The silence of the moment comforts them as they find their movement, and manage to reposition in bed. He pecks her lips as she looks up at him, and she says, "I love you so much." He sees the love in her eyes, as he replies, "I love you too. Are you okay?" She smiles as she says, "Yes. I am. Just thinking of how blessed we are, that's all." He agrees as they both take a breath, and smile at each other as they settle in and find themselves quickly falling off to sleep.
The next day starts without a hitch, as everyone is up bright and early. Tony and Isaac are taking care of their little ones. George and Earl are outside frying the turkey, And the ladies are finishing up the cooking for the day.
Michelle and Kerry are putting the finishing touches on the mac and cheese. While Annette is doing the corned bread, as Valerie puts the ham in the oven. With everybody taking care of their tasks, the day is going well and they're on target for their 2pm meal time.
Two hours later, the turkey is done, rested, and ready to carve. And the table is being set. The usual holiday cheer Kerry remembers feeling growing up is present. Her and Michelle continue to chat about their childhood and all of the memories they've shared growing up together.
It reminds Kerry of how disconnected she's been from her family since living out in California. And it makes her want to remedy that feeling, as she invites the whole family out to LA for a visit after the holidays, and they all accept.
At 2pm on the dot, the table is dressed and the food is ready. As they all gather around the dining room table. Earl says grace, and the prayer is as heartwarming as Kerry remembers growing up. She swears her father should've been a minister with his voice.
As they begin to eat, Isaac says, "Good call getting dinner on before all the games today Auntie." She nods as she replies, "You're welcome Ike. I hope it's enjoyable for everyone." George quickly says, "Come on now sister in law. We know how you ladies throw down in the kitchen. We know it's good." Earl nods as he responds, "The fact that nobody is talking, because they're eating is a good sign that everything is delicious baby. You all did your thing once again, thank you ladies." Tony and Isaac add, "Agreed. Everything is so good." All the ladies appreciate their gratitude and kind words. In the meantime Valerie grins at her husband, enjoying his remark. He sees her looking at him and he winks at her, causing her to blush.
Kerry glances up, catching the interaction between her parents. She adores her mother's reaction to her father's affection. The way she still lights up when he compliments her or her efforts is incredibly sweet. She recognizes the grin on her face, because she too wears it quite often, due to her own spouse.
As dinner carries on, the conversations are entertaining and fun. Everybody is in a great mood. And there's so much to talk about; everything from politics to entertainment news. It's time well spent with the family for sure, as they finish up dinner and make it to the dessert round. With plans to go to Rockefeller Center to skate, a Washington tradition they all cannot wait to participate in.
Post dinner, the guys head into the den to watch the football games, and the ladies hang out in the living room chatting and relaxing. Kerry and Michelle play with their little ones; happy to finally spend more time with them. As they entertain their girls', they hear their mother's talking.
Annette says, "My goodness today has been amazing. The food turned out better than I thought it would." Valerie jokes, "Did you think we'd suddenly forget how to cook Nettie?" They all laugh as Annette replies, "Good point. But you know how things can go awry in the kitchen Val. Even if you know how to cook."
Valerie has to admit she's right. And her response sparks a memory of how George and Annette met. The smile on her face is noticeable, and despite enjoying the coos and grins coming for Isa and Basha, Kerry and Michelle both wonder what's up with their mothers, so Kerry asks, "Mom what's so funny?"
She can barely contain her laugh as she replies, "I was just thinking of how G and Nettie met." They all grin, especially Annette. She shakes her head as she says, "Yeah. Me almost burning down the building is a hell of a way to catch a husband. I can't believe I forgot about that pot of stew on the stove." They all chuckle as Michelle replies, "Well mom, that's one way to shoot your shot."
Annette smiles as she responds, "That it is my dear. But I didn't know your father before that day. So I wasn't trying to get his attention." Kerry sweetly adds, "True auntie, but clearly that changed once you two met. So i'd say it was kismet. And you both took advantage of the opportunity to be together. It's as perfect and yours and dad's story mom. One anybody would be proud to have."
