Chapter Nine
New York, New York blared from a brass band as couples filed into the ballroom for the benefactor's dinner. Jamie, was dressed smartly in a black French cut suit, starched white shirt and shined black shoes. Claudia was smiling on his arm, dark hair down and straight, her dress black and boxy, only brushing the top of her knee. She wore three inch heels making her almost a head taller than Jamie. She was naturally one inch taller, but the shoes clinched it.
Danny wore a similar suit in grey, and Linda was a vision in lavender. She wore Mary's pearls around her neck and in her ears, on loan from Erin with Frank's blessing. Danny kept watching the door, he'd seen on the list of benefactors that Thomas and Edit Manning had contributed a large sum for a stress training facility at 1PP and would be attending tonight to be recognized for that. That meant Jamie and Eddie would be in the same room. Danny wanted to arrange some time for them if he could do it.
Just as the appetizers began to circulate, Danny's detective eye caught them entering. Tom was a taller man, also dressed in a French cut suit. It occurred to Danny that Eddie had a hand in picking the suit for his brother and her new husband. Eddie however was what took his breath and he knew it would take Jamie's as well. Danny didn't realize that Jamie had seen Eddie too.
Eddie smiled at the attendant that took her tan silk wrap from her and hung it up on the rack. That wrap had been hiding a floor length green sequin gown that hugged her breasts, which were enhanced by pregnancy. The full skirt tried to hide the modest baby bump but those familiar with the nuances of a pregnant woman's body could tell that Eddie was not only with child, but basking in that fact.
Eddie's hair was in a French twist held with the same silver comb that she wore on her wedding day, the same comb that Jamie had given to her. It was her way of having him close to her and the comb was so beautiful that it worked. Eddie's jewelry was chosen carefully to match the comb in her hair. The V-neck of the gown allowed for a diamond necklace, which came with matching drop earrings and a tennis bracelet. Even Eddie's bag was setting off the comb, she took Jamie's breath away, just as Danny predicted she would.
Danny knew that the recognition wasn't until after dinner…as soon as he could he got close to Eddie. "Hey, good to see you," Danny smiled. 'Really good, married life agree with you?" Danny stepped in for a hug and began to tap a short quick message in Morse code, he hoped Eddie would get it.
"Yes, it does," she replied quickly and tapped back. "Danny Reagan, this is my husband Tom. Tom, this is Danny Reagan, he's the Commissioner's oldest."
"Nice to meet you," Tom smiled. "I do know your father, he's a good man."
"Eddie, I see congratulations are in order, when are you due?" Danny asked.
"January, right after the New Year…"
They continued the small talk for a while. "If you'll excuse me, Eddie I see another friend, I must say hello too, a dance later?"
Eddie smiled, "Oh, Tom, there's crab balls, but I have to use the ladies room…can you get our seats and I'll meet you?" Eddie asked watching Danny approach Jamie on the other side of the room.
Tom gave Eddie a kiss, 'OF course my love, don't be long. Be careful…"
Eddie nodded and headed for the closet Danny had told her to find.
"Danny, what the Hell?" Jamie protested as his older brother shoved him into the closet where Eddie waited. As soon as Jamie crossed the threshold though he smelled Eddie's perfume and turned around to see her smiling. "What is it with you and hiding in closests?" Jamie asked his face alight.
"It was Danny's idea," Eddie replied. "You have a good big brother."
Danny shut the door and began to patrol the area, trying to buy as much time as he could to bring his brother some joy.
As soon as the door was shut, Jamie and Eddie both reached for one another and held on tight. "Oh, you feel so good," Jamie sighed as he held Eddie close. "Oh, hey little one,' he laughed. "He or she is kicking a lot already huh?"
Eddie smiled, "Every night around the same time. I miss you, Jamie. How are you? I worry about you sometimes."
Jamie smiled, "I'm good, Max is a treasure, he's growing so fast, but you…you're stunning…just look at you…" Jamie stood back to admire Eddie. "You're wearing my comb…you wore it on your wedding day too."
