Chapter 3
1967
Jed got out of the car and went around opening Abbey's door. He glanced at the front window and saw the lace curtain being placed back in position. He knew his mother was watching for the first glimpse of his girlfriend. She had been so pleased when he had told her about Abbey. Never meeting her, she said that if Abbey made Jed happy, that's all that mattered. Jed hoped his mom would be pleased with the news of the upcoming marriage. But his dad…, well only time would tell and that time was drawing near.
"Come on, Abbey. Might as well get this over." He helped her out of the car and slammed the car door. Walking up to the front porch, he pressed the doorbell. He had always felt he was a visitor at this house so he never even considered opening the door without an invitation.
Jed and Abbey stood there, squeezing each other's hand in an effort to give each other non-verbal support.
Abbey leaned in to kiss her future husband. "Jed, it'll be okay. I love you and will marry you regardless of what happens. I love you so much. Besides, how bad can this be?"
Jed shrugged. 'It will be bad. Real bad.'
The door opened to a tall, ramrod straight, older version of Jed. Gray hair did nothing to take away from the stern figure standing before them. '
"Josiah, welcome home," said his father, in a deep, flat voice. No tone of warmth or welcome came in those few words.
Abbey could feel Jed tense up, even as he replied. "Hello, Dad. Glad to be here. I would like to introduce Abigail Barrington. Abigail, my father, John Bartlet."
Abbey extended her right hand in an effort to break the tension. But John stepped backwards and motioned them to come in. Abbey quickly retracted her hand. She already knew that this visit was not going to go well.
"Come in, Josiah. I'll get your mother. Go on to the living room and we'll be right there."
He turned and walked quickly down the main hall and disappeared around the corner.
"Come on, Abbey." Jed closed the door. He took her by her arm and guided her to the living room, on the right of the main hall. "Let's sit on the sofa. I think we might need to support each other."