Chapter 7
Abbey opened her eyes and groaned when clock read 3:15 am. 'Hell. Go back to sleep, Abbey.' She turned over to snuggle with Jed and met empty sheets. "Jed? Where are you?" as she sat up, looking for her absent husband.
"Abbey, it's okay. I'm over here in the chair."
Abbey's eyes finally adjusted to the darkness. She found Jed sitting in one of the high back chairs, a drink in his hand.
Getting out of bed, she walked over to where he was sitting.
"What's wrong? Can't you sleep?" She placed her hand on his shoulder, lightly stroking his back.
"Hell no! My mother just died. I guess I have nothing to worry about, do I?"
Abbey knew the anger was a cover for his grief.
After that brief cry in the Oval Office, Jed had shut down emotionally. Telling Leo what had happened was handled like a regular business discussion. The calls to the children were cut and dry. No emotion.
Even when he talked to Jon earlier tonight, there was no emotion. Jon had made arrangements for Saturday, two days from today. Jed thanked him and promised to be there sometime Friday afternoon.
His mother had left instructions on her service and asked that only her sons speak. It was to be brief and then she was to be buried next to their father. Although both sons didn't want that to happen, they had agreed to follow their mother's wishes.
Whispering, Abbey replied. "Jed, you do have something to worry about. I was asking you to share it with me. I'm your wife and I want to help you though this."
"I don't need your help right now."
"Jed, don't do this. Don't shut me out." Her voice wavered between anger and love.
Jed looked up his wife. "I'm sorry, Abbey. I'm still processing all that has happened. Just give me some time will you? That's all I need right now. Just some time. Please go back to bed."
"Only if you'll come with me."
"Abbey, I truly can't sleep and my tossing will just keep you up. Please, hon. Just go back to bed. I'll be there shortly."
"Promise?"
"I promise," as he took her hand off his shoulder and gave it a brief kiss. "I'll be fine. Just go back to bed."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah."
As Abbey returned to bed, Jed's mind went back to time of his marriage and his mother's words to him. Words he had remembered all his life.