It started as soon as she returned home. There were three dozen red roses waiting for her in the foyer when she entered the front door of her house, their sweet scent filling the entire first floor. They were followed by wonderful bouquets of lilies, irises, daisies and others that covered the entire spectrum of the rainbow.
The local florist was ecstatic at the dramatic increase in business, and she merrily traveled to the Callahan mansion each day, another large arrangement in her delivery truck. The parade continued for two solid weeks. Eventually, there were so many that Jessie had to practically beg Charles to stop.
"Mattie says if she ever sees another flower again, she'll drown herself in the creek." She cradled the phone against her shoulder as she reached out and touched a petal on a bouquet of lilies and baby's breath.
Charles laughed, his merriment traveling the hundreds of miles through the wire. "Would you prefer jewelry? Or furs? Maybe fine wine?"
"Anything but fur. It never gets that cold down here."
But, I don't plan for you to be down there long. Charles cleared his throat. "No more flowers. I just tried to think of a way to let you know I missed you. And think about you." Often. All the time. Every minute of every day.
Jessie distracted her toddling nephew - who was about to pull the entire arrangement on his head - with a toy she had stuck in her pocket earlier, and he ambled away, chewing on it happily. "I miss you, too."
"When are you coming to Boston?"
Jessie cleared her throat, listening to the static on the line. "I just don't think-I don't think it's the right time. Your parents . . . they might not appreciate the intrusion."
"They've met you and speak quite highly of you, actually."
"I don't know. . ."
"What's wrong?"
"Charles, your parents scare me," Jessie blurted out, turning towards the wall for privacy at Mattie's curious glances. "They're so proper and reserved and . . .and . . . and correct! Sure, they approve of me as a visitor in their home, but as . . . as an eligible young lady seeing their son . . . sleeping with their son, I just don't know."
Charles sighed. They've had this conversation before. "I told you, there is nothing for them not to like. And even if they didn't approve, which I doubt, it wouldn't matter."
Yes it would. She knew it. He couldn't turn off their approval like he thought.
Jessie heard someone talking in the background.
"Look, Jessamyn, I've got to go. They have several car accident victims arriving."
Jessie swallowed hard, not wanting to end the conversation on this note. "I love you, Charles." Just be patient with me.
"I love you, too," he said gruffly, before hanging up the phone.
Jessie hung up the receiver and rubbed her arms, suddenly sad. It had been easy to profess their love and such while in California, away from the realities that both of their worlds demanded. What if now that he was home, he would realize she wouldn't fit in with his lifestyle? When he has time to think about it, what if he changes his mind? What if she visited, and she hated it?
Jessie touched the lily again and jumped as Arthur announced dinner was served. Smiling determinedly, she went in to eat with her family.
************************************
"So, what do you think? Do you think she'll like it?"
Johnny held out the box with the elegant engagement ring for Jessie's inspection.
"Oh, Johnny, I think she'll love it! She'll be crazy not to."
He closed the box and put it in his coat pocket. "I can't believe I'm getting married. And all because I got caught speeding one too many times!"
Jessie hugged her brother. "She has to say yes, first. Right?"
He rolled her eyes. "Honestly. You sure know how to take the wind out of someone's sails."
Johnny had been given a month's community service for racking up a number of speeding tickets in his souped-up sports car. Rather reluctantly, among all his choices for probation, he picked helping out at the local veteran's hospital. That's where he met Molly. She was a struggling single mother trying to make ends meet by working at the front desk. Her husband had been killed in Korea, and she had a daughter to support. He adored the shy, brown-eyed girl, and she had become a regular playmate for Andrea's boys.
"Can you believe Meggy? I didn't know those nephews of ours could be still long enough to sip tea, their little pinky fingers in the air." The siblings laughed together.
"So, what has Dad said? About the engagement?"
Johnny nervously rubbed his hands on his pants. "When we started dating, he was concerned about her motives. But, Molly doesn't have a devious bone in her body!"
That was true. No matter how much Johnny bought Molly gifts and flowers, she wouldn't go out with him. Not until one day when Molly brought Meg to work because she was sick, and Molly couldn't find a baby-sitter. Johnny was instantly captivated by the girl. Molly figured if her daughter adored him, then he must be OK.
