What A Whirl

Jack woke up alone in his bed hours later. No sign of the kids anywhere. Weakly, he slid his legs over the side of the bed and went to the closet to grab his green ARMY hoodie and headed downstairs.

The kids were curled up under blankets watching Netflix with tall glasses of blue iced Gatorade nearby.

Tom rose from his seat by the kids and walked over, handing Jack a glass as well.

"Here. It's got electrolytes or something."

"Thanks." Jack was pretty thirsty so he took a big gulp.

"Wow, drink slow, bro. You don't want to get your stomach all twisted."

Just then Tom's phone rang. He checked the ID and with a shake of his head, he put the phone back in his pocket.

"Everything okay in your world, Tom?"

He shrugged. "Not really."

Jack nodded to the kitchen and both men went. Jack sitting on the bar stool, Tom standing, leaning against the opposite counter.

"Its Julie. Ever since she dropped the "I want to marry you" bomb, she's been acting so distant."

"But she's calling you?"

"And leaving voicemails. I think she's about to fill my inbox."

"If you're upset about her being distant why are you avoiding her?"

"Because if I don't … I feel I will have to ask her to make a decision. Are we moving forward, or not? If it comes to that, I'm not so confident that it will go in my favor."

"Ouch."

"Yeah." Tom sighed. "I don't know, bro. Will things with you, Beth and I be ok if Julie and I don't make it?"

"Do you really think you two won't work out?"

"I want it to, but that's not going to be enough. A relationship, especially a marriage has to be a partnership. If we can't do that, then we won't survive."

Jack smiled proudly at his brother's wisdom. "When'd you get so smart?"

"I don't know," he laughed. "From watching you, I guess."

…..

Julie sat at her desk in her office. The firm was working on a big case which meant everyone was working overtime.

She picked up her phone to call Tom for the millionth time.

"Surprise. It's me again. I'm hoping you're not dead somewhere, Thomas Thornton!"

She sighed and tossed her phone back on the desk.

"This is because of dinner last week, isn't it?" she spoke to herself. "Ugh, I can't stand myself! Such an idiot!"

"That's a bit harsh don't you think?" A tall blond haired man in a well tailored suit said with a stunning grin as he entered her office. "Personally I find you quite amazing."

His blue eyes peered at her as he took the seat opposite her desk.

"Clay, what are you doing here?"

He shrugged. "I thought you might be working through the weekend. Given the case you all are working on for our company. Figured I'd come by and see if you wanted lunch. There's a great bistro two blocks down."

Clayton Marks was a junior executive at one of the East Coast's largest pharmaceutical companies. Currently they were being sued for not disclosing all the risks of their latest medication. Which, of course, they say there was no way of knowing that the medication could have damaging effects on a person's eyesight. Julie wasn't so sure she believed it.

"So," he began again. "Shall we?"

"I don't think that's the best idea. You're a client after all, and I do have a boyfriend."

"Would this boyfriend happen to be the reason you were tossing around your phone and berating yourself when I walked in?"

"Tom's a very good man. Nearly perfect, in fact."

"How perfect can he be if he makes you feel less of yourself?"

"It's not his fault. It's all me."

Clay shook his head. Ever since he'd first laid eyes on Julie in the conference room, he had been finding every way to be around her. She was gorgeous, successful and witty. The fact that she was the daughter of one of the country's most successful lawyers wasn't bad either.

"Come out with me. It's just lunch, and you never know. Maybe I can help you see how a man is supposed to make you feel."

….

Julie didn't know why she said yes to Clay but she found herself sitting at a corner table across from him at the bistro about a half hour later.

"My treat. Get whatever you want, Julie."

"Oh no. I don't need you to buy my lunch." She could afford it and it made it feel less date-like if she paid her own bill.

"Fair enough. May I make a suggestion?"

"Sure."

"Try the lobster bisque or the shrimp scampi. Its superb."

"Hm. That does sound good."

"Trust me."

She didn't know him enough to trust him. She didn't know that she even wanted to get to that point. About thirty seconds later, she knew the answer.

