September
Jack took a few more weeks off work to stay with Beth. Finally, about four weeks after she arrived home from the hospital, she started settling in and feeling more even, emotionally.
Charlotte officially moved to Tommy's house during that time too so Grace and Julie took time during their days to come and help Beth take a break.
Today, Jack took Seth to school, leaving a sleeping Beth and Holland in the apartment. Grace was stopping by with some boxes to start packing up things for their move to the new house which was happening in about four weeks.
In the meantime, Jack had a scheduled hip replacement and then in the afternoon, he had a repair of a rotator cuff. Seth was going to ride the bus home from school so everything was scheduled and taken care of.
At Tommy's house, Charlotte was trying to organize the tiny room she shared with Shelby and it was not easy. There was barely room for both beds, let alone Charlotte's clothes in the closet or her shoes under her own bed.
"Give me patience," she prayed.
Tommy needed help with the kids and she knew she could do it. She was a good Mom and Grandma that was stern but still knew how to have fun. In her opinion, it seemed to be a good combo.
Her phone rang so she put it on speaker. "Hello?"
"I need to speak with Charlotte Thornton."
"This is Charlotte."
"Hi, Charlotte. This is Sandy from Dr. Philips' office."
"Hi, Sandy. Did they find something on my test?" she asked. She felt the answer before Sandy told her.
"Dr. Philips would like to have you come in so he can speak with you. When can I schedule that for you?"
It had to be bad if he wanted her to come in. "Tomorrow morning. I will have my three year old granddaughter with me."
"Okay. Perhaps bring someone with you?"
"Can't he just tell me over the phone? I know with procedures and all he isn't supposed to but finding someone to come with me will be a huge challenge. Please ask."
"I will ask. Hold please." A few moments later, she came back on the line. "I'm sorry, Charlotte. He says it would be best if you come in. You may need further testing."
Charlotte sighed. "Okay. Is 9am a good time?"
"Yes. I will put you on the schedule."
She had no idea who she'd be able to take with her. She thought and thought and then she called Jack.
"Hey, Ma. I'm in between surgeries."
"Hey. I need a favor. I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow at 9am. I either need someone to watch Shelby or I need someone to come with me to the office. Any ideas?"
"Where is the appointment?"
"Fourth floor."
"I can meet you there so I can watch Shelby."
"Thank you so much."
"Ma? Fourth floor is oncology."
"Yes it is, son."
"Ma?"
"Jack, I don't know anything yet. I'm getting my results tomorrow."
"I'll be praying."
"Me too, son. Me too. See you tomorrow."
In town...
Julie sprayed down the mats in between classes. She looked at her watch. She had thirty minutes for lunch so she hurried down the street to Bouchard's.
Luc must have sensed her come in because he looked up from the drink he was pouring and smiled, giving her a wink. She felt her cheeks blush.
"What can I get you, babe?" he asked, as she sat on a stool at the end of the bar.
"Garden salad with ranch on the side."
"Stop."
"Stop what?"
"You don't eat Garden salads. You have never had anything remotely good for you any time you have come in here. Don't you want some loaded nachos? Or maybe a double decker with extra fries?"
"What I want and what I should eat are two totally different things, sweets. Plus I have…twenty six minutes left on my lunch. I need something quick."
"So Garden salad?"
"Yes please. Maybe a side of fries," she added, making him laugh.
"You got it, beautiful."
Ten minutes later, she had her food in front of her. He walked over and leaned on the bar, just looking at her. "So, I was wondering if you wanted to go somewhere with me Saturday for dinner."
"Dinner?"
"Yeah, you know, the meal you eat in the evenings?"
"Sassy Luc. I kinda like him." She leaned over the bar and kissed him. "Love you."
"Love you back. Hey! Yes or no on dinner?" he called as she walked away.
"I'll be there."
Luc was looking forward to that dinner Saturday. He had spoken to Brandy about their grandmother's ring and then he had called William and set a time Friday to come speak with him. Yes, this was the opposite of slow, but he wanted to ask her. He wanted to plan a wedding with her, big or small, it didn't matter. He maybe even wanted to cater it himself. He wanted to make her a mommy and live in bliss with Julie for the next fifty years.
Brandy said that she was all for it and happily gave over the ring. He hoped William would consent as well.
Saturday could not come soon enough for him. He knew Julie would say yes for sure.
He pulled out his phone a few hours later and texted her. "Oh, and we are taking my bike so jeans only."
That evening, Jack got home around 8pm. There had been an emergency surgery right after the rotator cuff so he had been tied up a lot later than he had planned.
When he walked in the master, he found Beth nursing Hollie and Seth watching Kung Fu Panda on the bed next to her.
"Hey there," he said quietly, not wanting to disturb anyone.
"Hey. I thought you were coming home by three."
"Had an emergency surgery come up. I'm sorry. Did you eat?" He bent down and kissed the top of Seth's curls.
"Mommy made me a grilled cheese. It was really good."
"And what did Mommy eat?" Jack asked her.
"I had a sandwich too."
"Want some eggs? I can add cheese and veggies."