Valerie smiles at her daughter as she adds, "Love stories aren't always perfect though Kerry. It's not about the story itself as much as it's about the people involved. Them meeting is the perfect part, not necessarily the circumstances they meet under." Annette responds, "Very true Val." Valerie replies, "Thank you. But she's right about you two Nettie. It was the perfect timing. Because you two were meant to be together. And the proof is in the pudding; you've come exceedingly far since then."
While Annette and Michelle know what she's referencing, Kerry is completely in the dark. And the moment feels somewhat awkward. But, it also feels needed somehow.
The silence ends as Annette nods, and she says, "Yes. That's for sure. We've all come a long way. With that said, it leads me to say something to you Kerry." Kerry asks, "What is it Auntie?"
Annette looks at Valerie, and she nods as if to give permission for the conversation to happen. Annette proceeds as she replies, "I want both of you to understand it's not how you start, but how you finish. Not just in life but in everything. It's imperative that you don't let the haters get to you. I certainly didn't, and we are celebrating 50 years of marriage soon. So don't let anybody tell you that real love can't weather a storm, or that it starts out perfect, because they're wrong. Real love always lasts till the very end. No matter how it starts."
Both of them appreciate her words of wisdom, and Kerry suddenly feels the timeliness of her aunt's words. Michelle adds, "No truer words have ever been spoken mom. Well said. Love is only as strong as the people in the relationship."
Valerie nods as she responds, "So true Chelle. You're a chip off the old block I see." They all smile, but Kerry feels like she's the only one not looped in on everything here. So she curiously asks, "Auntie, is everything okay? Because I'm starting to feel like I'm missing out on something."
Her mom chimes in, "Everything is fine Ker. Don't fret. Just listen. Listen to what she has to say." Michelle responds, "Maybe you should just tell her mom." Annette agrees with her, and she proceeds to do just that. But, Ironically, both Basha and Isa have calmed down, and are laying in their mothers' arms, comfortable as ever and nodding off to sleep, as if they too are listening to her tell her story.
The sight makes her smile, but she then settles in as she says, "The one detail missing from the story of how I met your uncle, is that when we met. He was still married. Separated, but still very much married."
Kerry is in shock. Michelle jokingly says, "Close your mouth before a fly flies in it Ker." The joke makes them all grin momentarily, as Kerry says, "Oh my goodness. How is it that I am the last to know about this? Chelle, why didn't you tell me?" She quickly quips, "It wasn't my story to tell Ker. And if you relax, mom is trying to tell you about it now. It's quite inspiring."
Valerie agrees as she replies, "Exactly, so be quiet and listen to your aunt please." She nods as she says, "Okay. I'm all ears Auntie, what happened?" Annette responds, "When we met, we became friendly. And, he told me right away about his wife. They'd been separated for about two years at that time. And he had no intentions of rekindling a relationship with her. But, on paper they were indeed still married. And, he wanted me to be aware of it. Because he didn't want to hide anything from me. Despite the situation, that meant alot to me. I remember thinking, he could've kept it a secret. But he chose to be honest with me, and I appreciated him for being straight with me."
Valerie says, "Yes. That is the mark of a good guy. Direct and honest from the start for sure." They all agree, as Kerry asks, "How long did he stay married to her?" She pauses, and then replies, "They were married 5 additional years before they finally divorced. His wife was fighting the divorce, because she found out he met me. She was fine with him being gone from the house, but when she found out he'd met someone he cared about. And wanted a life with me, she got angry and needlessly contested the divorce."
Kerry can feel her frustration to a degree as she replies, "That's just pure inanity and bitterness at its finest." Valerie nods as she responds, "Yes. It was. Especially since she had a live-in boyfriend at the time, and her and George didn't have any children together. The only thing they had was property, and because they were in California at the time they married, she was going to get half of his assets. Which is why initially he didn't divorce her. He just left. Because of her infidelity."