"Did I tell you that I drove my Porsche today? I couldn't pick between my Aston Martin or my Porsche so I flipped a coin."

Why was he talking about his cars? His very expensive cars? "Uh no...you didn't."

"Yep. Pulled out of my five car garage at my house in Warren Estates and came right to work. I've been there for ten years now. Up for a promotion…"

She stopped listening at this point. One thing was for sure, she had no doubt that Tom was the man for her. A down to earth, normal guy who loved her. Not an arrogant braggart like Clay.

He went on to talk about his fancy house and all the work that he paid to have done. As he talked she thought of all the work Tom had been putting into the condo. His desire to do it himself as much as possible as he strived to make it a home worthy for her.

"Worthy of her," those had been his words on a few occasions. Her stomach turned just thinking about it. He loved her so much, thought so highly of her, she dreaded letting him down. Disappointing him. In her mind it was inevitable and she wasn't sure her heart could take it.

"I'll tell you one thing, my second wife hated that."

She choked on her water. Oh my gosh, she thought. What am I doing here?

"Did you just say you have had two wives?"

"Technically I still have one of them. The divorce is still in process, that won't affect us though."

"Oh, I know it won't." She laughed. "Um, I need to get back. Thank you, Clay." Quickly, she left the table and the restaurant.

Outside the restaurant she grabbed her phone and called Elizabeth. When there was no answer, Julie remembered her dear sister was probably teaching a session at the conference. So she did the next best thing a girl could do.

"Daddy?" she sighed into the phone.

"Julie, you alright?"

"I need advice. Can we schedule a chat?"

"Can you get away from the office now?"

"I think so. I'm out now."

"Good. I'll block off the rest of my day. Love you dear."

"Love you, too!"

….

Elizabeth finished her lecture and received a round of applause. It felt good to be doing this. Sharing her knowledge with others on childhood development. To finally have the opportunity to do such things and not feel the self inflicted guilt she had when she was a single mom, was like a breath of fresh air.

As she stepped off the stage, she caught a glimpse of a former classmate.

"So you go by Mrs. Thornton now?" Karen Danto said with a smile as she approached, giving her a friendly hug.

"That's right! And happier than ever. How are Jeremy and the kids?"

"Jeremy is wonderful as always and the kids are growing far too fast for my taste."

"I know the feeling very well."

Karen hugged her again. "It's so good to see you! When's your next thing? Do you have time for lunch? I'd love to hear how you went from Thatcher, to Kensington to Thornton!" She laughed.

"Sure! I'm free for the next hour or so. Feel like getting out of this conference center? I saw a great little cafe a block or two away."

"You're on!"

Twenty minutes later the two old friends found a little corner booth at a cute little french cafe. They ordered soup and bread to eat while they caught up with all that had happened since graduation.

"Wait, he just left?" Karen said shocked, referring to Charles. "He left you when you were pregnant?"

"He didn't know I was, but yes. He just decided he was done. Left Mya and I. It was so hard. A few months later I gave birth to Asher without him."

"I never liked that guy."

"I remember," she laughed. "You'd love Jack though. He's just… well, I guess I feel about him the same way you feel about Jeremy. We just haven't been together as long as you two."

"College sweethearts. It's been a blessing."

"I feel like every moment with Jack is a blessing."

"You think you two will try for a child together?"

"Oh, we're trying!" she laughed. "I just don't seem to be as fertile as the last two times."

"It will happen! Just try not to stress about it." Karen dabbed her mouth with her napkin. "Now, show me a picture of Jack!"

….

When Julie reached her father's office building, William was already waiting for her in the downstairs lobby. His coat draped over one arm.

"What should we do?" he asked. "Coffee, lunch? You name it."

"Well, I just left a very awkward lunch that I never should have been on in the first place. Know of any good bakeries? I could really go for some cake right now."

"Done. Let's go, my car's not far. I'll drive."

Before long, they were sitting by the window in the most amazing bakery Julie had ever set foot in. Her father sat across from her enjoying a piece of pineapple upside down cake. Julie on the other hand felt the need for something stronger. Death by Chocolate cake with mocha frosting was doing the trick.

