Part 36

August 2002- Baltimore, Maryland

Tad Martin hung up his cell phone, having just called Jackson, telling him about their arrival in Maryland. He opened the driver's side door to the rental car, getting inside.

"I feel like something to eat," Tad said, looking over at Dixie. "You hungry, Dix?"

"Yeah, a little," Dixie yawned.

"I think there's a burger joint about a mile down the road. How do french fries sound?"

"Curly fries?" Dixie asked with a smile.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," Tad replied.

"Did I ever tell you you're the greatest?"

"Once or twice." Tad grinned.

"Well you are." Tad pulled the car out of the lot and started down the road. Dixie thought for a moment. "The boys start school in a few days." Her eyes twinkled. "We're hitting milestones this year. Jamie will be driving..."

"God help us."

Dixie smiled. "And Junior..."

"JR." Tad corrected her.

"Will be graduating."

"God help us." Dixie swatted his arm. "Oww."

"That's my son you're talking about, Martin." Dixie said, playfully.

Tad laughed. "They grow up so fast," he said. "Seems like yesterday that those two were knee high."

Dixie nodded. "Like they shot up over night," she said as they pulled into another parking lot. "I sure hope they're not giving Brooke a hard time."

"Ahh, our boys are angels' remember?" Dixie rolled her eyes. Tad pulled into a parking space. "Feel like stretching your legs?"

"I think I'm OK," Dixie said. "I'll just wait in the car."

"Suit yourself," Tad said. "French fries?"

"And a diet soda."

"French fries and a diet soda."

"And a couple of those neatly sliced pickles." Tad gave her a strange glance. "I'm kidding," she laughed. "I'm kidding, Tad."

"Not funny, Dix." Tad said as Dixie continued to laugh.

"The look on your face..." Dixie had no luck containing her laughter.

"Don't hurt yourself."

"I'm sorry," Dixie chuckled. "I'm..." She smiled widely, looking over at Tad. "You've gotta get used to this whole pregnancy thing, sweetie."

"You're not really gonna start getting those weird cravings, are you?"

"Only to drive you crazy," she smiled.

Tad smiled back, shaking his head. "French fries and a diet soda."

"Right."

"I'll be back faster than you can say... well faster than fast."

Tad walked away from the car, into the restaurant. Dixie reached over, clicking on the radio, so that it played softly, filling the background. She leaned back in the seat, resting her head back and placing her hand gently on her abdomen. She smiled lightly.

Tad ordered and made his way back to the car, opening the driver's side door and getting in. "No curly fries, Dix, so I just got us regular ole..." Tad looked to his right. Dixie slept peacefully in the passenger's seat, her hand still gently resting on her belly. Tad didn't have the heart to wake her. "It's been a long day, honey," he said softly, clicking off the radio. He leaned back in his seat, looking out at the starlit night. "You just sleep."

August 2002- Wildwind

"How can you stand even being here?" JR asked as he and Jamie sat in one of the guest room at Wildwind. "The guy just like totally dumped on your mom."

"I'm only doing this for her," Jamie said. "I can stay here, but I don't have to like it." He paused. "You could have stayed with your Dad and Liza."

"Yeah right," JR said with a roll of his eyes. "I have to keep an eye on you, make sure you don't end up going at it with Edmund."

Jamie shook his head. "I don't think you have anything to worry about." he said as JR's cell phone rang.

"Yeah." JR said picking up his phone.

"JR," Tad's voice could be heard on the other end.

"Hey, Tad. Where are you guys now?"

"Baltimore. We should be home in a few days."

"How's Mom?"

"Oh, she's good. Just fine. I'd put her on, but she's out like a light." Tad paused. "Is Jamie with you?"

"Sure," JR handed Jamie the phone. "Your Dad."

"Hey, Dad." Jamie said into the phone.

"James. I talked to your mother... She told me you were staying with Edmund."

"Yeah," Jamie said. Just tonight."

"Do me a favor, Jamie," Tad practically begged.

"I know, Dad, alright. You don't need to tell me."

Tad was silent for a minute. "Just please, James."

"I know, Dad." Jamie rolled his eyes. "When are you coming home? Before school starts?"

"I don't know. We've still got a few more days here. We'll just have to wait and see." He paused. "Look, Jamie, I've got to go. I just wanted to see how you boys were."

"Alright." Jamie said. "I guess I'll talk to you later. Bye." Jamie hung up the phone and handed it back to JR.

"What'd he say?" JR asked.

"The usual... not to give Edmund a hard time."

"Yeah, well that's Tad," JR said, standing. "I'm going to raid the kitchen. You up for a snack?"

Jamie fell back onto the bed. "No," he said. "I think I'm just going to stay her for a while. "

JR nodded. "Whatever," he said as he left the room.

Jamie crossed his feet at the ankles, folding his arms behind his head as he stared blankly at the ceiling. He just really couldn't wait to get out of Wildwind. Maybe if he stayed in the room, he could avoid Edmund completely. Because whether or not he was doing Brooke a favor by staying there, he didn't want to be held responsible for losing he cool. And he was sure he would.