Kerry can't overlook the similarities between Jane and her uncle's ex wife. There's no logic in their reasoning. But, at the same time, she knows the stark difference here is she didn't want Tony to divorce for the longest time. And, despite them being privately divorced now for several years. They've used that as cover for their relationship till this point, at her request.
They all see Kerry in thought, and Michelle taps her as she asks, "Are you okay Ker?" She nods as she says, "Yeah. I'm okay. Just thinking of some of the similarities and differences between this situation and mines." Annette replies, "While yes there are some differences Kerry. I need you to focus on the fact that much like you. I was afraid to step out and proclaim my love too. Because in those days, it wasn't acceptable to be with someone who was still married. Not that it is acceptable today, but it was a completely different time. And women who dared to do such a thing, were in fact committing professional and social suicide. Even if the situation wasn't black and white."
Kerry adds, "I get it auntie. You're right about that. It was very different back then. And I can agree. The fear of what others think or will think has kept me trapped for a long time. But, as of late. I am finding myself rejecting that fear, and moving toward walking in my truth." Michelle smiles as she replies, "Really Kerry? What's changed?" She smiles as she replies, "Everything, and nothing. Just me realizing how incredible my husband is, and how blessed I am to have such supportive family and friends around me who really care."
Michelle responds, "Wow, I'm happy for you cousin. Does that mean there's going to be an announcement soon?" Annette interjects, "Really Chelle?" They laugh as Michelle replies, "Hey, I'm just asking. Inquiring minds want to know." Kerry shakes her head, and smiles as she says, "No real announcement yet. But, i will say stay tuned. Because things are changing by the moment."
Valerie is proud of her daughter, and grins as she supportively replies, "Fair enough Ker. Just know that as you said. We are here for you. No matter what. No judgement." Annette agreeably replies, "Absolutely. Never any judgement from us. Right Chelle?" MIchelle grins with love as she says, "100% right. We've always got your back Ker." She smiles at her cousin and says, "Thanks ladies. I appreciate you all very much. And when I make a decision. I promise to let you all in on it first."
The love in the Washington house is overflowing, and the mood is mellow and supportive of family and holiday cheer. Kerry's truly enjoying how everything seems to be lining up for her to make a major decision, sooner than later. She makes a note to check in with Judy when she gets home. When there's a move to be made, she's going to need her guidance.
With the mood settling, and like clockwork both Isa and Basha waking up as if they just knew it was time to play. Before either Kerry or Michelle stands them up in their laps. Their moms decide to claim their grandchildren.
Not looking to start a fight they know they won't win. Kerry and Michelle just shake their heads as they both surrender without a fight. Kerry playfully says, "It's okay. We know you love them more than us." To which Annette replies, "No that's not true Ker." But, her mother adds, "Your auntie is right. We just like them more than yall."
The remark causes them to chuckle at the ribbing Valerie delivers without pause. The ladies enjoy each other's company, and finish catching up and reminiscing. Getting all the scoop of what's happening in each other's lives. The time together is plentiful and fun filled. They don't realize how late it's gotten, until they see the guys in the kitchen getting second plates of desserts and other food.
Once the second round of eating concludes, and the last game ends. They all prepare to head to Rockefeller Center. Tony asks Kerry once again before they leave. "Babe, are you sure you're ready for this? It's likely we'll be seen." She takes a breath and says, "Yes. I'm sure babe. At this point i'm beyond ready to start choosing us over everything." He takes her confident response and they join the family who are waiting in the car.
They both decide to leave their phones at the house, truly staying connected to family time. But, no sooner than they're halfway down the street. First Tony's phone rings multiple times, followed by Kerry's also ringing. Will they regret not being there to answer those calls? We shall see. In the next installment of Timing Is Everything.
Thanks again for reading my story; your interest is much appreciated. In the next installment we find out who called Tony and Kerry. And, we find out if Kerry's sudden desire to make moves to be publicly with Tony is real, or will she change her mind once the novelty of the idea wears off. All this and more in the next installment of Timing is Everything.