"I have to admit, I was a little shocked at first. Molly just isn't as . . .as . . ." Jessie tried to think of a word to describe Johnny's previous girlfriends.
"Busty? Dumb? Money-grubbing?"
"That's it! All of those!"
"But, Dad seems fairly pleased. Well, as pleased as he gets."
Arthur interrupted to tell Johnny his car was ready.
Nervously, he stood. "Well, wish me luck."
Jessie hugged her brother tightly. "You'll do fine. And Meggy'll be just fine here with me and the boys. "
"Andrea needs to pay you for being their nanny. You spend more time with them than any of us!"
Jessie's smile faltered. "I-I just missed so much while I was gone. I guess I want to make up for lost time." And try to recapture some of the childish exuberance that had been missing in her life since Korea.
Johnny practically danced out the door.
Jessie watched her brother through the window as he raced to his car, revved the engine and sped up the driveway, oblivious to getting another ticket. Her smile faded as fast as the dust settling on the road.
It had been over a month since Charles had come home. They called each other daily, sometimes more than once, but he had become increasingly dissatisfied with just speaking on the phone, she could tell. Jessie fought the loneliness with volunteer work and her nephews, but late at night, when she was finally alone in her room filled with small gifts of a long-distance relationship, it was difficult.
She loved Charles, but she didn't want to fall below his – and his parents' – expectations and disappoint them. His life was so different from her own. She was going to have to make a decision to visit, and soon, judging by the frustration in his voice.
"Miss Jessie?" a small voice asked.
Jessie turned, her thoughts interrupted. "Hey, Meggy, where's the boys?"
Meg rolled her eyes, looking fourteen instead of four. "They're playing in the backyard with worms. Nanny's out there with them, and she said I could come inside and find you."
Jessie reached out and took the little girl's hand. "Well, let's just see what we can find to do that doesn't involve icky worms, shall we?"
***************************************
Jessie was plain worn-out. After building blanket forts, which the boys decided was more their thing than worms, they went outside and played hide-and-seek. After lunch, Jessie read to them before Nanny put them to bed for their naps. During the lull, Jessie caught up on some administrative work. But, before she knew it, the children were scampering back up the hall into her father's study, wanting to know what to do next.
By dinner, Johnny and Molly returned, a flush Molly shyly wearing her new engagement ring. The entire family celebrated their engagement, Mattie already wanting to know a date. When Molly gave her one less than a year down the road, Mattie turned as white as she possibly could.
"Lawd, child, I hope you know what you're doing."
Molly adoringly looked at her husband-to-be. "Oh, Miss Mattie, I do."
"Mattie, child. It's just Mattie. You're family now, honey." Mattie dabbed her eyes. "Oh, my baby boy is getting married!" She sniffled as she lumbered back to the kitchen.
"I hate to see how she'll act when you get married," Johnny whispered from across the table to Jessie. "You're really her baby."
Molly smiled, brushing a strand of brown hair off her cheek. "Johnny tells me you met someone in Korea. A doctor."
Jessie blushed and reached for her water glass. "Yes. He's the chief of thoracic surgery at Boston Mercy."
"Wow. You must be proud."
"Yeah, and scared to death."
Molly looked shocked. "You? Scared?"
Jessie studied the girl. "Well, yeah. You see, he comes from . . .from a well-established blue-blooded family. My intrusion might . . . might not be welcome."
Molly looked thoughtful for a moment. "Well, I declare. I never would have believed that a Callahan would not think they were good enough. And be scared of anything."
"What do you mean?" Johnny asked.
Molly smiled lovingly at him. "It's just that growing up, I always saw all of you as having it all, the best clothes, the best cars, the best education. You have no reason to feel inferior."
"But Boston high society is not like our society," Jessie pointed out.
"Maybe so. How to you think I felt, coming from nothing and wanting so much for all of you to accept me? I thought there was no way I could ever impress any of you enough to invite me willingly into your family."
"Yeah, she was scared for weeks. I couldn't talk her into even having lunch with us." Johnny draped his arm behind her chair.
Jessie paused. "But, we're not like that at all. "
"See? My fears were unfounded. Yours could be, too."
Jessie shrugged. "I suppose."
"You know what I decided I would do if all of you didn't like me?"
"What?"
