let Coop and I handle the way we want to live and abide by our choices. You accept any change we make in our home or life."
"Fine."
"And from now on, whatever you feel we need to do or should be having will require to be discussed first. You will take our opinion on the matter and if we happen not to agree, you'll let it go."
"Of course."
"I want no more secrets or you going behind our backs to ensure that you get your way. In counterpart, we will allow you to be a presence in our lives and be there for every important event. Is that clear?"
"Crystal."
"Good because if you disrespect any of these rules, just even once, you're out. I don't care the lengths I'll have to go to keep you away but I can guarantee you that I will."
That had been a promise, one she intended to keep. Even Alan had known that she wasn't joking because he'd drastically changed his ways. Smiling to herself, Lizzie didn't take notice of a presence near her.
"You shouldn't be out there in this weather." Jerking her head right, she saw him and her heart skipped a beat.
"Jonathan… What are you doing here?"
"As crazy as it may sound, I needed to see you."
"How did you get in? Jerome usually doesn't let strangers in the house."
"I can use my charm every once in while. It comes in handy, especially when the butler is gay." Laughing, she eyed him up and down, debating whether or not she should let him stay. Finally, she motioned the rocking chair at her left.
"Come."
"Don't you think we'd be better inside?"
"No. I like it here. The view is splendid and it's quite relaxing."
"It's also freezing. We're in November."
"So what?"
"I don't want you to get sick."
"I will not. Besides, my body temperature is higher because of the pregnancy so I'm fine."
"Still, I'd feel better if…"
"I'm not going in so please, don't argue with me and sit down." He obliged.
"Okay but don't go and blame me if you get a cold."
"Hey!" she exclaimed, an offended look on her face. He threw his hands in the air.
"I'm joking!"
"Ho-hum…"
"I have to say, I didn't think you'd want to see me."
"Why not?"
"Well…the last time we saw each other, I did try to convince you not to marry Cooper."
"Don't forget that you also created trouble when you purposely kissed me as he witnessed."
"Yeah."
"But the fact remains that it was before the paternity issue was resolved. I'm over that."
"Good."
"How have you been? You don't look so good."
"I've had a lot of things on my mind lately."
"Anything to do with your engagement to Tammy?" Jon furtively looked at her then refocused his gaze on the sunset.
"You've heard."
"Yes. Marina dropped by the other day and we discussed Remy's proposal. That's when she mentioned it. Congratulations."
"Yeah." She shot him a curious look.
"Why do I feel you're not happy?"
"I am."
"Come on! You cannot fool me. What's wrong?" At that instant, he wanted to scream the truth – that he loved her and the baby was his – but he didn't move. "Jon…"
"Did you ever stop to think that maybe you rushed things too fast with Coop?"
"No. Well… Sometimes, yes, I do. Only we had little one to think about and neither of us wanted her to be born out of wedlock."
"Her?"
"Yes. It's a she."
"A girl…" He smiled as he pictured her a little older, an exact replica of Lizzie with dark hair. She'd be so gorgeous. "A beautiful mini-you…"
"Ah!" Elizabeth laughed. "Don't flatter me."
"What if there had been no baby? Do you think you'd be married right now?"
"I don't know. Why do you ask?"
"Curiosity." Lizzie noted that he avoided her gaze and raised an eyebrow.
"Is Tammy pregnant?"
"No!" The answer had been given too fast to her own liking.
"Okay! I'm sorry. It's just that you were asking…" The field was too dangerous, Jonathan decided. He needed to change topics.
"How was the honeymoon?" Please, God. This conversation has to switch or I will give in and confess…
"It was incredible. We went to Italy. Rome was definitely a good choice. It's a very romantic city. It easily tops Paris. We toured a lot during the first six weeks but I got tired so we basically just fooled around in our suite." Images of intimate moments between Coop and Lizzie invaded his thoughts and tormented him. Shaking his head, he allowed his gaze to fall on her gracious beauty.
"Great. I'm glad you had fun."
"It really doesn't beat being at home though. I couldn't wait to come back. I've missed everyone, including your stubborn iron head."
"Are you talking about me? Did I hear right? You actually missed me?" She giggled and threw him a look.
"Hey! Don't make fun of me! Sure, I missed you. Your goofy faces and stupid jokes and amazing way of always showing up at the right time…"
"Stop right there. You don't want to see me cry, do you?"
"Jonathan Randall, crying? What is the world coming to?" For the first time in days, Jon actually felt comfortable and laughed heartedly.
"Promise me this will stay between us, Lizzie."
"Don't worry. My lips are sealed." Those luscious, attractive lips… What would I give to taste them again? Shaking his head again, he decided to again switch subjects.
"What are you doing tomorrow?"
"I have a doctor's appointment in the morning and then Marina is coming over in the afternoon to give a finishing touch to the nursery."
"Anything planned for the evening?"
"We're going at Bill's for dinner. Coop said he dropped by his office to invite us."
"Speaking of invitations, did you discuss mine?"
"What are you talking about?" Reading the puzzled expression on her face, he sighed, frustration rearing its ugly head. I should have known Saint Coop wouldn't bother telling her. He hates me so much that he's willing to purposely keep her in the dark.
"I guess he didn't tell you. The night you came back, I ran into him at Company and extended an invitation for dinner at my mom's. To catch up, you know."
"Oh! No, he did not mention that. Must have slipped his mind."
"Or he just refused to bring it up. That wouldn't surprise me at all." Elizabeth did not like the way this conversation was going. Not one bit.
"Jonathan, he is a good man and a wonderful husband. He wouldn't lie to me."
"Like he didn't do it before?"
"Exactly. You just said it. That was before. We got over it and moved on."
"If a man lies once, he can do it again."
"Isn't it the pot calling the kettle black?"
"Lizzie…"
"No, stop! I know you don't like him but it is low, even for you, to imply such things."
"Listen to me. I know you want to believe that Cooper is perfect but he's far from it."
"Nobody is. Not even us."
"Right but at least, I've always been straight with you. Can you say the same for him?"
"What are you getting at?"
"I find it a little too convenient that your…husband…didn't tell you about my invitation while he filled you in on Bill's. Now, I know he doesn't like me and the feeling is completely mutual but I would have thought he could get past it to at least let you know Tammy has missed you enough to plan a little get together."
"It's highly possible he forgot."
"Please! Stop making excuses for him." As she was about to respond, Lizzie put her hand on the side of her stomach.
"Oh!" Immediately, Jon was kneeling in front of her.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes. She's just kicking in my ribs. Give me your hand."
"What?" Before he could move, she grabbed his hand and put it where the baby was kicking profusely. Jonathan's face lit up. He could feel his daughter…his little girl.
"She's saying hi."
"It's…wow!"
"I know." The two stared into each other's eyes as their child kicked against her father's palm. Then, the magic was broken.
"What is going on here?"
Who just walked in on the tender moment? Stay tuned and find out. Here are previews for the next chapter...
Lizzie is upset by Coop's behavior.
Jizzie's little girl reaches out to her parents through a dream.
Coop gets a denied dose of reality.
So, what do you think? I know it's not a Bizzie fic but I kind of like to reminisce on Jizzie sometimes. The Jizzie I used to love. Please, review!
Oh, by the way, I have posted this story on opendiary. Just email me and I will give you the link. Over there, it will contain pictures sometimes, other than just writing. Also, it will feature more Lizzie stories than this one.