"So you were there," Eddie smiled. "Kara said she thought you were but, I didn't let myself dream…"
"I was there, I couldn't let you…" Jamie replied swallowing the lump in his throat. "I could let you get married and not be in the church." Jamie reached out to cup Eddie's cheek gently. "You were the most beautiful bride. I'd dreamt for years of seeing you in a wedding dress, but I had always imagined I'd be waiting at the alter for you to come to me. I didn't see it the way it happened but you…your grace and beauty, that was beyond my dreams."
Eddie's eyes filled, "Stop it Jamie, I'm going to mess my face, I'm hormonal and pregnant and stuff…"
Jamie laughed, "He's taking care of you? Is he making sure you drink your milk and rubbing the sore spots and all that?"
"Of course, he is, Tom's a good man, a very good husband," Eddie replied. 'To herself she murmured, "He just isn't you."
The entire time they talked Jamie and Eddie were holding onto each other close. Jamie's hands kept finding Eddie's baby belly and tracking it. He wanted to do that with his own child, to show him love inside the womb, but Claudia was put off by anyone touching her belly. Eddie kept inhaling Jamie's scent and rubbing her cheek on his chest. Jamie would stroke Eddie's neck, her hair was too tight for him to play with it like he liked to do.
Jamie looked down at the same time Eddie looked up. Their eyes locked…Jamie tipped his head, Eddie raised hers. With animal magnetism and human sensuality, their lips met. Jamie took control, pulling Eddie's lips into his mouth, his tongue sliding out to play inside her luscious mouth.
Eddie breathed into Jamie's lips, making a throaty moan…he was the best kisser, the best lover, the best…she couldn't remember, his kisses her making her go weak at the knees. "Eddie…" Jamie sighed. "Jamie, oh, Jamie…more…hold me tighter."
Jamie's grip increased, the intensity of their kiss grew with their desire. The last few months had been emotional for them both, this kiss, this connection was their release.
Few words were spoken when they finally broke apart, they both knew they had to get back to their significant others, and to the lives they chose. Both were eternally thankful to Danny for this opportunity.
"I love you, Eddie," Jamie murmured as they parted. "Take care, remember you own me a newborn picture."
""I won't forget," Eddie replied. "I love you too, I'll see you in Montana. Be safe on the streets."
"You too, remember all you've learned."
Eddie kissed her hand and waved then headed back to rejoin Tom. They had only had about ten minutes together, but those were ten minutes in heaven for them both.
"Where were you?" Claudia asked. "The Mayor was by our table, you weren't even here to introduce me."
'I'm sure my father did," Jamie replied. "Danny had a…wardrobe malfunction, he needed assistance with. You want a cocktail?"
Jamie did his husbandly duty, but kept looking over at Eddie. Tom was parading her around, showing her off…Jamie didn't like that he was doing that. His Eddie was not a thing, she was a person…
"Ladies and Gentleman," the Mayor began shortly after dinner. "Tonight is one of my favorite nights of the year, because it's the night when I as Mayor, get to say thank you to the many people who have made contributions over the year to our glorious city. This year, this is no greater contribution then the donation of a new stress training facility for New York's Finest…the major donor is here tonight, our guests of honor, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Manning. Come on up and receive your plaque."
Tom walked up on the stage, holding Eddie's hand. He gently guided her up the steps and turned to the crowd with a smile. "I might have written the big check," Tom began. "And happily too, but the idea for this specialized facility came from my wife, Edit Janko, who served five proud years with the NYPD. She told me the story of her partner's partner, Officer Vincent Cruz, who was killed in the line of duty at the Bitterman housing projects. His death was not an issue of poor training, just poor timing, but was an officer lost too soon. It's in his name that we dedicate the new training wing at One Police Plaza…and at my wife's request."