"I'm failing, Dad."

"At what? Work?"

"No, I'm good at that. Just not good at being in a relationship."

"I see. So this is regarding you and Tom."

"Yes. He's ready for more. A commitment, like Elizabeth and Jack."

"I know," William smiled. "We've chatted."

"You have! When?"

"That doesn't matter. What are you ready for?"

"I don't know. I'm scared. Like I may not measure up to what he wants and this vision he has of me in his mind. It's like he has me up on a pedestal and I know I'm going to just crumble down from that."

"Have you shared that with him?"

"No. This whole thing has me all messed up. Then today I said "yes" to a lunch with someone I really have no interest in spending time with. It was wrong on so many levels. I said yes, why I don't know. Then I felt like I'd just cheated on Tom."

"You don't know why you said yes? Could you maybe be trying to sabotage what you have with Tom?"

"Why would you say that?" Her tone showed her offense. "I love Tom!"

"Julie, remember when you were young, you were into dance? You did tap, ballet and what was the other…"

"Jazz."

"That's it! You were so talented. Everyone said so. Then as you got older, the playful kid performances turned into competitions and auditions. You didn't like that."

"I guess I remember," she took another bite. "What are you getting at?"

"You were afraid you couldn't live up to your childhood fame, so you quit."

"I didn't want to do it anymore."

"Quitting dance was one thing. It was rather inconsequential in the grand scheme of your life. You're relationship with Tom is a whole other matter."

"So you're suggesting I'm pulling away to what?"

"Only you know that. But, sweetheart, you've been with him what, four or five months?"

"Yeah."

"So you and he don't know everything about each other yet. Really, I'm still learning things about your mother after thirty years. My point is, he loves you. He knows you enough to feel that emotion. Just let it happen."

"Its scary."

"Yeah, love is scary but it's also wonderful and amazing at the same time. Just be honest with him about how you feel. Especially in regards to you feeling like he has you on a pedestal. Keep that line of communication open. That's the only way things will work."

"Wise words," she sighed. "Though I guess that's to be expected when one has been married forever."

William laughed. "Well, yes, I have learned a great deal in my life. Some of it, I learned the hard way. I'd love it if you didn't have to."

Later that evening, Julie decided to take her father's advice. Instead of going back to work, she took the rest of the day off and went home. She made soup and then stopped at a bookstore on her way to Elizabeth and Jack's. She was pretty sure that's where Tom was, given that Elizabeth was still out of town and Jack and the kids were probably not back to normal health yet.

Instead of knocking, Julie just let herself in. It was just after four and the house was quiet and still with the exception of the two dogs that rushed to greet her.

"Well, hello puppies. Let me put this pot in the kitchen and we'll see what you need," she whispered. She placed the soup pot on the stove then moved to fill the dog's water bowls. Once they'd had their fill, she let them outside in the backyard.

"Now," she spoke to herself. "Where are my lovely niece and nephew?"

In case they were resting, she tiptoed through the house. Somehow between trying not to drop the soup pot and giving the dogs attention, she'd missed the adorable sight of Mya, Asher and Tom, all snuggled on the living room floor. At first glance, they just looked like a giant pile of blankets and stuffed animals.

She crouched down next to Mya and ran her fingers gently through the little girl's curls.

"Hi, Aunty Julie," she mumbled as she awoke.

"Hi, dear one," Julie smiled. "I heard you were sick."

"Yeah. Daddy and Ash too. It hasn't been fun."

"I bet! And what about this guy?" She pointed to Tom. "He taking good care of you?"

"The best. He read us a big chapter book. It's about a lion and four siblings living in London. They walk through a closet and go to a cool world."

"That sounds fascinating!"

"Hey," Tom whispered. He was now awake and staring right at Julie. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to make sure you weren't dead."

Mya laughed. "See, Uncle Tom is a great story reader. Just not always good at answering his phone."

"I'm sorry, Jules."

"It's okay. You've had your hands full, I'm sure."