"I was going to be with him anyway. I don't live me life based on what someone's family thinks of me and wants me to do. I live my life for me." A shriek interrupted the conversation. "Now, excuse me, I need to see what Meggy's into now."
Jessie was stunned. Hadn't she hurled those same words to Charles in anger one night in the Swamp?
Johnny leaned closer. "She's great, isn't she?"
Jessie didn't know what to say.
Charles was attending a conference in New York. He had called her and let her know he would be unreachable for the next few days, so all she had to do was wait.
**************************************
Charles had to admit, he was impressed.
The cab driver drove slowly down the driveway, lined with magnificent Spanish oaks, limbs almost touching the ground, each branch draped with moss. The house itself did look antebellum, with four large columns dominating the front. White curtains billowed in the downstairs windows, opened to let in the breeze. The sloping lawn was well-maintained. Nearby, a large red barn dominated the scenery, and Charles could see horses and long-horned cattle grazing nearby. On the cab ride from the airport, Charles had noted the oil rigs that dotted the landscape. He wondered which of them belonged to Jessie's father.
As he stepped out to pay the driver, a little girl ran across the front lawn and hid behind a bush next to the house. She happened to spot Charles and immediately forgot her game. Cautiously, she approached him. He kneeled down at eye level with her.
"Who're you?"
"Charles. Who are you, young lady?"
"My name is Meg. But, my mother calls me Meggy. And Mr. Johnny. But, he's going to be my daddy." Remembering her manners, she executed a wobbly curtsey.
Charles smiled, rememberingd meeting Johnny briefly at camp. He stood up and bowed.
She giggled, taking his hand. "Come on, Mr. Cha-rles," Meg tried to mimic his accent. "We're playing hide and seek. David's supposed to find us, but Nanny always helps him because he's little.
Obediently, Charles was led away. He decided he liked Jessie's home. He never played games like this when he was younger with his nanny. And never on the front lawn.
Meg led him to the corner of the house and peeked around. "OK, it's safe."
Without warning, Jessie barreled around the house shrieking, a little boy hot on her heels, his little legs pumping for all they were worth. Meg dropped Charles's hand and took off for the barn before she was spotted, squealing.
Jessie didn't see Charles standing there. She ran into him at full speed, knocking them both to the ground.
"Oh, I'm sorry . . ." Jessie started. Her voice fell away when she realized who it was.
The little boy, panting, came up beside them. "Aunt Jess, are you OK?" he whispered, genuinely concerned.
Jessie nodded her head stupidly, trying to figure out if she had hit her head and was seeing things.
"Good! Then tag!Yyou're it!" He slapped Jessie on the arm and took off running in the direction of the barn.
Jessie didn't even notice.
"What on earth . . . How did you . . . How long have . . ."
"You know, I expected a wonderful reception, but nothing like this."
Embarrassed, Jessie tried to get up. "Why didn't you call? I thought you were in . . ." Charles interrupted her with a kiss. Her cheeks were flushed from her game and her hair blew around her head like a hallo. He knew they were in her front yard, and she was lying on top of him, but he couldn't help himself.
"Eeewww!" three children sang all at once. The nanny tried to shush them.
Jessie broke off the kiss, thoroughly embarrassed, and helped Charles off the ground. "Around here, you never know what kind of reception you'll get."
"Lawd, what is all this racket outside my window? I declare, I can't get a thing done with all this noise!" Mattie stopped wiping her hands on her apron when she saw Jessie sheepishly standing on the lawn, her arm linked with Charles's. He was grinning down at her. "Miss Jessie, are you going to let your guest stay on the front lawn all day? Or, are you going to introduce him?"
Jessie jumped. "Oh, Mattie, this is Charles. Charles Emerson Winchester the Third."
He bowed slightly towards Mattie. "You must be Matilda. Jessamyn has told me so much about you."
Mattie studied him out of one eye, unfazed. "Are you the one who filled this house with so many flowers that it looked like a greenhouse?"
"Why, yes. Unless Jessamyn has other suitors I don't know about."
Jessie rolled her eyes.
"Not that she hasn't had plenty sniffing around. She's an eligible young lady, you know." She shook her wooden spoon at Charles. "If you don't make more appearances around here, she's liable to marry one of them other young bucks."
Jessie put her head in her hands. "Jeez, Mattie . . ."
Charles rocked back on his heels, amused.