Jamie felt his throat close, Eddie had talk to Tom about his, about Vinny…and they were here honoring Vinny, making his death count. Not only couldn't he give Eddie the kind of life Tom was giving her, he couldn't honor Vinny's memory like that. Claudia was watching Jamie, she saw his jaw work with emotion but didn't reach across to hold his hand or offer support. If Jamie did feel guilt about Eddie, he didn't' when reminded he was only part of his wife's agenda…
When the music began again, Claudia pulled Jamie up for a dance. He stood and buttoned his coat leading her to the dance floor, self conscious she was nearly 6' tall in her heels. Tom lead Eddie out to dance as well. She fit inside of his frame, he eased her head onto his shoulder. Jamie could see a bit of fatigue on Eddie's face, it was getting late and pregnant women got tired, even Claudia got tired after a while, those were a few of the more precious nights, when she'd fall asleep and their son would be between them. Those nights felt normal…
Jamie wanted to push Tom to take Eddie home. If she was his responsibility he'd take her home and let her rest. When the song ended though, Tom continued to dance with Eddie, while Claudia hit Garrett up for a dance. Jamie returned to the table watching Eddie be cradled and swayed by Tom. That should be him, but it never would be, he'd never have the money to do anything like this, to make that dream come true for Eddie…Tom could do that, it was his place to do it, not Jamie's.
Jamie stood up, he decided to play the old partner card and cut in on the dance, just as Eddie and Tom stopped dancing and stepped off the floor. Eddie saw Jamie approaching and smiled, "Tom, Tom, here is someone I'd really like you to meet. This is Jamie Reagan, he was my partner for five years when I was with the NYPD. Jamie this is Tom Manning, my husband."
Jamie extended his hand as did Tom, both men had impressive handshakes. 'Jamie Reagan, in the flesh…"
Jamie nodded, "You do have the advantage on me, Eddie never mentioned you when we were partnered."
"I just found Edit about nine months ago, we just knew it was right." Jamie felt the knife sink into his heart. Eddie wanted to introduce him for a reason, he could tell by her face. Eddie hated the look on Jamie's face when they parted, there was joy at the connection but also fear. He was worried about her and Eddie didn't want that, she didn't want Jamie to fear or to worry. Eddie felt if he did meet Tom and see for himself it was a safe situation he'd relax and be calm.
Jamie smiled at Eddie, "Eddie is very special, congratulations, you're a lucky man…" Jamie seized the opportunity to give Eddie a soft peck on her cheek before he shook Tom's hand. "I should find Claudia before she has us giving a tour of the Bay Ridge house like it's the Vanderbilt Mansion. She just loves the spotlight, excuse me…"
Jamie couldn't get away fast enough, he ducked to the bathroom, trying to hide his heart.
"You okay, Jamie?" Frank asked as he ducked into the bathroom after his son. "I saw you with the former Officer Janko."
"Yes, I'm good. Eddie's husband is a wonderful man, I was glad to meet him. She seems happy, she looks beautiful," Jamie replied. "Manhasset is treating her well, things are for the best."
There was no way Jamie could ever explain to his father he was having a planned affair with a married woman while he was himself married. So Jamie simply bit his tongue, "I don't like that she seems tired and he's showing her off like a show pony, but who am I to say anything, my own wife worked the streets until she was six months pregnant and Max is perfect."
"Your wife is not as small as Eddie, and she's not…She's not always open to other people's suggestions. Eddie is slight, like your mother, it might be harder on her body to carry extra weight and to be off balance, I know it was for mom."
"Thanks Dad," Jamie smiled. "Uh, can you give Claudia a dance so I can get out of here. I want to get home to Max."
Baby Max was certainly the highlight of Jamie's world, he loved his son so much. Frank knew, even Henry knew and accepted Jamie was only staying married to Claudia for the sake of his new son. The shrew would see to it the baby had no contact with the family if Jamie left her, Jamie' instincts to protect were too strong to walk away on a baby so little.
"I'll do what I can," Frank replied. "You're a good husband and father, Jamie. Don't ever let her…behaviors make you feel like you're not."
It hurt Frank's father's heart to see his Jamie like this. Jamie was his most docile child, perhaps after Joe, who never lost his temper. The look Frank caught between Jamie and his former partner earlier was hot, there was clearily sexual tension, but it was more than that. Jamie's eyes glowed when he looked at Eddie, the same way his own had when he looked at his Mary. Still, love was patient, kind, and cruel. Eddie was happy with her husband, Jamie was happy as a father to Max…life dealt his boy a cruel hand indeed.
Jamie offered a smile and headed out of the bathroom just in time to see Tom wrapping Eddie in his arms and ushering her to the door. There was a look on her face that turned Jamie's blood cold. There was fear in her eyes and her skin was pale. Jamie tried to hurry over but Tom had Eddie out of the ballroom before his brain could tell his feet to move.