Tom nodded, but he was beginning to feel rather guilty. "Mya, can I get you some more Gatorade?"

"The purple kind, please."

"Can do." He kissed her head. "Jules, want to come with me?"

"Sure. Be right back, sweetie."

In the kitchen Tom busied himself pouring the Gatorade and grabbing some crackers for Mya. Julie waited in the kitchen while he delivered them and turned the TV on at a low volume for Mya. Asher was still fast asleep.

"Where's Jack?"

"Asleep. This stomach bug got him hard too."

"Tom…"

"I know. I should have called you back."

"Or at least a text. For all I knew you were dead somewhere! Or off with another woman."

"Oh, geeze, Julie. You know me better than that. I'd never do that to you."

"I know, I'm sorry." She began to pace in the kitchen.

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Of course."

"Do you still want to be with me? Or are you trying to move on?"

"Is that what you want?"

"Heck no! But Jules, I'm not about taking hostages. I want you to love me like I love you, or at least try. If you want out, I'll hate it but I won't make trouble. We can still be here and support our siblings."

"I don't want to be apart, Tom. I love you, but I just… I'm not convinced I truly deserve you."

"Shouldn't I be the judge of that?" Tom stepped closer, taking Julie's hands in his. "You're perfect for me Julie. At least you will be when you stop trying to run away from me."

"Very funny," she blushed.

"I thought so." Tom kissed her forehead.

"I'm not perfect, Tom. I don't think I could live with myself if I ever disappointed you."

"I don't expect you to be perfect. What I've been saying is that you're perfect for me. Not perfect in general. No one is. And the thing is, if we last, which I hope we do, we will end up disappointing each other along the way. The best thing we can do is to build a love that is stronger than our shortcomings."

"Wow," she gasped softly. "You're a smooth talker there, Tom."

"Only for you, babe." He hugged her tightly. "Are we good now?"

"Yes, we're good."

A stomach turning noise came from the living room, followed by Mya calling out.

"Uncle Tom…. Ash is awake and he's still sick."

"Be right there," he sighed. "Duty calls."

"I'll help."

….

The next 24 hours were long for the Thornton clan. Elizabeth and Brandon finished up in NYC and boarded a plane for Boston. Elizabeth couldn't wait to see her family. She'd talked to Jack and Julie the day before and was relieved that Jack and the kids were in such good hands.

Having spent almost all of Saturday in bed, Jack was feeling more like his old self, and insisted that he was well enough to pick his wife up from the airport. Asher and Mya were also on the mend. Julie and Tom stayed at the house while Jack drove to Logan International Airport.

Elizabeth's plane landed 30 minutes late. The whole flight her legs shook.

"Anxious to get home are we?" Brandon teased.

"As a matter of fact, yes!" she laughed.

"We're landing soon. Who's picking you up?"

"Jack. I'm so excited to see him, I may just leap at him when I see him."

"That will sure be a sight," he laughed. "What would you have done if he hadn't been able to leave the Army and deployed again?"

"Cry… watch way too many Hallmark movies and probably gain 50 pounds."

"Wow," he laughed. "That was more specific than I expected.

Feeling just as anxious, Jack waited for his wife at the gate exit. He had a beautiful bouquet of flowers in one hand and a handmade sign in the other. That morning, he took an extra long shower and shaved the beard that had grown during the weekend. He put on his dark wash jeans, navy shirt and leather jacket, trying to look his best for her.

The clear double doors opened and a crowd of passengers began filtering through. It didn't take long before Jack's view of the doorway was blocked by the sea of people. He looked around, then stood on a nearby chair.

Jack saw her before she saw him. He held up his sign for her to see.

"Jack!" Elizabeth rushed over. "I missed you, handsome!"

"Oh, you have no idea." He engulfed her in his arms and kissed her soundly. "I love you."

"I love you too." She reached for his sign and turned it to face him. "Seriously?" she laughed.

"What? It's got your name on it."

"Mrs. Hot Stuff Thornton?"

Jack grinned madly. "Welcome home, babe."