"Don't Mattie me, young lady!" Mattie turned her spoon-shaking towards Jessie. "Now, both of you, get in this house!" She pointed the spoon in the direction of the children. "And you, stay out of my way while I'm cooking!"
Charles noted that none of the children looked overly concerned with the warning, scampering merrily away, their nanny at their heels. He picked up his suitcase and motioned towards Jessie, who was so embarrassed, she wouldn't look at him. "After you, Miss Jessamyn."
Jessie led him into the house. "How in the world did you manage to get away?"
Charles admired the mahogany floors and spiral stair case in the airy foyer. Three large oil paintings, one each of the three siblings painted when they were children dominated the foyer. He could easily tell Jessamyn from her sister. It was the playful glint in her eyes, even at such a young age. "Conference was canceled, and I found myself with three whole days with nothing to do. So, of course, I elected for a surprise visit."
Mattie bellowed for her husband and gave him instructions on preparing a bedroom for their guest.
Jessie squeezed Charles's arm. "I'm glad you did."
**********************************
They didn't have a moment to themselves the entire day. News travels fast in a small town, and friends and relatives came to visit, curious about the Boston doctor that one of their most eligible young ladies had taken up with. Charles took it all in stride. But then again, that was normal for him.
For dinner, Mattie demanded that everyone wear their finest. Even Andrea's two boys were decked out in miniature suits and ties, much to their chagrin.
Throughout the meal, Charles couldn't keep his eyes off her. Why had he let her stay away so long? She wore a simple red dress that brought out the highlights in her hair. Each time she laughed, the candle light would sparkle off the diamonds in her ears. He made a mental note to ask his mother whatever happened to his grandmother's heirloom diamond necklace. Honoria was not interested in it, and he could just see it gracing Jessie's neck. He longed to be alone with her and kiss that lovely neck, too.
Jessie leaned over, talking in hushed tones to Molly. She caught Charles's stare and color rose in her cheeks, almost as if she could read his thoughts. Johnny, sitting on her other side, elbowed her in the side and whispered something in her ear that made her blush even deeper.
Charles laughed as she gave her brother a dirty look. He enjoyed the easy banter among the family at the table and thought of the rather stuffy dinners he had at home with his own family. He could see where Jessie would feel a little out-of-place. Hell, he even felt out of place at times, especially after Korea.
Arthur served them after-dinner drinks in the front parlor. Immediately afterwards, Andrea and Hank left with two sleepy boys in tow, and Johnny had bowed out with Molly and Meg. After kissing Jessie on the check, her father retreated to his study. Finally, they found themselves alone.
With a sigh, Jessie flopped down next to Charles on the loveseat. He put his arm around her and pulled her to him as she settled against his side. They sat in silence, listening to the house settle, enjoying being alone.
"When do you have to leave?"
"Tomorrow night. I have to be at the hospital early Monday morning." He rubbed her arm absently. "Have I told you that you look lovely this evening?"
"Only several dozen times."
"I feel like I haven't seen you in ages."
Jessie snuggled closer. "My family really likes you."
"Even the formidable Matilda?"
Jessie chuckled. "Oh, she likes you alright. If she didn't, she would've hit you with that spoon!"
Charles kissed her temple. "What did your brother say? You're her baby?"
"I guess she always felt like she had to stand in for my mother."
"It must be comforting to enjoy such closeness."
He could feel Jessie nod in agreement against his chest. The smell of her hair tantalized his senses, and he closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
Jessie raised up. "Charles?"
"Mmmm?"
"When do you think I can come to Boston? You know, for a visit?"
Taken aback, Charles said, "Are you serious?"
"Sure, I'm serious."
Charles's heart soared. "What brought about this delightful change?"
Jessie told him about her and Molly's conversation the day before. "Sounds familiar, doesn't it?"
Charles smirked. "I knew I liked that woman."
Jessie laughed, and her earrings sparkled. Charles reached up and brushed his fingers along her neckline. "I love those. Were they a gift?"
"You're not going to believe this, but if I remember correctly, they were from Mark. A long time ago. Really long time ago."
Charles stopped. "The country western singer? With the USO tour? The one that . . ." He stopped before he mentioned Radar, but Jessie didn't seem to notice. "Who'd have guessed that man would have such good taste?"
Jessie gave him a mean look.