"Sure," she said, receiving his kiss. She knew he wanted her to have more protein. "Jack?"
"Yeah."
"Will you bring the food in here so we can eat together?"
"Of course. I'll be back in about ten minutes."
It took fifteen but he did come back in and sat down on the other side of Seth. "Hey, bud. How was school today?"
"Dad…." he whined. "I'm watching Kung Fu."
Jack paused the movie. "How was school?"
"Fine."
"What did you learn? And don't say nothing."
"Mmm..how many degrees are in a triangle."
"And the answer is….?"
"180!" he yelled. "Oops. Sorry, Mommy."
"That's okay, bud."
"You're right, Seth. 180."
Seth stole the remote back and pressed play, scooting further down on Jack's pillow.
"How was your day, Beth?"
"Good. Mom came over and we packed up your office and the guest rooms. She watched Hollie while I took a shower and a nap. Then we had a cup of tea and just chatted." He reached for her hand. "Jack? You look upset."
"I need to talk to you but not with little ears listening."
"Seth, five more minutes and then you need a shower," Beth told him.
He frowned but responded, "Yes, Mommy."
"Thanks, bud."
Once they were alone, Jack took Hollie and burped her. "Mom has a doctor appointment tomorrow and I'm meeting her there to watch Shelby."
"Okay."
"It's on the fourth floor. Which is oncology."
"Oh no. Is she sick?"
"She doesn't know. She gets the results tomorrow. I'm scared," he whispered, rubbing Hollie's back as she slept on his chest. "I just lost Dad. I can't lose her too."
"Maybe they just need to do some more tests. Maybe its not what you're thinking."
"I don't know. They didn't tell her results over the phone. That usually means its not good."
Elizabeth scooted over and leaned against him. "Whatever happens, we will get through it, together."
The next morning...
Jack read another story to Shelby and sighed when she finally fell asleep. She had helped him keep his mind off what was going on with his Mom.
Now, it was quiet and he looked up every time someone walked in or out of the waiting room.
Finally after about an hour, Charlotte came out and sat next to Jack.
"Ma?"
"I need to have more tests."
"What exactly is happening?"
"My blood white cell count is really high."
"So that usually means an infection. Have you been sick?"
"Off and on. Mostly since your dad…"
"Its been over a year, Ma. Why did you wait?"
"Because I was grieving, dear. And my not feeling well seemed like nothing serious. Sometimes a low fever. Sometimes just joint pain. I mean, I'm not a spring chicken. I just thought arthritis. I mean, then I'd get headaches. But other days, I felt fine."
She reached for Shelby when she opened her eyes, rocking to get her back to sleep.
"Then, I had some chest pain.."
"Ma! When?"
"A few weeks back so I went to the ER and they ran some blood work. It wasn't my heart but my blood pressure was elevated. So when my doc got the test results, they sent me here."
"Why keep it from me?"
"Son, you have had a rough year too. I didn't want to burden you. Abigail has helped me through, like an amazing best friend should."
They stood and walked to the door and then to the elevator. "Mom, I want you to tell me. As a parent I understand wanting to shield your kids from things, but I'm a grown man and a doctor. I'd like to help you any way I can."
She reached up and patted his face. "Thank you, Jack."
Friday afternoon, Lucas headed to the Thatcher's to speak with William. His nerves were all over the place. He'd met the man twice and it had gone well, but this was his and Julie's future.
He knocked on the door and waited. Then William himself came to the door. "Mr. Bouchard," he said, offering his hand to shake.
"Mr. Thatcher. Its good to see you. Thank you for meeting with me."
He nodded. "Would you like some coffee or tea? Grace will bring it in."
"Coffee would be nice. Black. Please."
They were seated in a very intimidating office within just a few moments. Steaming cups of liquid in front of them.
"Sir, I...I love Julie. With all of my heart."
"Go on," he said with a nod.
"I'm not sure if Julie told you of my past relationship."
"No. She hasn't offered any information. I'd be grateful to have some from you. Other than the fact you work in a bar."
The way he said "bar" made it feel like something distasteful. "I own it, sir."
William gave nothing away in his expression.
Lucas went on to tell about losing his parents at a young age and raising his sister. Then he told about Georgia and Olivia and how even with culinary school, he decided not to pursue that.
"Sir, I never thought I could love anyone again. Honestly I was afraid of losing anyone. My parents and then Olivia...it broke my heart. But then I met Julie. She's beautiful and remarkable and she dreams of having a big family and she runs her own business. I want to support her in that. I want to be her husband and be with her for the rest of our lives. I'm asking for your blessing, sir."
William sipped his coffee silently. "Lucas, I appreciate how you came here to ask for my blessing. You're very polite and I can see how much you care for my daughter."
"I hear a but, sir."
"However, Julie is twenty nine years old. She stopped needing my approval a long time ago."
"That may be. I'd like to know what you think though."
"Its been a short few months that you've been dating."
"Yes. It has."
"But that's not always a bad thing. You will take care of each other? Support each other?"
"Yes, sir."
"I don't see any reason why you shouldn't get married then."
Lucas left with a bounce in his step. He was going to marry Julie Thatcher!