Clearing his throat, the Grand Admiral stood in front of the cheering crowd and called for the official games to begin. He was surprised at the emotion he felt, seeing Jonathan there with the rest of the competitors. Time appeared to have swirled about and finally combined his current family and world with the one from the far off past. Glancing over at Carolyn, who sat proudly watching him announcing the opening proclamation, he couldn't resist a flirtatious wink her direction. If not for her, her charms and her love, none of this joyous occasion would have ever been possible for him this day.
Taking the official list of registered participants, he called out the names of the 20 young men and even two athletically minded young women who were ready to take on the challenges of the Seafarer Games. Seeing Jonathan standing there, tall, well muscled and full of energy, he almost envied him, as he hovered on the brink of adult life. Scanning the other athletes, he saw one or two who might give his son a bit of a challenge, but felt certain Jonathan was more than ready to take them on in the various events.
"And now a few welcoming words from our Congressman, Ed Peavey," Daniel said enthusiastically, as he waved Ed up to the microphone. Even though the tall, spare man had never been brought into the family 'secret', he felt like family, and accordingly Carolyn stood to give him a hardy hug, and with a solid handshake, Daniel stepped back to join Carolyn and let the family politician have his time with the cheering throng.
"Hard to remember when Ed had difficulty saying two sentences together, much less being able to hold the attention of a crowd like this," Daniel murmured to his wife. "It's true," Carolyn whispered back into his ear, "I know, Martha would never have believed it either." Smiling she nudged him gently, "Get ready, sounds like he's wrapping up. And another reason to vote for him again, as a politician he delivers the shortest speeches I've ever heard."
Standing beside Peavey, Daniel hoisted the portable foghorn someone had uncovered a few years ago. "And now, to signal that the games are ready to begin! Congressman?" Daniel placed the foot-powered foghorn at the edge of the stage. Raising his scrawny leg high in the air, Ed pushed the foot pedal down and a bone rattling bass tone of "Oooo Gah!" filled the air.
"And now, contestants outside for the first event!" Stepping off the stage, Daniel, with Carolyn on his arm, Ed at their side, walked briskly as the audience parted to let them lead the contestants outside to begin the celebration. 'It was a good beginning,' Daniel thought with satisfaction, listening to the loud applause and laughter coming from the crowd following close behind.
Popping up her green parasol that matched her gown, Carolyn blinked in the bright sunshine, pausing to smile and chat with a few of their neighbors. Finding a bit of shade by the general store, she looked with satisfaction at Daniel giving Jonathan yet another set of final pointers by the pier. 'I'd hate to see how he'll take it if he doesn't win,' she wondered, 'actually, I'd hate to see how they'd both take it . . . but let's hope for the best. It's a shame Marjorie and Ralph weren't able to see how well Jonathan turned out. She was right; he is still the absolute image of Richard. But, I'm so pleased he turned out to be a much better man than his father ever would have been.'
Stepping forward to join Daniel, she took his arm as he led her to the dais. "Quit worrying," she said quietly, "He's as ready as he could ever be, your work is done. Just sit and enjoy the competition, can you?" "Aren't you the one who told me parenting never ends?" he asked with a wide grin. "Touché," she smiled back, "But he'll be fine. It's true he looks like Richard, but through and through he is your son Daniel. He's a Gregg at heart, and no one could have prepared him better."
Taking her hand he gave it a gentle kiss, and with a sly look whispered, "That, M'dear may be the nicest thing you have ever said, out of hundreds of quite lovely thoughts. Just hope you aren't too tired this evening so I can show my thanks in a more appropriate manner."
'How does he always do that to me?' she thought, feeling the blush rising on her cheek and struggling to remember they were sitting in a very public setting. Looking down for a moment to collect herself, she took a deep breath. "All these years, and I still take your breath away, do I?" he said with clear satisfaction. "Perhaps," she said with a twinkle in her narrowed eyes, "but Jonathan is getting ready for the first event," she stood to get a better view, pausing, turned back to whisper in his ear, "And don't forget, I get to determine what's the appropriate manner this time, so get ready!"
Delighted she had rendered him speechless, 'for the moment anyway,' she leaned over the rail at the sound of the starters gun for the Harbor Run! "GO Jonathan," she called to his rapidly disappearing back as he left his competition far behind.