"In jewelry. You know what I mean!"
He kissed her, softly at first. God, how he'd missed her!
Jessie sighed as he kissed along her jawline, then worked his way down her neck. "You know, if Mattie catches us, she'll chase you out of here with the broom."
"What, no spoon?" Her perfume was making him crazy.
She shivered as he gently touched her, the thin gown she wore doing nothing to dispel the heat in his fingers. "She actually chased one of my boyfriends off the porch with a broom one night. The poor kid was so scared, he wouldn't come to my house again. She's sneaky, too. You won't hear him coming."
Jessie was disappointed when he stopped and pulled away. He twirled a strand of her hair on his finger, trying to hide his frustration. "I suppose you're right. I don't really want to sleep in the barn."
"Oh, she wouldn't let you on the property. You'd have to sleep in the pasture with the cows."
"Wouldn't be much different from the Swamp, would it?"
As if on cue, Mattie appeared in the doorway. After appraising the situation and finding nothing amiss, she shook her finger at Jessie. "OK, Miss Jessie, don't you think you should be getting to bed? You have to be up bright and early in the morning for the horse show."
Jessie almost smacked her forehead. "Oh, I forgot!"
"Horse show?"
"I own some race horses, but my father is starting to get into the other, more 'tasteful' forms of riding, as he calls it. He's bought some horses and hired some equestrian riders. He wanted me to do it, but I left for Korea about the time he decided."
"Sounds entertaining."
"Oh, I wouldn't expect you to go. I'll be home before lunch."
"Nonsense. I traveled all this way to be with you, so wherever you go, I'll be right there."
"I didn't want to leave you here without me anyway. Mattie might decide to grill you on your intentions."
Mattie harrumphed in the corner. "I'll catch him sooner or later. Now, get upstairs young lady."
"Yes, ma'am." Giving Charles a peck on the cheek, she gathered up her skirt and left the room, humming to herself. Mattie peered after Jessie as she drifted up the staircase.
She turned and eyed Charles warily, shaking her head, and mumbled all the way to the kitchen.
Charles followed. The large kitchen was spotless, all the latest gadgets and appliances proudly on display. Pots and pans were hung from hooks on the ceiling and someone, Charles figured it was the cook, was scrubbing the last large pot in the sink.
Mattie started drying. "Well?"
Charles cleared his throat, nervous in the presence of Jessie's surrogate mother. "I – I needed to ask your advice on something."
Mattie narrowed her eyes at Charles, but he didn't let her scare him. With a nod, she shooed the cook out of the kitchen, rolling her sleeves up her ample arms to take over the washing. "She's my baby, you know."
Charles smiled. "I know." He reached in the inside of his coat. "I wanted your opinion."
Mattie scrubbed the pot harder. "What would that be?"
He handed her a photograph. Mattie dried her hands on her apron and took it, looking at Charles suspiciously. He met her gaze evenly.
She looked down at the picture. "It's a house."
Charles cleared his throat. "Well, it's not just any house. It was my aunt's. Her parents – my grandparents - built it when she was little. She left it to me after she died awhile back. We've been using it for storage, but it's in wonderful shape."
Mattie looked up at him. "What does she think?"
Charles took the picture and put it back in his coat pocket. "I haven't showed her."
Mattie sighed. "I knew this day was comin'." She resumed her scrubbing, sniffling a little.
"Do you think Jessamyn will like it?"
Mattie sniffed loudly. "Oh, she'll like it. But, she needs more than houses and flowers and jewelry." She turned around to look at Charles. "She can be stubborn and mule-headed and at times, you're going to want to shake her."
"Oh, I know."
"You do?"
"Quite. She and I have . . . have butted heads more than once."
Mattie nodded her approval. "All I want is for her to be happy. Can you do that?"
"I most certainly will try with all my heart."
Mattie patted Charles on the arm fondly. "Then, you have my blessing. But, you do know that my opinion is not the one that really matters." She pointed towards the ceiling and Mr. Callahan's study.
"I think your opinion matters to her more than anything."
Mattie's eyes welled up, and she turned, dabbing at them with her apron. "Get out of here, so I can finish these dishes before tomorrow."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Of all my babies, Miss Jessie was the one I never would guess would move so far away," Charles heard her mumble as she continued her vigorous scrubbing.